8 May 2023 (Updated January 2024)

Dr Dianne Heriot and Politics and Public Administration Section



35th anniversary logo

 

Milestones Details Images Tags

Federation to Provisional Parliament House

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1 January 1901

Federation

The colonies of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania join together in a Federal Union, creating the Australian nation. Events begin with a parade from Sydney's Domain, travelling through streets adorned with flags, bunting and elaborate Federation Arches. At its culmination in Centennial Park, over 100,000 spectators watch the proclamation and inauguration ceremony. Governor-General Lord Hopetoun takes his oath of office, and swears in Australia's first Prime Minister, Edmund Barton (Prot, Hunter, NSW), and his ministry.

Days of pomp and pageantry follow, with celebrations held across the continent. The Sydney Morning Herald observes:

… seldom indeed in the world's history have a people entered into full possession of their heritage under circumstances so auspicious and with an outlook so full of dazzling promise … Far removed from the clashing interests of the old world, our people are equipped by a more than usually high average of education, a broader measure of political privilege, and a more generous share of individual freedom and public liberty than those who have preceded us in the race … We have within our borders, in our but partly discovered and exploited natural resources, all the material guarantees for prosperity and greatness. We enter on the new year and the new century a united Australian nation.

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9 May 1901

The First Commonwealth Parliament

His Royal Highness The Duke of Cornwall and York (later George V) opens the first Commonwealth Parliament at Melbourne's Exhibition Building. It is the city's only building big enough to accommodate the 1,400 guests.

The Argus declares the opening ceremonies 'A MAGNIFICENT DEMONSTRATION' and 'A MASTERPIECE OF ORGANISATION':

By the hand of Royalty, in the presence of the greatest concourse of people that Australia has seen in one building, and with splendid pomp and ceremonial, the legislative machinery of the Commonwealth was yesterday set in motion. The day was full of smiles and tears, the smiles predominating. Rising gloomily, the dispersing clouds allowed the bright sun to peep through, and when the great ceremony was in progress in the Exhibition-building the atmosphere was radiant, and illuminated the vast spaces of the building and the great sea of faces with a bright Australian glow.

The Parliament comprises 111 Members (36 Senators and 75 Members of the House of Representatives) elected in polls held in all states on 29 or 30 March 1901. Of the 111 new parliamentarians, 87 have previously served in a colonial parliament, and 14 have been premiers.

Senators and Members take their Oaths of Allegiance before the special joint sitting is adjourned.

The parliamentarians later assemble at Victoria's State Parliament building to elect the Presiding Officers: Richard Baker (FT, SA) is elected President of the Senate and Frederick Holder (FT, Wakefield, SA) is elected Speaker.

Regular parliamentary sessions commence the following day.

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1908–11

Selecting the site for a federal capital

The location of the new federal capital was a contentious issue throughout the 1890s due to intense inter-Colonial rivalries, particularly between NSW and Victoria. A compromise was finally struck and written into the Constitution: the federal capital would be in 'the State of NSW' but 'distant not less than one hundred miles from Sydney'. Years of investigation and debate follow.

At last, after two Royal Commissions, seven governments and three parliaments, the Yass–Queanbeyan district is chosen and is proclaimed under the Seat of Government Act 1908 (Cth).

The NSW Government cedes the 2,280km2 Federal Territory to the Commonwealth effective 1 January 1911.

The Commonwealth quickly begins planning for the new city, with surveyor Charles Scrivener appointed in 1909 to identify the best site for 'a beautiful city … embracing distinctive features … worthy of the object, not only for the present but for all time'.

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30 April 1911

Design competition launched

The Fisher Government announces an international design competition for the Federal Capital City. The design brief requires entrants to 'embody in their Designs all recent developments in the science of town planning'.

In May 1912 the Minister for Home Affairs King O'Malley (ALP, Darwin, Tas) declares Walter Burley Griffin the winner.

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12 March 1913

Naming Canberra

Lady Denman, wife of Governor-General Lord Denman, officially names Canberra at a ceremony on Kurrajong Hill (later Capital Hill).

The Governor-General, Prime Minister Andrew Fisher (ALP, Wide Bay, Qld) and Minister for Home Affairs, King O'Malley (ALP, Darwin, Tas) lay three foundation stones as part of the Commencement Column base, which is never completed.

The stones will be removed from their original location during the building of the new Parliament House, and all but the base courses re-laid in 1988 in the ceremonial Federation Mall in front of the building, in line with the land axis.

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1914–23

A home for the Federal Parliament

On 1 July 1914 the Commonwealth Government launches an international competition for the Parliament House design. Documentation for the competition is prepared with the assistance of Walter Burley Griffin, but due to the outbreak of World War I, the competition is withdrawn. While further attempts are made to revive the competition, it is ultimately abandoned.

Canberra's post-war development remains stalled, as Australia struggles with the war's human and economic costs. However, in August 1923, the Parliament agrees to build a provisional Parliament House, with construction commencing later that month. As the Minister for Works and Railways, Percy Stewart (Nat, Wimmera, Vic) states:

If … in Canberra we are to have the world's most beautiful city … in forty to fifty years' time, the work of building a Parliament House worthy of such a city is too big a job for us to tackle at the present time, and might well be left to posterity.

The three-storey building is designed by Commonwealth architect John Smith Murdoch and is planned around the two chambers. Considered modern for its time, the building is modest and light-filled, with gardens and courtyards for recreation. With the construction workers and materials coming from across Australia, it costs £664,600 plus a further £250,000 for furniture and fittings.

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9 May 1927

The opening of Provisional Parliament House

The Duke of York (later King George VI) opens the new federal Parliament House in Canberra amid 'scenes of epic pageantry'. Over one million people listen via radio broadcast, which features Dame Nellie Melba singing the national anthem. To 'the accompaniment of thunderous cheers', the Duke unlocks the Parliament's doors with a golden key. Prime Minister Stanley Bruce (Nat, Flinders, Vic), declares:

Within these portals will be framed those laws which will mould the destiny of a people. May those who enter this open door govern with justice, reason and equal favour to all. May they do so in humility and without self-interest. May they think and act nationally. May they speak with the voice of those who sent them here – the voice of the people.

Parliamentarians, dignitaries and guests assemble in the Senate where the Duke of York delivered a 'brief but eloquent speech' and a message of goodwill from the King. Further commemorating the occasion is the King's personal gift to Australia: two despatch boxes, replicas of those in the House of Commons.

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Towards a new and permanent Parliament House

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8 April 1970

Report of the Joint Select Committee on the new and permanent Parliament House

The report of the Joint Select Committee on the New and Permanent Parliament House is tabled in the Parliament.

The Committee was established in December 1965 to inquire into 'certain aspects of a new and permanent Parliament House'. The Committee receives many submissions and undertakes a study tour of overseas parliament buildings. Its final report is a 'comprehensive statement of the Parliament's requirements in a new building', becoming 'the basis of the Brief for the Architectural Design Competition'.

  

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17 December 1974

At last: a site is selected for the permanent Parliament House

The Parliament Act 1974 receives Royal Assent, confirming Capital Hill as the site for the new and permanent Parliament House. The provisional Parliament House was originally intended to have a 50-year lifespan and has 'well and truly exceeded its capacity'.

The choice of site for the new building has proved complex and protracted.

In Burley-Griffin's original city plans, Parliament House was to be at the foot of Camp Hill, with Capital Hill reserved for the Capitol, a building for 'popular assembly and festivity rather than deliberation and counsel'. However, this intention unravelled when Provisional Parliament House was constructed at Camp Hill. Debate continues for many years with Camp Hill, Capital Hill and a lakeside site all having their advocates. By the late 1960s, momentum has gathered for the site to be Capital Hill, in part because of the limited space available on the Camp Hill site.

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5 June 1975

Joint Standing Committee on the New Parliament House

Parliament establishes a Joint Standing Committee on the New and Permanent Parliament House as the client for the planning, design and construction of the building.

The Committee recommends an open two-stage architectural competition to select a designer for the new Parliament House. The Committee acknowledges that construction may be undertaken in one or two major stages, and requests an overall masterplan to guide future expansion.

  

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October 1975

Canberra exhibition

The National Capital Development Commission stages an exhibition at Provisional Parliament House to illustrate the process necessary to plan, design and build the new Parliament House. It includes impressions of a hypothetical scheme for Parliament House on Capital Hill prepared by Canberra architect, Bert Read. The scheme subsequently appears in the Joint Standing Committee on the New and Permanent Parliament House's reports.

  

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22 November 1978

A permanent Parliament House

Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser (LP, Wannon, Vic) announces that the building of a new Parliament House will proceed, to be completed by Australia Day 1988, at an estimated cost of $151 million. He assures the Parliament that 'at each major stage in the design and construction of the new building, the Parliament itself will be the authority to approve the next step to be taken'. Mr Fraser states that:

The design of Parliament House will give an unparalleled opportunity for the architectural design and building skills of Australians … The new Parliament House which is now to be built will take its place amongst the other great buildings which symbolise our culture, learning and system of justice. It will be the centrepoint of modern Canberra, the peak of the Parliamentary triangle, the hub of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, a place in which the affairs of the nation can be conducted in a more efficient way …

The symbolic importance of the new Parliament House is made even more important by our anticipation that the opening of the building will take place in 1988, the bicentennial of the first European settlement in Australia. Since that settlement, Australians, by working together as a people sharing common ideals and a common purpose, have achieved great things. The decision to proceed now with the design and building of Parliament House reflects a confidence in the future, in which the people of this nation can justifiably share. The 1980s, the decade of our bicentennial, will be a period of optimism and excitement, a period of growth and development. I am certain that in this decade by working together with determination, with common purpose and the sense of national unity which the new Parliament House itself will symbolise, we can make Australia the great country we know it can be.

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30 March 1979

Parliament House Construction Authority

The Parliament House Construction Authority Act 1979 receives Royal Assent. It establishes the Parliament House Construction Authority 'to undertake and carry out the design and construction of Parliament House'.

  

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5 April 1979

Parliament agrees to an international design competition

Parliament authorises the Parliament House Construction Authority to announce the design competition for Australia's new and permanent Parliament House.

  

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7 April 1979

International design competition announced

The Parliament House Construction Authority formally announces the design competition for new Parliament House and invites registrations.

After consulting the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the National Capital Development Commission, the Parliament House Construction Authority issues a brief and competition documents, including formal guidelines called 'Conditions for a Two Stage Competition'. Key requirements of the brief include:

Parliament House will, by virtue of its function, be one of the most significant buildings in Australia. Architecturally, it could be one of its great buildings. In urban design terms, it will be the keystone of Walter Burley Griffin's plan. It will stand for a long time and its architecture must endure through cultural and political change.

Competitors must do more than satisfy the immediate user requirements. They must also address themselves to the issues which will determine the success of the building in the long term.

These factors are:

  • flexibility – the ability to accommodate growth and change
  • security – the public and private dichotomy
  • circulation – a system to provide for complex movements of a large number of people
  • construction techniques – methods to cope with a short construction program and the inevitable growth and change
  • symbolism – the imageability of the building, given the significance of the site and the role of the building
  • building use patterns – given the unusual working pattern of the building
  • the site – the problems implicit in fitting the building to the site.

… Parliament House must be more than a functional building. It should become a major national symbol, in the way that the spires of Westminster or Washington's Capitol dome have become known to people all over the world …

The Assessors will be Sir John Overall (former Commissioner of the National Capital Development Commission), John Andrews (architect), Senator Gareth Evans (ALP, SA), IM Pei (architect), Barry Simon (LP, McMillan, Vic) and Professor Leonard Stevens (civil engineer).

The Parliament House Construction Authority receives 329 entries from 28 countries by the 31 August closing date for the Stage One competition.

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8 October 1979

Selection of finalists from the Stage One competition

Ten entries are selected as finalists, each receiving a $20,000 prize. Five of these are invited to go through to Stage Two of the competition. A deliberate decision is made to choose 'five markedly different design solutions … to allow the greatest possible diversity for consideration'.

The five finalists are:

  • Bickerdike Allen Partners (London)
  • Denton Corker Marshall Pty Limited (Melbourne)
  • Edwards Madigan Torzillo Briggs International (North Sydney)
  • Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp (New York)
  • Christopher Waite (British Columbia).

Each receives an $80,000 honorarium to assist in preparing the detailed plans and models required for the second-stage submission.

  

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November 1979

Stage Two competition commences

The Parliament House Construction Authority issues more detailed requirements to the five finalists. In particular, competitors were to note that:

Parliament House must be more than a functional building. It should become a major national symbol, in the way that the spires of Westminster or Washington's Capitol dome have become known to people all over the world. Strength and originality of image will determine the extent to which the building becomes associated in people's minds with national politics …

It is important that the building reflects the significance of the national Parliament and Executive Government in the Australian political and social context. The extent to which the building asserts this significance is related to questions of scale and monumentality. Careful consideration should be given to the implications of the scale and monumentality of the design …

The building and site treatment should respond to those qualities of environment which are uniquely Australian – climate, landscape, vegetation and quality of light … The philosophy which the building expresses, and its popular success, will depend in part on the extent to which public access and involvement is encouraged by the design. Parliament House should not appear remote and inaccessible. Access to both the site and the building should be facilitated. Within the building, connotations of a 'people's Parliament' and 'open government' will be established if people can penetrate the building and observe its operation.

The five finalists travel to Canberra for in-depth tours of Canberra, the site for the new building and the provisional Parliament House and have the opportunity to meet with senior parliamentary officers.

  

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23 May 1980

Stage Two competition closes

The assessors convene in June 1980 under strict confidentiality. They are assisted by technical and construction advisers.

  

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26 June 1980

Winning design

New York-based architectural company Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp is announced as the winner of the Parliament House design competition.

The assessors' report on the winning scheme notes its unpretentiousness and accessibility where children 'will not only be able to climb on the building but draw it easily too'. According to the architect, Romaldo Giurgola:

The magic relationship between geometry and land configurations of that plan … often became the object of my architectural dreams. The brief for the design of the parliament compiled by the NCDC was possibly the best I had ever encountered in my professional career. I plunged into Australian literature rather than into guides and travelogues. Patrick White, Miles Franklin, Henry Lawson and Les Murray became my real instructors, while the sonorous voice and accent of Richard Thorp, the Australian in our office, produced the right atmosphere.

The scope of the architect's brief is subsequently broadened to include non-building (fitout) items. Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp is ultimately responsible for the design conception, siting and architecture, as well as the interior design, furniture design, design of sound and vision systems, security, communications and movement systems, landscape, and coordination of the art and craft program.

Romaldo Giurgola comes to Canberra to implement his design, bringing an eight-person team from the New York office. Four, including Giurgola, stay in Australia after the project's completion.

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28 August 1980

Construction phase approved

The House of Representatives approves the Parliament House Construction Authority's proposal to construct the new Parliament House on Capital Hill.

  

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18 September 1980

Turning the first sod

Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser (LP, Wannon, Vic) turns the first sod on the site of the New Parliament House.

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21 January 1981

Earthworks commence

Having been duly admitted to the Federated Engine Drivers' and Firemen's Association of Australasia, Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser (LP, Wannon, Vic) takes command of a bulldozer to officially begin earthworks on the Parliament House construction site. His membership of the union is terminated shortly thereafter.

Construction of Parliament House will require the removal of most of Capital Hill. The building area comprises 7.5 hectares within a 32-hectare site, and is the largest construction site in the Southern Hemisphere at this time. Ten thousand Australians are involved in its construction onsite; many still return periodically to celebrate their work.

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18 August 1981

Schematic design presented to the Parliament

Minister for the Capital Territory, Michael Hodgman (LP, Denison, Tas), tables the Joint Standing Committee on the New Parliament House's sixth report, relating to the revised design brief and schematic design. He states:

It is my hope that this report and a separate report by the Joint Standing Committee on the New Parliament House will result in Parliament's agreeing to proceed with the construction of this exciting and much needed building. The design has been acclaimed as a building for the 21st century and beyond and will be the focal point for world attention when it is completed. It will be a measure of Australia's standing not only in architecture but also as a developed nation.

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21 October 1981

Exhibition centre opens

An exhibition centre opens at the Parliament House construction site, featuring models, graphic displays and films about the project. A pathway connects it to a viewing platform overlooking the site.

Speaking at the opening of the exhibition centre, the Minister for the Capital Territory, Michael Hodgman (LP, Denison, Tas), said that 'a million cubic metres of earth and rock had been excavated from the site in the past nine months'.

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12 November 1981

The first concrete pour

Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser (LP, Wannon, Vic) pours the first concrete for the foundations of Parliament House. The ceremony marks the start of the construction phase.

As the Government has set a deadline of 1988 for the building's opening, the timeframe for construction is compressed. The Parliament House Construction Authority elects to adopt a 'fast track' method whereby the design and construction processes are undertaken concurrently. This puts pressure on the Authority and architects to keep ahead of construction.

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February 1982

Art Advisory Committee appointed

The Parliamentary House Construction Authority appoints an Art Advisory Committee comprising:

  • Sir Laurence Muir (Chairman), Parliament House Construction Authority Board
  • Carl Andrew, Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences, Sydney
  • Tony Bishop, Adelaide College of the Arts
  • James Mollison, Australian National Gallery
  • Professor Sir Joseph Burke, University of Melbourne (nominee of the Australian National Gallery)
  • Darani Lewers (nominee of the Crafts Board)
  • Romaldo Giurgola, Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp Architects
  • John Baily, Sydney College of Art (nominee of the Visual Arts Board).

In 1983, Ros Kelly (ALP, Canberra, ACT) and James (Don) Dobie (LP, Cook, NSW) are also appointed to the Committee.

The Committee's role is to provide advice on the selection, acquisition and commissioning of works for Parliament House.

Integral to Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp Architects' design for Parliament House are commissions to more than 85 Australian artists and craftspeople for over 70 works of art and craft for specific locations or uses in the building and its precincts. These include coats of arms, sculptures, tapestries, marquetry, paintings, prints, ceramic and glass friezes, furniture for major spaces and special suites, and the Forecourt mosaic pavement.

  

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July 1982

Non-building items authorised

To ensure that the building is ready by 1988, the Parliament House Construction Authority is authorised to manage and coordinate the fitout (known as non-building items) of Parliament House including communications and security equipment, artworks, furniture, fittings and furnishings, with an estimated budget of $82 million.

  

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31 January 1983

Open Days

The Parliament House Construction Authority conducts the first of nine public Site Open Days.

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4 October 1983

Foundation stone laid

Prime Minister Bob Hawke (ALP, Wills, Vic) lays the foundation stone for the new building.

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8 December 1983

Increase in the size of both Houses

The Representation Act 1983 receives Royal Assent, increasing the number of Senators to 12 for each state and increasing the membership of the House from 125 to 148, the increases becoming effective at the December 1984 election.

Section 24 of the Constitution (known as the nexus provision) provides that the number of Members of the House of Representatives must be twice the number of Senators, or as near as practicable. This ensures that the House of Representatives does not become disproportionately large in relation to the Senate. The Parliament has legislated only twice since Federation (in 1948 and 1983) to change the number of Members in both Houses. Redistributions increase the number of Members to 150 from the 2001 general election.

  

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1984

Parliament House Art Collection

The Art Advisory Committee commences collecting, with the first phase of purchasing artworks for display in the circulation areas and in parliamentarians' suites taking place between 1985 and 1987.

The works form part of the Parliament House Art Collection which, by 2012, contains over 6,000 art and craft works showcasing the work of emerging Australian artists and reflecting aspects of Australian culture, character and identity.

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February to May 1984

Strike by construction workers

Workers on the new Parliament House construction site strike for 14 weeks between February and May 1984 over negotiations on the Site Agreement.

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May 1984

A new role for Provisional Parliament House

In May 1984 the Joint Standing Committee on the new Parliament House recognises the provisional Parliament House's heritage value and recommends that it not be demolished. The chief architect, Romaldo Giurgola, strongly supports this view. The Committee notes that 'a major part of Australia's post-Federation political history has been written in the building and it has a further useful life'. Its Report on the Future Use of the Provisional Parliament House recommends that the building not be demolished:

The most appropriate future use would be as a museum related to the Australian Constitution, Federation and the Commonwealth Parliament.

The building is subsequently added to the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004 and the National Heritage List in 2006. Its national heritage significance includes its place in the development of Australia as a nation from its opening in 1927 until the opening of the new Parliament House in 1988, including landmark national legislation and political events shaping Australian society.

Now known as 'Old Parliament House', the building becomes a venue for lectures, exhibitions and concerts. From 1998 to 2008 the former Parliamentary Library serves as an interim home for the National Portrait Gallery. On 9 May 2009, Old Parliament House opens to the public as the Museum of Australian Democracy.

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12 June 1984

Provisional Parliament House extensions

Extensions are approved for the provisional Parliament House to provide additional Senators' and Members' suites, following the increase in representation in the Senate and House of Representatives.

Space is at a premium. By 1983 some 3,000 people are working in the building, with more than half being accommodated in various former hostels and other nearby buildings. In 1984, two verandahs at the front of the building are enclosed to provide extra office space. In 1985 an annex is built in the House of Representatives gardens to provide additional accommodation. According to Senator John Button (ALP, Vic):

In Parliament House members work in small crowded rooms painted in Education Department cream and furnished with uniform carpets, railway station furniture, a tramways clock, and an elaborately complex system of division bells designed, one suspects, by Thomas Edison … Apart from cramped physical conditions a member is constantly subject to the hazards of air and noise pollution ‒ the former from a ferocious central heating system which dries the throat and saps the energy (one suspects a hidden malevolent hand), and the latter from the ubiquitous division bells. In my own case relief from the central heating is provided only by a heavy shower of rain, which pours through the roof of my office, necessitating the removal of books and papers and their replacement by buckets.

  

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October 1984

Increasing capacity at new Parliament House

The Parliament House Competition Brief had stated that

The ability to extend the building or to change the use of existing accommodation is fundamental to the long-term success of the building. The history of the provisional Parliament House demonstrates that Parliament's accommodation needs change constantly, often in unpredictable ways …

An increase in the number of Senators and Members may also cause an increase in those areas directly involved in providing services to Senators and Members …

Among the requirements specified in the Brief are the capacity to increase the number of Senators accommodated in the chamber to 120, and seating capacity in the House of Representatives to be able to be increased to 240, and for additional parliamentarians' suites to be added.

Following the passage of the Representation Bill, in October 1984 the Joint Standing Committee approves the design for building extensions to accommodate an additional 30 Members and 24 Senators.

  

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1984–88

Great Hall tapestry commissioning

The idea for a work of art as the centrepiece of the Great Hall is born in the earliest stages of designing Parliament House. The architects had considered a monumental painting for the space; however, after a meeting in July 1983 with renowned Australian artist Arthur Boyd in London, the decision is made to commission a major tapestry for the southern wall.

In July 1984, the Parliament House Construction Authority commissions Arthur Boyd to produce a design. Boyd produces three large canvases, one-quarter the scale of the finished tapestry, as designs for the commission. Untitled (Shoalhaven Landscape) 1984 is selected as the design, and the Victorian Tapestry Workshop in Melbourne is chosen to create the tapestry based on Arthur Boyd's design. It is one of the largest tapestries in the world, and takes a team of 13 weavers two and a half years to complete the work.

The tapestry pays homage to the centuries-old tradition of hanging tapestries in grand buildings. However, rather than a heroic scene or majestic panorama, it depicts the essence of the Australian landscape, the textures and colours of life under the canopy of a eucalypt forest.

At the time the Great Hall tapestry was being woven, Halley's Comet appeared in the sky, just as it had done in 1066 on the eve of the Norman Invasion, a phenomenon that was captured by the makers of the legendary Bayeux Tapestry.

In recognition of this event, and their connection to these ancient craftspeople, the weavers at the Victorian Tapestry Workshop sought permission from the artist to include the comet in the work, permission that he happily granted.

The tapestry was completed in early 1988 and installed in the Great Hall in March prior to the opening of Parliament House in May.

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6 November 1985

Visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales

The Prince and Princess of Wales visit the construction site of new Parliament House during their Royal Tour of Australia. 'Prince Charles and Princess Diana were greeted by claps, cheers and wolf-whistles from the workers.'

  

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1985–87

Forecourt mosaic commissioning

Centremost in the Forecourt of Parliament House is the mosaic pavement designed by Warlpiri artist Michael Nelson Jagamara AM. It is a significant symbolic reminder, at the heart of Australia's democracy, of the over 65,000 years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' presence in this country.

The concept of a Forecourt mosaic pavement depicting an Indigenous Australian design was agreed to in 1983, early in the building's design. Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp Architects describes the design intent of the mosaic as being in part to express:

… the sense of the collective wisdom of the Aboriginal cultures … expressed in that Aboriginal presence in the Forecourt: the wisdom and values of a culture which lived in harmony with the land, rather than imposing itself upon the land.

Five artists nominated by the Papunya Tula Artists cooperative in central Australia are invited to submit designs. In March 1985 the five come to Canberra for an onsite design orientation. They are each contracted to produce a 1.4m2 design in a designated colour palette which corresponds to available stone and mortar colours. However, in a spirit of great generosity, each submits two site-specific designs which are now held in the Parliament House Art Collection.

Jagamara's work known as Possum and Wallaby Dreaming is selected as the design for the mosaic by the Parliament House Construction Authority's Art Advisory Committee. His design is translated into stone by specialist stone consultant William McIntosh and mosaicists Franco Colussi and Aldo Rossi, working in close cooperation with the architects.

Installation of the mosaic takes around five months, with 2–4m2 of pavement completed each day. Pamille Berg, former Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp partner, reflects that:

In its completed form the Mosaic Pavement required more than five years of painstaking work by the artist, architects, mosaicists, technical consultants, construction managers, commission coordinators, administrators, and others. This precious pavement is clearly an essential part of the overall design and finishes of the Forecourt of the Parliament …

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August 1986

Budget cuts and partial reinstatement

In August 1986 the Government directs the Parliament House Construction Authority to reduce expenditure on the new Parliament House by $43.3 million.

The reduced budget results in a reduction in landscaping, fitout and furnishings, and the Parliament House Art/Craft program. In 1987 $5 million is reinstated to the budget for landscape works, and another $5 million transferred from furniture program to landscaping. In the following year, a budget of $9.3 million is established for the post-construction phase.

  

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6 October 1987

New Speaker's chair

On 6 October 1987, the Speaker, Joan Child (ALP, Henty, Vic), advises the House of Representatives that the Joint Standing Committee on the New Parliament House had decided that the Speaker's chair should not be transferred from the provisional Parliament House to the new building.

The Speaker presents the Committee's reasons for reconsidering its earlier decision, stating that:

This chair was a gift from the United Kingdom branch of the Empire Parliamentary Association. It is a replica of the original chair designed for the House of Commons chamber and contains timber from the Westminster Hall and from Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory. Presented in 1926, it has served as the Speaker's chair in this chamber for the whole of Parliament's occupation of this building. In doing so, the chair has become the central piece of this particular chamber, without which, I suggest, the chamber could become just another room. The design brief for the new Parliament House drew attention to the possibility that certain items might be transferred to the new building. One of these was the Speaker's chair. I have no doubt that in considering the matter last year the Joint Standing Committee made its decision to transfer the chair on the basis of tradition and the symbolic link with the Westminster Parliament.

In reviewing the decision, the Committee recognised these points; however, it also recognised the significance of preserving the integrity of the current chamber. It was felt that removal of the chair would completely destroy the character of the chamber and diminish its value as an historical testament to Australia's parliamentary development from 1927 to 1988. In this context it should be noted that in 1984 the Joint Standing Committee recommended that, after its vacation by the Parliament, this building should become a museum related to the Australian Constitution, Federation and the Commonwealth Parliament.

The new Parliament House will be a contemporary building, reflecting Australia's current traditions and values. It will incorporate a great deal of Australian skill, craftsmanship and materials. This will be particularly so in the two legislative chambers. Construction of the new building presents the opportunity for design and fabrication of a new chair in keeping with the distinctly Australian character of the new chamber.

The Committee's decision is opposed by some Members on the grounds that the transfer of the Speaker's chair to the new building would symbolise the continuity of the Parliament and provide a visible link with the provisional Parliament House.

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1988 an era ends, a new one begins

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January 1988

Building handed over

Areas of the new building are progressively handed over to the Parliament.

The move from the provisional to the new Parliament House proceeds smoothly, with trial sittings ensuring that systems and facilities are fully operational, and staff are familiar with the new arrangements. The relocation also allows Parliamentary Library staff and committee secretariats to once again return to the parliament building.

  

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12 March 1988

Commemoration Stone relocated

A Canberra Day ceremony is conducted to commemorate the relocation of the Commencement Column Monument (also known as the Commemoration Stone) on Capital Hill.

Following a Joint Standing Committee on the New Parliament House recommendation in 1987, the never-completed monument is relocated 'on the land axis immediately north of the parade ground associated with the new Parliament House'. During the relocation ceremony, three new plaques are added.

  

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5 April 1988

Legislative framework for Parliament House

The Parliamentary Precincts Act 1988 receives Royal Assent. It provides the legislative framework for the control and management of Parliament House subject to any order of either House.

As House of Representatives Practice states:

For most practical purposes, Parliament House is regarded as the only place of its kind, and one in which the two Houses through their Presiding Officers have exclusive jurisdiction. Thus in Parliament House, the police are subject to the authority of the Speaker and President and their powers are limited by the powers and privileges of the respective Houses …

  

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9 May 1988

The official opening of Parliament House

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II formally opens the new Parliament House on this carefully selected date.

1988 is the 200th anniversary of the First Fleet's arrival in Botany Bay and Sydney Cove – the Country of the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples – and the founding of the NSW colony. Also, both the first federal Parliament in Melbourne (in 1901), and Provisional Parliament House in Canberra (in 1927) were opened on 9 May.

Millions share the experience through 'live television broadcasts, video recordings and special colour supplements in major newspapers' while approximately 25,000 spectators gather at Parliament House. This includes some 1,500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protesters and their supporters seeking to 'draw attention to their demands for land rights and recognition of their sovereign rights'.

The Queen arrives to trumpet fanfare and Royal Salute, a guard of honour, and a military fly-past before unlocking the ceremonial doors. The formal opening ceremony follows, attended by some 3,800 official guests and bookended by the Royal Anthem ('God save The Queen') sung by Yvonne Kenny and the Australian National Anthem sung by Julie Anthony.

In her speech The Queen speaks of the significance of the permanent Parliament House:

This is a special occasion for the Parliament, but it is also a very important day for all the people of Australia. After eighty-seven years of Federation, a permanent home has been provided for Parliament, which is both the living expression of that Federation and the embodiment of the democratic principles of freedom, equality and justice …

This new Parliament House will become the workplace for the men and women into whose hands Australians choose to place legislative and executive responsibility. The chambers will become the centres for debate on all the pressing issues of government, and future generations of Australians will look to those who work here for national security, wise legislation and fair administration.

Prime Minister Bob Hawke (ALP, Wills, Vic) says:

… this building will become for our nation both the forum for our differences and the instrument of our unity – a building for all Australians, a Parliament reflecting the diversity of our entire society and responding to the needs of the whole community.

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9 May 1988

Architect's vision

In the program for the opening ceremony program, architect Romaldo Giurgola describes how the building is intended to be understood:

The site of the new Parliament House is at a vital point of confluence which completes the geometry of the plan of Canberra. As conceived by Walter Burley Griffin in 1912, the plan is one of intense order which at the same time preserves a pliable and enfolding landscape.

The building is quickly recognised as a major international achievement, with Romaldo Giurgola awarded the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal, and Parliament House subsequently winning numerous awards for architectural excellence.

  

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12 May 1988

New Auditor-General appointed

John Taylor commences as the 12th Auditor-General, replacing John Monaghan.

  

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2 June 1988

Last sitting of the Senate in Provisional Parliament House

At the Senate's last sitting in Provisional Parliament House, President Kerry Sibraa (ALP, NSW) and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Fred Chaney (LP, WA), reflect on the Senate's history in the building.

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3 June 1988

Last sitting of the House of Representatives in Provisional Parliament House

The House of Representatives sits for the last time in the provisional Parliament House.

On behalf of the House, Prime Minister Bob Hawke (ALP, Wills, Vic) thanks former and present Members and staff who have contributed to the work of the House since the provisional Parliament House opened on 9 May 1927.

Opposition leader John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) further reflects on the way in which the provisional Parliament House has 'been at the very heart of our national life and our history' for 61 years.

  

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16 June 1988

Visit of the King and Queen of Spain

Spain's King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia are the guests of honour at a luncheon at Parliament House. The occasion is reported as 'the first big test' for the new Parliament House catering services.

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4 July 1988

Visit of the Prime Minister of Japan

Japan's Prime Minister Noboru Takeshita visits Parliament House as part of his official visit to Australia. He is guest of honour at a parliamentary luncheon.

  

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12 July 1988

Visit by the Prime Minister of Ireland

Irish Prime Minister Charles Haughey visits Australia as a government guest. While in Canberra he describes the new Parliament House as 'magnificent and majestic' and presents a Bicentennial gift of digitised convict records to the National Library.

  

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3 August 1988

Visit of British Prime Minister

Britain's Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher visits Parliament House during a five-day visit to Australia. It is reportedly the 'first full official tour by a British Prime Minister since the 1950s, apart from Mrs Thatcher's attendance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Melbourne in 1981'.

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11 August 1988

Visit of the President of the Republic of Nauru

Nauru's President Hammer DeRoburt visits Australia at the invitation of the Australian Government.

  

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17 August 1988

Resignation of the Governor-General and ministerial reshuffle

The Prime Minister announces Sir Ninian Stephen's resignation as Governor-General, with effect from 15 February 1989. Bill Hayden (ALP, Oxley, Qld) is appointed as his successor and resigns from Parliament that day.

In the subsequent Cabinet reshuffle, Senator Gareth Evans (ALP, Vic) becomes Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade; Ralph Willis (ALP, Gellibrand, Vic) Minister for Industrial Relations; and Senator Robert Ray (ALP, Vic) Minister for Immigration, Local Government and Ethnic Affairs.

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18 August 1988

Visit of the Prime Minister of New Zealand

New Zealand's Prime Minister David Lange, visits Parliament House during a week-long visit to Australia to sign a series of trade agreements.

  

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22 August 1988

First sitting in the new Parliament House

The Commonwealth Parliament sits for the first time in the new Parliament House.

Present at the special sittings are 'Presiding Officers and other distinguished visitors from many overseas Parliaments and Governments and from the Australian States and Territories', representatives from community groups who had presented gifts to the House, and others involved in the building of the new Parliament House.

The Senate commences sitting with President Kerry Sibraa (ALP, NSW) taking the chair and in the House of Representatives, Speaker Joan Child (ALP, Henty, Vic) taking the chair. The Presiding Officer in each chamber begins by tabling the Queen's message and the Governor-General's address that were delivered earlier in the Great Hall to mark the inaugural sittings of the two Houses in the building. Joan Child is the first woman to serve as Speaker in the Australian Parliament.

Regular parliamentary proceedings resume the following day.

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23 August 1988

Resolution acknowledges prior occupation

Prime Minister Bob Hawke (ALP, Wills, Vic) moves that the House of Representatives acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' prior occupation of the land, and acknowledges their dispossession and the denial of their citizenship rights. The House passes the resolution 80 to 59.

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25 August 1988

Liberals cross the floor on motion on immigration

Prime Minister Bob Hawke (ALP, Wills, Vic) moves that the House:

gives its unambiguous and unqualified commitment to the principle that, whatever criteria are applied by Australian Governments in exercising their sovereign right to determine the composition of the immigration intake, race or ethnic origin shall never, explicitly or implicitly, be among them.

Ian Wilson (LP, Sturt, SA) and Michael MacKellar (LP, Warringah, NSW) abstain, and Ian MacPhee (LP, Balaclava, Vic) and Philip Ruddock (LP, Dundas, NSW) cross the floor to vote with the Government.

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30 August 1988

Visit of the Prime Minister of Western Samoa

The Prime Minister of Western Samoa, Tofilau Eti Alesana, visits Parliament and is guest of honour at a parliamentary luncheon. Also attending are Mrs Tofilau, the Samoan Minister for Economic Affairs Tanuvasa Livi, and Mrs Tanuvasa.

  

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3 September 1988

Referendum

The 1988 referendum puts four proposals for constitutional change to Australian voters, to:

  • provide four-year maximum terms for both Houses of Parliament
  • provide for fair and democratic parliamentary elections
  • recognise local government in the Constitution
  • extend the right to trial by jury, to extend freedom of religion and to ensure fair terms for persons whose property is acquired by any government.

All of the proposals are defeated.

  

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5 September 1988

Visit by the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Ezekiel Alebua visits Canberra during his official visit to Australia. A focus of his visit is defence cooperation.

  

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8 September 1988

State visit of the King of Tonga

Tonga's King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV is guest of honour at a luncheon at Parliament House during a state visit to Australia.

  

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19 September 1988

Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

Governor-General Sir Ninian Stephen opens the 34th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in the Senate Chamber. More than 380 delegates from 38 Commonwealth countries attend.

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4 October 1988

Visit by the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany

German Chancellor Helmut Kohl visits Parliament House as part of his official visit to Australia.

  

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8 October 1988

Oxley, Qld, by-election

Les Scott (ALP, Oxley, Qld) wins the by-election triggered by the resignation of Bill Hayden (ALP, Oxley, Qld). However, there is an 11.8% swing against the ALP.

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11 October 1988

State visit of the President of the Italian Republic

Italian President Francesco Cossiga is the guest of honour at a Parliamentary luncheon. It is the first state visit of an Italian Head of State in more than 20 years.

  

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13 October 1988

President of the Federated States of Micronesia

Micronesian President John Haglelgam is guest of honour at a parliamentary dinner. It is his first visit to Australia. In July 1987, Australia became the first country to establish diplomatic relations with the Federated States of Micronesia.

  

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25 October 1988

Dutch state visit

Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus of the Netherlands visit Parliament House during their state visit to Australia. They are accompanied by the Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van den Broek. During the visit, the two countries sign a treaty for Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters.

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8 November 1988

Visit of the President of the Republic of Korea

Korean President Roh Tae-Woo visits Australia and is the guest of honour at a luncheon at Parliament House. Apart from a visit to address the United Nations in New York, it is President Roh's first overseas state visit since assuming office.

  

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14 November 1988

ABC radio broadcasts

The ABC's radio broadcasting of Commonwealth parliamentary proceedings is moved to a new Parliamentary Broadcasting Network. Its eight transmitters enable broadcasts to be heard in all capital cities and Newcastle.

The ABC has broadcast the parliamentary proceedings since 1946, in accordance with the Parliamentary Proceedings Broadcasting Act 1946. Australia's was the second Commonwealth national parliament to introduce radio broadcasting, a decade after New Zealand.

Listen: A broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Commission of the proceedings in Parliament 10 July 1946. This is the first time in the history of this Commonwealth that the regular day to day proceedings of Parliament have been on the air. Parts 2 and 4 cover Question and Answer Time in the House of Representatives
28MB MP3, Duration: 30:17

Listen: A broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Commission of the proceedings at Question time in the Senate, Parliament, 17 July 1946
17MB MP3, Duration: 18:20

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16 November 1988

Visit of the Prime Minister of Singapore

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew is guest of honour at a Parliament House luncheon during a week-long visit to Australia. Mr Lee controversially criticises Coalition comments on immigration during a subsequent interview.

  

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17 November 1988

Visit of the Premier of the People's Republic of China

Chinese Premier Li Peng visits Australia as part of his first overseas tour since assuming office. During his visit to Parliament House, Premier Li attends a dinner in his honour.

  

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29 November 1988

Visit of the President of the Hellenic Republic

The President of the Hellenic Republic, Christos Sartzetakis, visits Parliament House during his bicentennial visit to Australia.

  

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6 December 1988

Australian Capital Territory Self-Government Act

The Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988 is enacted. It provides for a fully-elected legislature, an executive, and an independent court system.

  

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1989

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3 February 1989

Marking 40 years of Australian citizenship

Parliament House hosts a gala citizenship ceremony to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Australian citizenship. One hundred people from 30 countries become Australian citizens. Guests included Governor-General Sir Ninian Stephen, candidates from the first citizenship ceremony, and parliamentarians.

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16 February 1989

Swearing-in of Governor-General

Bill Hayden is sworn in as Australia's 21st Governor-General, succeeding Sir Ninian Stephen.

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28 February 1989

Condolence Motion for Lloyd Rees AC, CMG

Prime Minister Bob Hawke (ALP, Wills, Vic) moves a Condolence Motion following the death of Australian artist Lloyd Frederic Rees AC CMG, in December 1988.

  

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8 March 1989

The Australian Quilt Project at Parliament House

The Great Hall and Federation Mall is filled with quilts made by friends and loved ones to memorialise people who have died of HIV/AIDS and to celebrate their lives. The Australian Quilt Project was launched on World AIDS Day 1988 by Chairperson of the National Advisory Committee on AIDS, Ita Buttrose.

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31 March 1989

First marriage in Parliament House

Peter Staples (ALP, Jagajaga, Vic) and Jeanette Bourke are married in the Mural Hall. Few wedding ceremonies have been held in Parliament House, but the Marble Foyer and staircases become a popular location for wedding photographs.

  

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4 April 1989

Senate: Casual vacancy New South Wales

John Faulkner (ALP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Arthur Gietzelt (ALP, NSW) on 27 February.

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15 April 1989

Gwydir, NSW, by-election

John Anderson (NP, Gwydir, NSW) wins the by-election triggered by the retirement of Ralph Hunt (NP, Gwydir, NSW) on 24 February.

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19 April 1989

Construction phase ends

Following completion of Parliament House's formal gardens in April 1989, a public ceremony marks the end of construction.

  

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9 May 1989

New Opposition leader and leader of the Nationals

Party room challenges see a leadership change in both Coalition partners.

Andrew Peacock (LP, Kooyong, Vic) replaces John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) as Liberal Party leader and Leader of the Opposition.

Charles Blunt (NP, Richmond, NSW) replaces Ian Sinclair (NP, New England, NSW) as Leader of the National Party.

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24 May 1989

Prime Minister of PNG visits

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Rabbie Namaliu visits Parliament House during his visit to Australia.

  

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9 June 1989

Tiananmen Square memorial service

Following events in China's Tiananmen Square, Prime Minister Bob Hawke (ALP, Wills, Vic) conducts a memorial service in the Great Hall. He reads a cable from the Australian Embassy in Beijing describing the events and pays tribute to 'acts of indescribable bravery' of the estimated 2,000 demonstrators who died. His government subsequently grants permanent visas to 42,000 Chinese students.

  

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18 August 1989

Visit by the Prime Minister of France

French Prime Minister Michel Rocard visits Parliament House as a government guest. It is the first visit to Australia by a serving French Prime Minister. The visit marks the normalisation of relations following ongoing differences over New Caledonia, French nuclear testing in the Pacific, and the bombing of the Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior.

  

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29 August 1989

A new Speaker

Leo McLeay (ALP, Grayndler, NSW) is elected as the 20th Speaker of the House of Representatives succeeding Joan Child (ALP, Henty, Vic).

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31 August 1989

Visit of the Prime Minister of Thailand

Thailand's Prime Minister, General Chatichai Choonhavan is the guest of honour at a parliamentary luncheon during his official visit to Australia.

  

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25–26 October 1989

Visit of the President of Vanuatu

Vanuatu's President, Frederick Karlomuana Timakata, visits Parliament House as part of an official state visit. The President attends the Fourth National Prayer Breakfast at Parliament House on 30 October.

  

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30 October 1989

Condolence Motion for Gordon Stanley Reid

Senators pay tribute to Gordon Reid, the former WA Governor (1984–89) who died on 26 October. Reid previously worked in the Department of the House of Representatives (1946–58), including as Serjeant-at-Arms. He co-authored (with Martyn Forrest) a series of essays on the Australian Parliament: Australia's Commonwealth Parliament 1901–1988: Ten Perspectives (1989).

  

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22 November 1989

Ministerial Statement on AIDS

The Minister for Community Services and Heath, Dr Neal Blewett (ALP, Bonython, SA) tables a policy discussion paper 'AIDS: a time to care, a time to act'. Blewett describes it as a 'first step in the development of a national strategy to guide Australia in the management of AIDS during the next stages of the epidemic'. The paper proposes three objectives for a National Strategy: minimising transmission; caring for those infected with HIV; and education and prevention.

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5 December 1989

Referral of Bills to Senate committees

The Senate adopts resolutions providing for the systematic referral of Bills to legislative and general purpose standing committees, to come into effect in August 1990.

This significantly refines the modern parliamentary committee system (established in 1970) and gives Senate committees a greater role in considering legislation.

  

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28 December 1989

Private Senator's Bill passed

Senator Janet Powell (AD, Vic) becomes the first woman to introduce a Private Senator's Bill passed by both Houses. The Smoking and Tobacco Products Advertisements (Prohibition) Act 1989 bans tobacco advertising in locally-produced newspapers and magazines.

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1990

  

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14–15 February 1990

Visit of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

Chairman of the USSR Council of Ministers Nikolai Ryzhkov visits Parliament House for discussions with Prime Minister Bob Hawke (ALP, Wills, Vic) during an official visit. The following evening he is guest of honour at a parliamentary dinner in the Great Hall.

  

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1 March 1990

New Acting Leader of the Australian Democrats

Senator Michael Macklin (AD, Qld) becomes Acting Leader of the Australian Democrats following Senator Janine Haines's (AD, SA) resignation. Haines resigned to contest a House of Representatives seat but was defeated.

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3 March 1990

New Opposition leader

Dr John Hewson (LP, Wentworth, NSW) replaces Andrew Peacock (LP, Kooyong, Vic) as Liberal Party leader and Leader of the Opposition.

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7 March 1990

Senate: Casual vacancy Tasmania

Robert Bell (AD, Tas) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Norman Sanders (AD, Tas) on 1 March.

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24 March 1990

Federal election

The 1990 election sees the Hawke Government re-elected with 49.9% of the two-party preferred vote. The ALP wins 78 of 148 (52.7%) House of Representatives seats.

The National Party's 14 House of Representative seats (a net loss of five) is its lowest number since 1919.

For the first time since 1966, an Independent member, Ted Mack (Ind, North Sydney, NSW) is elected to the House of Representatives.

Twenty-seven of 223 parliamentarians are women. Only 12 are overseas-born.

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4 April 1990

Senate: Casual vacancy South Australia

Meg Lees (AD, SA) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Janine Haines (AD, SA) on 1 March.

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6 April 1990

New leader of the Nationals

Following National Party leader Charles Blunt's (NP, Richmond NSW) election defeat, the party room elects Tim Fischer (NP, Farrer, NSW) as its new leader.

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7 May 1990

Senate: Casual vacancy South Australia

John Olsen (LP, SA) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Anthony Messner (LP, SA) on 17 April.

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8 May 1990

36th Parliament opened

Governor-General Bill Hayden opens the 36th Parliament. It is the first official opening of the Australian Parliament in New Parliament House.

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8 May 1990

Senate: Casual vacancy Queensland

Bill O'Chee (NP, Qld) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of John Stone (NP, Qld) on 1 March.

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16 May 1990

Senate: Casual vacancy Western Australia

Ian Campbell (LP, WA) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the retirement of Fred Chaney (LP, WA).

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17 May 1990

New Principal Parliamentary Reporter announced

John Templeton is announced as the 15th Principal Parliamentary Reporter, following John Campbell's retirement. He commenced in the role on 15 March 1990.

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22 June 1990

Visit of the President of Mexico

Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari is guest of honour at a parliamentary luncheon during his official visit to Australia. He is the first Mexican President to visit Australia. During the visit an extradition treaty is signed by the Australian and Mexican Foreign Ministers.

  

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1 July 1990

New Australian Democrats leader

Senator Janet Powell (AD, Vic) becomes the third leader of the Australian Democrats following Senator Janine Haines's (AD, SA) resignation on 1 March.

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2 July 1990

Visit of the Prime Minister of New Zealand

New Zealand Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer visits Parliament House during an official visit to Australia. It is his first visit to Australia as Prime Minister and includes finalising the Closer Economic Relations Agreement.

  

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15 August 1990

Visit of the Prime Minister of Malta

Malta's Prime Minister Edward Fenech Adami visits Parliament House for talks on a range of bilateral, regional and global issues.

  

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21 August 1990

The invasion of Kuwait

Prime Minister Bob Hawke (ALP, Wills, Vic) makes a ministerial statement regarding Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. He informs the chamber that the Government has deployed two Navy guided missile frigates and a supply ship to the Gulf region 'to protect the international rule of law'. The ships 'have a clear mission to assist in enforcing economic sanctions'. Australia joins a 17-nation naval force intercepting merchant ships sailing to or from Iraq.

  

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21 August 1990

Senate Question Time televised

Senate proceedings are televised for the first time, 34 years after the introduction of television in Australia.

Two days later the Senate authorises its committees to also broadcast their public proceedings.

  

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21 August 1990

Hansard computerised

Following processing, Hansard material is transmitted electronically to the Government Printer for the first time.

  

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29 August 1990

Ministerial Statement on AIDS

The Minister for Community Services and Heath, Neal Blewett (ALP, Bonython, SA) addresses Parliament on AIDS, tabling a paper on the Government's national HIV/AIDS strategy.

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7 September 1990

Forest workers demonstrate outside Parliament House

Forest workers demonstrate at Parliament House supporting Minister for Resources, Alan Griffiths's (ALP, Maribyrnong, Vic) plan to allow logging in six new National Estate areas. However, Minister for Environment, Ros Kelly (ALP, Canberra, ACT) opposes the plan.

The forest workers begin dispersing on 14 September following Cabinet's decision to allow logging in another 15 National Estate areas and fast-track a decision on permanent reserves.

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24 September 1990

Deregulation of domestic aviation

The Airlines Agreement (Termination) Act 1990 receives assent, ending the previous two-airline policy and government economic regulation of interstate aviation.

  

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9 October 1990

Condolence Motion for Patrick White

The House of Representatives pays tribute to Patrick White, Australia's only Nobel Prize winner for literature.

  

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23 October 1990

Visit of Nelson Mandela

Parliament honours the South African anti-apartheid leader (and future President) Nelson Mandela at a lunch in the Great Hall.

  

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20 December 1990

Jimmy Barnes at Parliament House

Singer Jimmy Barnes donates 3,000 music tapes by Australian artists as a gift for the Australian naval crews serving in the Persian Gulf. Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Rear-Admiral Ian MacDougall receives the tapes at a special event at Parliament House.

  

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28 December 1990

Commonwealth Bank restructure

The Commonwealth Banks Restructuring Act 1990 receives assent. The Act converts the previously Government-owned Commonwealth Bank to a public company, with the Commonwealth retaining 70% ownership.

  

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1991

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21–22 January 1991

Parliament recalled: the war in the Gulf

Following the Prime Minister's 17 January announcement that Australia was now participating in United Nations actions to enforce Iraq's withdrawal from Kuwait, Parliament is recalled for two days to debate the war in the Gulf.

While noting that the decision to commit forces to combat is the 'prerogative of the Executive', the Prime Minister states that it is 'fitting' that he 'place on parliamentary record the train of events behind this decision'.

  

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11 February 1991

Senate: Casual vacancy New South Wales

Dr John Tierney (LP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy following Peter Baume's (LP, NSW) resignation on 28 January.

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12 February 1991

Condolence Motion for Norman Parkes CBE

The Parliament expresses its condolences following Norman Parkes's death on 29 January 1991. Mr Parkes was Clerk of the House of Representatives from 1971 to 1976.

  

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13 March 1991

House of Representatives proceedings televised

House of Representatives Question Time is televised live for the first time.

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22 March 1991

A new Clerk of the House of Representatives

The House of Representatives Clerk, Alan Browning, retires and is replaced by Lyndal Barlin the following day.

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9 April 1991

Condolence Motion for Sir John Kerr AK, GCMG, GCVO

The Senate offers its condolences to the family of Sir John Kerr, who died on 24 March. Kerr is most often remembered for his dismissal of the Whitlam Government in 1975.

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9 April 1991

Condolence Motion for Viscount de L'Isle VC, KG, GCMG, GCVO

Parliament expresses regret at Viscount de L'Isle's death. He was the last British citizen to serve as Governor-General (1961–65).

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16 April 1991

Visit by children of Chernobyl

The Victims of Chernobyl Relief Fund organises a delegation of children from Chernobyl to visit Parliament, as part of a larger contingent visiting Australia for six weeks.

  

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29 April 1991

Visit by the Prime Minister of Tuvalu

Tuvalu's Prime Minister Bikenibeu Paeniu receives a ceremonial welcome at Parliament House ahead of talks with Government and Opposition leaders.

  

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9 May 1991

Deaths in custody

The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Robert Tickner (ALP, Hughes, NSW) tables the 'National Report of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody'.

The inquiry examined the circumstances involved in the deaths of 99 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whilst in custody between 1 January 1980 and 31 May 1989. The Royal Commission made 339 recommendations, with the final recommendation supporting the concept of a process of reconciliation.

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9 May 1991

Visit of the President of the Republic of Turkey

Turkish President Turgut Ozal attends a dinner at Parliament House. It is the first visit to Australia of a Head of State from Turkey.

  

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11 May 1991

Menzies, Vic, by-election

Kevin Andrews (LP, Menzies, Vic) wins the by-election triggered by the resignation of Neil Brown (LP, Menzies, Vic) on 25 February.

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28–29 May 1991

Condolence Motion for Emeritus Professor Manning Clark AC

Parliament pays tribute to eminent Australian historian Manning Clark who died on 23 May, aged 76.

  

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28 May 1991

Condolence Motions for Rajiv Gandhi

Parliament records its sadness following former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's assassination on 21 May 1991.

  

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3 June 1991

ALP leadership challenge and ministerial reshuffle

Treasurer Paul Keating (ALP, Blaxland, NSW) resigns from Cabinet after unsuccessfully challenging Prime Minister Bob Hawke (ALP, Wills, Vic). In the subsequent reshuffle, John Kerin (ALP, Werriwa, NSW) becomes Treasurer and Simon Crean (ALP, Hotham, Vic) is appointed Minister for Primary Industries and Energy.

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19 August 1991

New Australian Democrats leader

Senator Janet Powell (AD, Vic) is removed as Democrats leader following a party room vote. Senator John Coulter (AD, SA) becomes acting leader, prior to being confirmed on 3 October.

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29 August 1991

Senate: Casual vacancy New South Wales

Karin Sowada (AD, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Paul McLean (AD, NSW) on 23 August.

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2 September 1991

Visit of the Prime Minister of PNG

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Rabbie Namaliu is guest of honour at a parliamentary dinner during his official visit to Australia. During the visit the two countries sign an Agreed Statement on Security Cooperation. It is Mr Namaliu's second official visit as Prime Minister.

  

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28 October 1991

Visit of the Prime Minister of Cambodia

The head of Cambodia's Phnom Penh Government, Prime Minister Hun Sen, visits Parliament House for talks with government ministers and aid officials.

  

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9 December 1991

Ministerial reshuffle

John Kerin (ALP, Werriwa, NSW) is replaced as Treasurer by Ralph Willis (ALP, Gellibrand, Vic).

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12 December 1991

Visit of the President of Cyprus

Cypriot President George Vassiliou visits Parliament House during his state visit to Australia. The President meets with the Prime Minister and Opposition leader, and is guest of honour at an official luncheon.

  

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20 December 1991

Prime Minister Keating

Paul Keating (ALP, Blaxland, NSW) succeeds Bob Hawke (ALP, Wills, Vic) as Prime Minister. His ministry is sworn in on 27 December. Bob Hawke resigns from Parliament the same day.

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1992

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2 January 1992

Address by US President

President of the United States George HW Bush becomes the first foreign Head of State to address a joint meeting of both Houses of the Commonwealth Parliament. The joint meeting is the first to be held in the new Parliament House and is only the Parliament's third joint meeting. More than 3,000 farmers gather outside Parliament House to demonstrate against United States trade subsidies.

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24 February 1992

Royal Visit

Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh visit Canberra as part of their Royal Tour of Australia, marking the Queen's Ruby Jubilee. They are guests of honour at a Parliamentary reception attended by 800 guests.

  

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25 February 1992

New (acting) Parliamentary Librarian

John Templeton is announced as the (acting) 8th Parliamentary Librarian, following Hillas MacLean's retirement. Mr Templeton commences in the role on 1 February 1992.

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12 March 1992

Senate: Casual vacancy Western Australia

Christabel Chamarette (AG, WA) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Jo Vallentine (AG, WA) on 31 January.

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2 April 1992

Sheep graze on roof of Parliament House

About 100 merino sheep graze on Parliament House's lawn-covered roof as part of a National Wool Day campaign. Opposition leader, Dr John Hewson (LP, Wentworth, NSW) and Simon Crean (ALP, Hotham, Vic) conduct a wool auction at Parliament House to raise awareness of Australia's wool industry.

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11 April 1992

Wills, Vic, by-election

Phil Cleary (Ind, Wills, Vic) wins the by-election triggered by Bob Hawke's (ALP, Wills, Vic) resignation on 20 February.

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4 May 1992

Visit of the US Defence Secretary

US Defence Secretary Dick Chaney visits Parliament House to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.

  

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6–8 May 1992

Visit of the Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama attends an informal reception at Parliament House hosted by the Presiding Officers and meets with the Prime Minister.

  

ch_4.

26 May 1992

Senate: Casual vacancy South Australia

Alan Ferguson (LP, SA) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of John Olsen (LP, SA) on 4 May.

ch_4.

27 May 1992

Reception to mark the 25th anniversary of 1967 referendum

Parliament House hosts a reception marking the 25th anniversary of the 1967 referendum. This referendum changed the Australian Constitution so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted as part of the population and the Commonwealth would be able to make laws for them.

  

ch_4.

31 July 1992

Change of Party representation

Senator Janet Powell (Ind, Vic) resigns from the Australian Democrats to sit as an Independent.

ch_4.

12 August 1992

Vehicle crashes into Parliament House

An armed man drives a vehicle through the Parliament House ceremonial front doors, scattering tourists and visitors, before stopping in the Great Hall.

Three days later four concrete bollards are installed at the main entrance to prevent vehicles driving through.

  

ch_4.

28 August 1992

High Court overturns restrictions on political advertising

The High Court strikes down the Political Broadcasts and Political Disclosures Act 1991, which banned all political radio and television advertising in the lead-up to state and federal elections. In handing down its decision, the Court identifies an implied freedom of political communication derived from sections 7 and 24 of the Australian Constitution.

  

ch_4.

1 September 1992

Visit of the Prime Minister of Fiji

Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka makes an official visit to Australia and is guest of honour at a parliamentary luncheon.

  

ch_4.

7 September 1992

Visit of the Amir of Kuwait

Kuwait's Amir Sheik Jaber al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah makes a state visit to Australia. He is the guest of honour at a state dinner hosted by Governor-General Bill Hayden.

  

ch_4.

9 September 1992

Condolence Motion for Harold White

The Parliament expresses its condolences following Sir Harold White's death on 31 August 1992. Sir Harold was the Parliamentary Librarian from 1947 to 1967.

ch_4.

14 September 1992

Time limits in Senate

The Senate starts adopting time limits on Questions without Notice and Answers during Question Time.

ch_4.

27 October 1992

Visit of the Irish President

Irish President Mary Robinson visits Parliament House, where she is guest of honour at an event in the Great Hall.

  

ch_4.

4 December 1992

Change of Party representation

Keith Wright (Ind, Capricornia, Qld) sits as an Independent after losing ALP endorsement for the seat of Capricornia.

ch_4.

21 December 1992

Qantas Sale Act 1992

The Qantas Sale Act 1992 receives Royal Assent, laying the basis for the airline's privatisation. Under the Act, foreign ownership is capped, the airline must retain 'Qantas' in its name, and it must remain substantially Australian-based.

  

ch_4.

1993

ch_4.

8 February 1993

Speaker resigns

Leo McLeay (ALP, Grayndler, NSW) resigns as Speaker following accusations that he had made a false compensation claim. The accusation is later shown to be unfounded.

ch_4.

13 March 1993

1993 election

The 1993 election sees the ALP returned to government for a fifth term. Under Paul Keating's (ALP, Blaxland, NSW) leadership, the Government increases its majority in the House from eight to 13 seats. It is the first time that the ALP has won five consecutive elections and the first time since 1966 that an incumbent government achieved a positive two-party preferred swing (1.5%).

ch_4.

28 April 1993

Senate: Casual vacancy Victoria

Kim Carr (ALP, Vic) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of John Button (ALP, Vic) on 31 March.

ch_4.

29 April 1993

New leader for the Australian Democrats

Senator Cheryl Kernot (AD, Qld) defeats Senator John Coulter (AD, SA) in a party room ballot to become the Democrats' parliamentary leader.

ch_4.

30 April 1993

Visit of the Prime Minister of Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa visits Canberra for trade and security talks and is guest of honour at a Parliament House dinner.

  

ch_4.

4 May 1993

37th Parliament opened

The Governor-General Bill Hayden, opens the 37th Parliament.

  

ch_4.

4 May 1993

A new Speaker

Stephen Martin (ALP, Cunningham, NSW) is elected as the 21st Speaker of the House of Representatives, succeeding Leo McLeay (ALP, Watson, NSW).

ch_4.

4 May 1993

Condolence Motions for Sir Paul Hasluck KG, GCMG, GCVO, PC

The Parliament expresses its deep regret at the death of former Governor-General (1969–74) Sir Paul Hasluck who died on 9 January 1993.

ch_4.

4 May 1993

Condolence Motions for the Presidents of Turkey and Sri Lanka

The Parliament records its regret at the death of Turkish President, Turgut Ozal, and Sri Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa, who died on 17 April and 1 May respectively.

  

ch_4.

4 May 1993

Condolence Motion for Fred Hollows

The Parliament pays tribute to the life and work of renowned ophthalmologist Professor Fred Hollows AC.

  

ch_4.

26–27 May 1993

Visit by Prime Minister of Vietnam

Vietnam's Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet visits Parliament House for talks during a state visit to Australia. It is the first visit by a Vietnamese Head of State since the end of the Vietnam War and provokes protests by Australia's Vietnamese community. A series of ministerial-level joint trade and economic cooperation talks follow.

  

ch_4.

17 August 1993

Condolence Motions for Sir Condor Louis Laucke KCMG

The Parliament marks the death of former Senate President Sir Condor Laucke (LP, SA) who died on 30 July. Sir Condor served as a Senator for over 13 years, and after leaving the Parliament was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of South Australia (1982–92).

ch_4.

17 August 1993

Condolence Motions for Sir Edward (Weary) Dunlop AC, CMG, OBE

Parliament pays tribute to the life of Weary Dunlop, surgeon, Army Medical Corps officer, veterans' advocate, and public figure, who died on 2 July.

  

ch_4.

24 August 1993

Senate: Casual vacancy Tasmania

Kay Denman (ALP, Tas) fills the Senate casual vacancy following Michael Tate's (ALP, Tas) resignation on 5 July.

ch_4.

6 September 1993

Visit of the German President

German President Richard von Weizsacker visits Parliament House during his state visit to Australia. It is the first visit to Australia by a German president since that country's reunification.

  

ch_4.

13–18 September 1993

Interparliamentary Union Conference

Parliament House hosts the 90th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) conference, attended by 500 international parliamentarians and hundreds of other delegates and staff. It is the first time an IPU Conference has been held in Australia. To mark the occasion, and the 50th anniversary of women in federal Parliament, Australia Post issues commemorative stamps featuring portraits of Dame Dorothy Tangney (ALP, WA) and Dame Enid Lyons (LP, Darwin, Tas) and the official IPU Conference logo.

  

ch_4.

27 September 1993

Protest march by Indigenous Australians

About 500 Indigenous Australians march to Parliament House protesting the government's Native Title Bill 1993.

They burn a copy of the Commonwealth's draft legislation, and Aboriginal artist Michael Nelson Jagamara symbolically 'removes' a stone from the centre of his mosaic in the Parliament House Forecourt as a protest.

  

ch_4.

27 September 1993

Condolence Motion for Oodgeroo Noonuccal

The Parliament pays tribute to Oodgeroo Noonuccal, activist, environmentalist and poet following her death on 16 September.

  

ch_4.

30 September 1993

Women in Parliament – 50th anniversary

The Senate adopts Cheryl Kernot's (AD, Qld) motion marking 50 years since Dorothy Tangney (ALP, WA) and Enid Lyons (LP, Darwin, Tas) were became the first women elected to Federal Parliament.

ch_4.

6 October 1993

Visit by the President of the Republic of Chile

Chile's President Patricio Aylwin Azocar visits Parliament House during a state visit to Australia. It is the first visit of a Chilean President to Australia.

  

ch_4.

16 November 1993

Condolence Motion for Justin O'Byrne AO

The Parliament pays tribute to former Senate President Justin O'Byrne (ALP, Tas) who died on 10 November. O'Byrne served as senator for Tasmania for nearly 34 years and was President during the 1975 constitutional crisis.

ch_4.

8 December 1993

Visit by the President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands

The Marshall Islands President Amata Kabua visits Australia as a guest of the Australian Government. He is accompanied by the Republic's Foreign Minister Tom Kijiner and a trade and investment mission.

  

ch_4.

14 December 1993

Visit of the Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic

Laotian Prime Minister Khamtay Siphandone and Foreign Minister Somsavat Lengsavad visit Parliament House for official talks during a state visit.

  

ch_4.

17 December 1993

New Federal Treasurer

Treasurer John Dawkins (ALP, Fremantle, WA) unexpectedly resigns from the ministry prior to retiring from Parliament.

Ralph Willis (ALP, Gellibrand, Vic) is subsequently appointed as Treasurer.

ch_4.

21 December 1993

The Native Title Act 1993

Following the longest debate in the Senate's history, a packed gallery celebrates the Commonwealth's native title 'Mabo' legislation passing at 11.58 pm. The Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 receives Royal Assent on 24 December 1993.

The legislation is the result of a landmark High Court judgement, which overturned the doctrine of terra nullius (no-one's land) on which Britain based its claims to possession of Australia.

ch_4.

1994

ch_5.

23 January 1994

Resignation of Minister

Alan Griffiths (ALP, Maribyrnong, Vic) resigns from the ministry over allegations he financed a private business venture with electoral resources. He is subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing.

ch_5.

29 January 1994

Werriwa, NSW, by-election

Mark Latham (ALP, Werriwa, NSW) wins the by-election triggered by John Kerin's (ALP, Werriwa, NSW) resignation on 22 December.

ch_5.

1 February 1994

New President of the Senate

Senator Michael Beahan (ALP, WA) is elected Senate President, succeeding Kerry Sibraa (ALP, NSW).

ch_5.

2–3 February 1994

NSW bushfires

Parliament expresses its regret at the tragic loss of human life, flora, fauna and property caused by the recent NSW bushfires. Parliament also commends firefighters' efforts and sacrifices in battling the fires.

  

ch_5.

9 February 1994

Visit by the Prime Minister of PNG

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Paias Wingti is guest of honour at a Parliament House luncheon during his official visit to Australia.

  

ch_5.

22 February 1994

Senate: Casual vacancy Tasmania

Eric Abetz (LP, Tas) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Brian Archer (LP, Tas) on 31 January.

ch_5.

27 February 1994

Resignation of Minister

Ros Kelly (ALP, Canberra, ACT) resigns over the 'sports rorts affair', which involved alleged political bias in awarding grants to sporting bodies. Senator Graham Richardson (ALP, NSW) adds Environment, Sport and Territories to his existing ministerial responsibilities.

ch_5.

2 March 1994

Attack on Adelaide office of the National Crime Authority

The Minister for Justice, Duncan Kerr (ALP, Denison, Tas), makes a statement in the House of Representatives regarding a bombing at the National Crime Authority's Adelaide office.

Domenic Perre is later convicted of murder and attempted murder.

ch_5.

8 March 1994

Senate: Casual vacancies New South Wales

Belinda Neal (ALP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Kerry Sibraa (ALP, NSW) on 1 February.

Robert (Bob) Woods (LP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Bronwyn Bishop (LP, NSW) on 24 February. Bishop resigned to successfully contest the seat of Mackellar in the House of Representatives.

ch_5.

12 March 1994

Fremantle, WA, by-election

Former WA Premier Carmen Lawrence (ALP, Fremantle, WA) wins the by-election triggered by former Minister John Dawkins's (ALP, Fremantle, WA) resignation on 4 February.

ch_5.

15 March 1994

Commission of Inquiry into the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS)

The Commission of Inquiry into the Australian Secret Intelligence Service is established, headed by the Hon Gordon J Samuels and Michael Codd AC. The Commission, announced in February by Minister for Foreign Affairs Gareth Evans, will inquire into the operation and management of ASIS.

The Commission reports to the Government on 31 March 1995. A Public Edition of the report is printed, containing 'the fifteen chapters identified by the Commissioners as appropriate for release, edited to delete national security sensitive material'.

  

ch_5.

19 March 1994

Bonython, SA, by-election

Martyn Evans (ALP, Bonython, SA) wins the by-election triggered by former Minister Neal Blewett's (ALP, Bonython, SA) resignation on 11 February.

ch_5.

25 March 1994

Ministerial resignation

Minister for Health and Minister for the Environment, Sport and Territories Senator Graham Richardson (ALP, NSW) resigns from Parliament due to his controversial assistance to businessman Greg Symons. Carmen Lawrence (ALP, Fremantle, WA) takes on the Health portfolio while Senator John Faulkner (ALP, NSW) becomes Minister for Environment, Sport and Territories.

ch_5.

26 March 1994

Warringah, NSW, and Mackellar, NSW, by-elections

Tony Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW) wins the by-election triggered by Michael MacKellar's (LP, Warringah, NSW) resignation on 18 February.

Former Senator Bronwyn Bishop (LP, Mackellar, NSW) wins the by-election triggered by James Carlton's (LP, Mackellar, NSW) resignation on 14 January.

ch_5.

4 May 1994

Condolence Motion for Richard Nixon

The Senate offers condolences following the death of former United States President Richard Nixon.

  

ch_5.

10 May 1994

Senate: Casual vacancy New South Wales

Michael Forshaw (ALP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Graham Richardson (ALP, NSW) on 25 March.

ch_5.

16 May 1994

Royal Commission into the leasing by the Commonwealth of accommodation in Centenary House

Governor-General Bill Hayden issues letters patent establishing an inquiry into the leasing of Centenary House (ACT) by the Government.

Commissioner the Hon TR Morling QC delivers his report on 25 October 1994.

  

ch_5.

23 May 1994

New Opposition leader

Alexander Downer (LP, Mayo, SA) replaces John Hewson (LP, Wentworth, NSW) as Liberal Party leader and Leader of the Opposition.

ch_5.

8 June 1994

Main Committee established by the House of Representatives

The Main Committee – a parallel chamber to the House of Representatives – meets for the first time. The new chamber extends opportunities for debate on non-contentious and Private Member's Bills, speeding up the legislative process.

ch_5.

13 September 1994

Prime Minister of Singapore

Singapore's Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong is guest of honour at an official Parliament House luncheon hosted by the Prime Minister.

  

ch_5.

20 September 1994

Visit by the Prime Minister of Ireland

The Irish Prime Minister Albert Reynolds is guest of honour at a Parliament House state dinner.

  

ch_5.

10 October 1994

Senate committee system restructured

The Senate's committee system restructure takes effect, following recommendations by the Procedure Committee.

The new system creates eight pairs of legislation and reference committees in each subject area. The legislation committees absorb the former estimates committees' functions, in addition to assessing Bills and government agencies' performance. The reference committees conduct inquiries into any other matters referred by the Senate.

  

ch_5.

10 October 1994

Condolence Motion for Sir Nigel Bowen AC, KBE

Parliament expresses its deep regret at the death, on 27 September, of Sir Nigel Bowen (LP, Parramatta, NSW). He was a former member for Parramatta, Government Minister, and Chief Justice of the Federal Court.

  

ch_5.

25 October 1994

Commission of Inquiry into the relations between the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Seaview Air

Governor-General Bill Hayden issues letters patent establishing a Commission of inquiry following the crash on 2 October 1994 of a Seaview Air Aero Commander 690 en route to Lord Howe Island. Nine lives were lost.

The Commission report, submitted in October 1996, strongly criticises both Seaview Air and the CAA. Before the commission reports, the CAA has been abolished and replaced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and Airservices Australia.

  

ch_5.

7 November 1994

Visit by the Chairman of China's National People's Congress

The Chairman of the Chinese Congress Qiao Shi visits Parliament House during his official visit to Australia.

  

ch_5.

17 November 1994

Visit by the President of the Republic of Korea

South Korean President Kim Young-sam visits Parliament House during his official visit to Australia.

  

ch_5.

19 November 1994

Kooyong, Vic, by-election

Petro Georgiou (LP, Kooyong, Vic) wins the by-election triggered by former Liberal Leader Andrew Peacock's (LP, Kooyong, Vic) resignation on 17 September.

ch_5.

22 November 1994

Memorial service for Peter Wilenski AO

A memorial service is held in Parliament House for Australian diplomat and academic Peter Wilenski.

  

ch_5.

28 November and 5 December 1994

Tributes to Sir Magnus Cameron Cormack KBE

Parliament pays tribute to former Senate President Sir Magnus Cormack (LP, Vic) who died on 26 November. As Sir Magnus had requested that the usual Condolence Motion and speeches not occur, members and senators stand silently to acknowledge his contribution to the Senate.

ch_5.

21 December 1994

Change of Party representation

Senator John Devereux (Ind, Tas) resigns from the Labor Party to sit as an Independent.

ch_5.

1995

ch_5.

30 January 1995

Forestry workers' protest

More than 200 logging trucks blockade Parliament House to protest the Government's conservation designation for hundreds of forest areas. The blockade is lifted when Cabinet agrees to expedite environmental assessment of the areas.

ch_5.

30 January 1995

New Opposition leader

John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) is elected unopposed as Liberal Party leader, following Alexander Downer's (LP, Mayo, SA) resignation from that position.

ch_5.

6 February 1995

Interjector removed from Gallery

Parliament security officers remove a person from the House of Representatives Gallery for interjecting during proceedings. As the person is a repeat offender, the Speaker orders that he be excluded permanently.

  

ch_5.

27 February 1995

Buddhist Mandala Circle

Tibetan Buddhist monks complete a two-metre Kalachakra Mandala circle in Parliament House. Called the 'wheel of time', it intricately depicts 722 Buddhist deities, created by placing individual, coloured grains of sand on a table. The construction takes a month, after which, 'in a lesson of life's impermanence', the work is destroyed.

 

ch_5.

7 March 1995

Condolence Motions for Senator Olive Zakharov

Senators and members pay tribute to Senator Olive Zakharov (ALP, Vic) who tragically died on 6 March having been struck by a car after speaking at Melbourne's Midsumma Festival several days earlier. Sixty-six parliamentarians speak during the debate, and red roses are placed on her desk in the Senate in tribute.

ch_5.

10 March 1995

Shadow Minister steps down

Ian McLachlan (LP, Barker, SA) resigns from the shadow ministry after misrepresenting incorrectly-acquired culturally sensitive documents to attack the Government in Question Time on 6 March. The documents relate to Ngarrindjeri women's opposition to a proposed bridge from Goolwa to Hindmarsh Island in South Australia. (The proposed bridge led to the establishment of a Royal Commission and subsequent litigation.)

The House also censures McLachlan on 7 March for his conduct.

ch_5.

25 March 1995

Canberra, ACT, by-election

Brendan Smyth (LP, Canberra, ACT) wins the by-election triggered by former Minister Ros Kelly's (ALP, Canberra, ACT) resignation on 30 January, recording a swing of 16.2%.

ch_5.

28 March 1995

Visit by President of the Czech Republic

Czech Republic President Vaclav Havel visits Parliament House during his visit to Australia.

  

ch_5.

30 March 1995

Iron dogs exhibition

Artist Ingo Kleinert installs his 'The eye of the dog' exhibit on Parliament House's front lawn, to herald the Canberra National Sculpture Forum. The exhibit incorporates 400 corrugated iron dogs, moved every four days to enable the grass to be cut. One of the dogs is acquired for the Parliament House Art Collection.

ch_5.

8 April 1995

Wentworth, NSW, by-election

Andrew Thomson (LP, Wentworth, NSW) wins the by-election triggered by John Hewson's (LP, Wentworth, NSW) resignation on 28 February.

ch_5.

24 April 1995

New Auditor-General announced

Pat Barrett is announced as the 13th Auditor-General, replacing John Taylor. Mr Barrett commences in the role on 2 May 1995.

  

ch_5.

3 May 1995

Senate: Casual vacancy Victoria

Jacinta Collins (ALP, Vic) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the death of Olive Zakharov (ALP, Vic) on 6 March.

ch_5.

24 May 1995

Senate: Casual vacancy New South Wales

Thomas Wheelwright (ALP, NSW) fills the casual vacancy in the Senate created by the resignation of Stephen Loosley (ALP, NSW) on 21 May.

ch_5.

7 June 1995

A referendum on the Republic

Prime Minister Paul Keating (ALP, Blaxland, NSW) informs the Parliament of the Government's intention to enact a referendum on a Republic by the end of the decade.

ch_5.

18 June 1995

Change of Party representation

Paul Filing (Ind, Moore, WA) resigns from the Liberal party to sit as an Independent.

ch_5.

20 June 1995

Visit by the President of Croatia

Croatian President Franjo Tudjman visits Parliament House during his official visit to Australia, the first by a Croatian Head of State.

  

ch_5.

31 July 1995

Visit by the General Secretary, Communist Party of Vietnam

General Secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party Do Muoi visits Parliament House during his official visit to Australia.

  

ch_5.

7 August 1995

Change of Party representation

Allan Rocher (Ind, Curtin, WA) resigns from the Liberal party to sit as an Independent.

ch_5.

22 August 1995

Visit by the President of the Philippines

Philippine President Fidel Ramos visits Parliament House during his six-day official visit to Australia.

 

ch_5.

9 September 1995

Change of Party representation

Senator Noel Crichton-Browne (Ind, WA) is expelled from the Liberal Party and sits as an Independent for the remainder of his term.

ch_5.

18 September 1995

Condolence Motion for Dame Pattie Menzies GBE

Parliament pays tribute to the life of Dame Pattie Menzies who died on 30 August, and tenders its sympathies to her family.

  

ch_5.

13 and 23 November 1995

Condolence Motion for the Prime Minister of Israel

The Parliament records its deep sadness following Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin's assassination on 4 November.

  

ch_5.

15 November 1995

Visit by the Prime Minister of Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien visits Parliament House during his official visit to Australia, marking the centenary year of official Canada–Australia trade relations. During the visit, the two countries sign a Trade and Economic Cooperation Arrangement.

  

ch_5.

29 November 1995

Senate: Casual vacancy South Australia

Natasha Stott Despoja (AD, SA) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of John Coulter (AD, SA) on 20 November.

ch_5.

5 December 1995

Change of Party representation

Graeme Campbell (Ind, Kalgoorlie, WA) resigns from the Labor Party to sit as an Independent.

ch_5.

1996

ch_5.

1 January 1996

Non-Members' bar closes

The Non-Members' bar in Parliament House is closed following a change in catering contract providers. The space is eventually occupied by a childcare centre.

  

ch_5.

16 February 1996

Swearing-in of Governor-General

Australia's 22nd Governor-General, Sir William Deane, is sworn in at a ceremony in the Senate Chamber.

ch_5.

2 March 1996

Federal election

The 1996 federal election sees the Liberal/National Party Coalition, led by John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) and Tim Fischer (NP, Farrer, NSW) return to government with a 40-seat majority after 13 years in Opposition.

The Liberal Party wins 76 seats in the House of Representatives, their largest-ever level of representation, while the National Party wins 18. The ALP wins only 49 seats in the House of Representatives.

The Coalition receives 53.6% of the two-party preferred vote (a swing of 5%), the highest vote since 1977 and the largest swing since 1975.

In the Senate, minor parties continue to hold the balance of power, despite a strong result by the Coalition. The Coalition wins 20 of the 40 Senate places contested. The Democrats improve on their 1993 result and return five Senators, while one Green Senator (Bob Brown, Tas) is elected.

Of the 223 parliamentarians, 43 (1%) are women and 37 (17%) are overseas-born.

ch_5.

8 March 1996

Senate: Casual vacancy Tasmania

Susan Mackay (ALP, Tas) fills the Senate casual vacancy following John Devereux's (ALP, Tas) resignation on 7 February.

ch_5.

11 March 1996

Howard Ministry sworn in

Of the 38 members of the Howard Ministry, 4 (11%) are women, two of these are members of Cabinet. The ministry comprises 31 Liberals and seven from the National Party.

ch_5.

19 March 1996

New Leader for the ALP

Kim Beazley (ALP, Brand, WA) is unanimously elected as Leader of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party, following Paul Keating's (ALP, Blaxland, NSW) resignation. Keating retires from Parliament on 23 April.

ch_5.

2 April 1996

Ministerial Code of Conduct

Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) issues the first ministerial Code of Conduct. Seven ministers resign for breaching the code:

  • Jim Short (LP, Ballarat, Vic) and Senator Brian Gibson (LP, Tas) step down in October 1996 due to not divesting shareholdings
  • Bob Woods (LP, Lowe, NSW) leaves the ministry in February 1997, and the Parliament soon after, due to ministerial expense claims irregularities
  • Geoff Prosser (LP, Forrest, WA) steps down in July 1997 due to a ministerial conflict of interest, and
  • John Sharp (NP, Hume, NSW), David Jull (LP, Fadden, Qld), and Peter McGauran (NP, Gippsland, Vic) resign in late 1997 due to travel allowance claim irregularities.
  

ch_5.

30 April 1996

38th Parliament opens

Governor-General Sir William Deane opens the 38th Parliament.

  

ch_5.

30 April 1996

A new Speaker

Robert Halverson (LP, Casey, Vic) is elected as Speaker of the House of Representatives, succeeding Stephen Martin (ALP, Cunningham, NSW).

ch_5.

30 April 1996

Tragedy at Port Arthur

The House of Representatives expresses its grief following the Port Arthur massacre which occurred in Tasmania on 28 April 1996. The Parliament 'extends its deepest sympathy to the families and friends of those killed and injured', and 'urges all governments to work cooperatively in response to issues raised by this tragedy'. Senators observe a minute's silence for those killed in the mass shooting, 'in sympathy with their loved ones and friends, with whom we join in mourning'.

On 1 May Members of both Houses also stand in a minute's silence to 'participate in the national mourning'.

 

ch_5.

30 April 1996

Condolence Motion for Sir Hubert Ferdinand Opperman OBE, Kt

Parliament expresses its regret at the death, on 18 April, of Sir Hubert Opperman (LP, Corio, Vic). Opperman's achievements as an endurance cyclist in the 1920s and 1930s brought him international acclaim and made him a sporting legend.

ch_5.

30 April 1996

Senate: Casual vacancy Victoria

Stephen Conroy (ALP, Vic) fills the Senate casual vacancy following Gareth Evans's (ALP, Vic) resignation on 30 September.

ch_5.

1 May 1996

Condolence Motion for Francois Mitterrand

The House of Representatives records its deep sadness at the death, on 8 January, of former French President Francois Mitterrand.

  

ch_5.

2 May 1996

Reforms to the treaty-making process

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer (LP, Mayo, SA) outlines reforms to the treaty-making process to increase parliamentary oversight.

ch_5.

10 May 1996

Gun control protest

Following the Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania, in which 35 people die and 21 people are injured, people rally outside Parliament House seeking improved gun control laws.

The protest coincides with a special firearms meeting of the Australasian Police Ministers' Council held in Canberra.

ch_5.

15 June 1996

Blaxland, NSW, by-election

Michael Hatton (ALP, Blaxland, NSW) wins the by-election triggered by former Prime Minister Paul Keating's (ALP, Blaxland, NSW) resignation.

ch_5.

17 June 1996

Black Hawk helicopter accident

Parliament expresses its deep regret at the death of 18 soldiers killed on 12 June when two Black Hawk helicopters collide on a training exercise.

  

ch_5.

25 June 1996

Corridor parties protest

Senators Natasha Stott Despoja (AD, SA), Rosemary Crowley (ALP, SA), Nick Bolkus (ALP, SA), Chris Schacht (ALP, SA) and Alan Ferguson (LP, SA) form a conga line in Parliament House in defiance of the Joint House Department's ban on corridor parties.

  

ch_5.

24 July 1996

Senate: Casual vacancy South Australia

Jeannie Ferris (LP, SA) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by her own resignation. Prior to her election, Ferris worked for Senator Robert Hill (LP, SA) which may have contravened section 44 of the Constitution.

ch_5.

19 August 1996

Parliament House riot

A riot erupts outside Parliament House, with the Eureka flag and Aboriginal flag hung across the Coat of Arms. During the Australian Council of Trade Unions rally against the Government's Industrial Relations Reform Bill 1993, a group forces entry into the building, causing injury and property damage.

  

ch_5.

20 August 1996

First woman Senate President

Margaret Reid (LP, ACT) becomes the first woman to be President of the Senate, replacing Michael Beahan (ALP, WA).

ch_5.

20 August 1996

Change of Party representation

Senator Mal Colston (Ind, Qld) resigns from the ALP to sit as an Independent.

ch_5.

5 September 1996

Senate: Casual vacancy Tasmania

Kerry O'Brien (ALP, Tas) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of John Coates (ALP, Tas) on 20 August.

ch_5.

18 September 1996

Senate: Casual vacancy New South Wales

Bill Heffernan (LP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Michael Baume (LP, NSW) on 9 September.

ch_5.

19 October 1996

Lindsay, NSW, by-election

Jackie Kelly (LP, Lindsay, NSW) is elected Member for Lindsay. The Court of Disputed Returns had previously disqualified Kelly's initial victory in the 1996 general election under section 44 of the Constitution. Here the court noted Kelly as being both a New Zealand citizen and holding an office of profit under the Crown (as a serving RAAF officer).

ch_5.

7 November 1996

Reception for Peter Doherty

Nobel Laureate Peter Doherty is guest of honour at a Parliament House reception. Doherty is the seventh Australian to receive a Nobel Prize, jointly sharing it with Rolf Zinkernagel for their work in medicine.

  

ch_5.

20 November 1996

Address by US President the Hon Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton becomes the second US President to address a joint meeting of the Australian Parliament, following his election to a second term of office.

ch_5.

11 December 1996

Telstra sale

After more than 31 hours of debate, the Telstra (Dilution of Public Ownership) Bill passes Parliament, enabling the sale of up to one-third of Telstra while placing limits on foreign ownership; $1 billion of the sale revenue is to be allocated to environmental programs.

The Bill receives Royal Assent on 17 December. The Telstra share offer opens in October 1997, and in November Telstra shares are first traded on the stock exchange.

  

ch_5.

1997

ch_5.

1 February 1997

Fraser, ACT, by-election

ALP candidate Steve Dargavel wins the seat of Fraser (ACT) in a by-election triggered by John Langmore's (ALP, Fraser, ACT) resignation on 6 December.

ch_5.

4 February 1997

Condolence Motions for Senator John Panizza

The Parliament pays tribute to Senator John Panizza (LP, WA) who died on 31 January while attending a Privileges Committee hearing in Cairns. 

ch_5.

11 February 1997

Condolence Motion for Edna Ryan

The Senate pays tribute to the life and work of pioneering feminist and activist Edna Ryan.

  

ch_5.

24 February 1997

Condolence Motion for Deng Xiaoping

The House of Representatives expresses its regret at the death, on 19 February, of the former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.

  

ch_5.

9 April 1997

Senate: Casual vacancy New South Wales

Marise Payne (LP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy following Robert (Bob) Woods's (LP, NSW) resignation on 7 March.

ch_5.

28–29 April 1997

Visit of the Prime Minister of Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto visits Parliament House during an official visit to Australia.

  

ch_5.

5 May 1997

Visit of the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany

German Chancellor Helmut Kohl visits Parliament House on an official visit to Australia.

  

ch_5.

6 May 1997

Laptops permitted in the House

Speaker Bob Halverson (LP, Casey, Vic) advises Members that notebook-style or laptop computers are permitted in the chamber, provided they do not disrupt or distract from proceedings.

ch_5.

13 May 1997

Senate: Casual vacancy Victoria

Karen Synon (LP, Vic) fills the Senate casual vacancy following James Short's (LP, Vic) resignation on 12 May.

ch_5.

19 May 1997

Senate: Casual vacancy Western Australia

Philip Lightfoot (LP, WA) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the death of John Panizza (LP, WA).

ch_5.

26 May 1997

Condolence Motion for Sir William Aston KCMG

The Parliament expresses its deep regret at the death, on 21 May, of former Speaker Sir William Aston KCMG (LP, Phillip, NSW). Sir William served as Speaker from 21 February 1967 to 2 November 1972.

ch_5.

26 May 1997

'Bringing them home' report tabled

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Daryl Williams (LP, Tangney, WA), tables the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission's report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children entitled 'Bringing them home'.

The report leads to continuing public and parliamentary debate about implementing the report's recommendations, including an apology and compensation for those affected. The House does not agree to a full apology, but expresses deep and sincere regret for unspecified past injustices as part of a Motion of Reconciliation on 26 August 1999. It subsequently agrees to a formal apology on 13 February 2008.

ch_5.

25 July 1997

Retirement of the Clerk of the House of Representatives

Lyndal Barlin AM, Clerk of the House of Representatives since March 1991, retires. The new Clerk Ian Harris commences the following day.

ch_5.

25 August 1997

Condolence Motions for Sir Garfield Barwick AK, GCMG

The Parliament expresses its deep regret at the death, on 13 July, of Sir Garfield Barwick. He was formerly Chief Justice of the High Court (1964–81), Liberal Member for Parramatta (1958–64), Attorney-General (1958–64), and Minister for External Affairs (1961–64).

ch_5.

25 August 1997

Thredbo landslide

Parliament expresses its sympathy to the families and friends of those killed and injured in the Thredbo Village landslide on 30 July 1997. It also commends the work of rescuers and support teams.

 

ch_5.

27 August 1997

Video- and tele-conferencing for House Committees

The House of Representatives resolves that its committees can use electronic communication devices for taking witness evidence or for Members' remote participation. This follows a successful trial by the House Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training.

 

ch_5.

1 September 1997

Condolence Motions for Diana, Princess of Wales

Parliament makes an Address to The Queen expressing its profound sorrow at the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

  

ch_5.

17 September 1997

Senate: Casual vacancy New South Wales

George Campbell (ALP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Bruce Childs (ALP, NSW) on 10 September.

ch_5.

18 September 1997

Senate: Casual vacancy South Australia

John Quirke (ALP, SA) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Dominic Foreman (ALP, SA) on 15 September.

ch_5.

22 September 1997

Condolence Motions for Mother Teresa of the Missionaries of Charity

Parliament records its sadness at Mother Teresa's death, on 5 September 1997 and expresses its sympathy to the Missionaries of Charity Order, and to the people of India.

  

ch_5.

24 September 1997

Launch of Centrelink

Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) formally launches the new Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency, Centrelink, at an event in the Great Hall.

  

ch_5.

12 October 1997

'Sea of Hands' demonstration

Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation organise the 'Sea of Hands', with over 60,000 individually-signed plastic hands placed on Parliament House's front lawn, protesting proposed amendments to the Native Title Act 1993. It remains one of the most spectacular visual demonstrations of public sentiment at Parliament House.

ch_5.

30 October 1997

Senate: Casual vacancy Queensland

Andrew Bartlett (AD, Qld) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Cheryl Kernot (AD, Qld) on 15 October. Kernot successfully contests the seat of Dickson, Qld, in the House of Representatives at the 1998 election as an ALP candidate.

ch_5.

1998

ch_5.

2 February 1998

Change of Party representation

Paul Zammit (Ind, Lowe, NSW) resigns from the Liberal party to sit as an Independent.

ch_5.

4 March 1998

Change of Speaker

Ian Sinclair (NP, New England, NSW) is elected as the 23rd Speaker of the House of Representatives, succeeding Robert Halverson (LP, Casey, Vic).

ch_5.

4 March 1998

Katherine NT floods

The Senate notes the flooding which devastated Katherine on 26 January and commends the first responders.

  

ch_5.

31 March 1998

Visit by the President of the Argentine Republic

Argentine President Carlos Menem visits Parliament House during his official visit to Australia. It is only the second time an Argentine President has visited Australia.

  

ch_5.

9–10 May 1998

10th birthday celebrations at Parliament House

To mark the 10th anniversary of Parliament House's opening, visitors receive a commemorative lapel badge and schoolchildren receive a locally-grown eucalyptus seed. Lighting displays, exhibitions and other events are held for those involved in the building's construction and in the Parliament House Art/Craft Program commissions. A special birthday celebration is held with 12 school children whose birthday is 9 May.

  

ch_5.

12 May 1998

HMAS Westralia

Parliament pays tribute to those who died as a result of a fire on board HMAS Westralia – Megan Pelly, Shaun Smith, Bradley Meek, and Phillip John Carroll – and to the five naval personnel seriously injured in the incident on 5 May. It extends its sympathies to the families and other loved ones of those who lost their lives.

 

ch_5.

26 May 1988

Change of Party representation

Tony Smith (Ind, Dickson, Qld) informs the House of his resignation from the Liberal Party to sit as an Independent.

ch_5.

16 June 1998

Senate: Casual vacancy Northern Territory

Trish Crossin (ALP, NT) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Senator Robert (Bob) Collins (ALP, NT) on 30 March.

ch_5.

3 July 1998

'Textiles in Focus'

Senate President Margaret Reid (LP, ACT) opens the 'Textiles in Focus' exhibition to mark Parliament House's 10th anniversary. The exhibition features maquettes and samples of many of Parliament House's textile commissions, including the Great Hall Tapestry.

  

ch_5.

6 July 1998

Marathon Native Title debate

The Native Title Amendment Bill 1997 [No. 2] finally passes the Senate on its third attempt.

The Government introduced the Bill to implement amendments to the Native Title Act 1993 following the High Court's 'Wik' decision which determined that native title can coexist on pastoral leasehold land. The amendments (collectively known as the '10 point plan') are designed to provide legislative certainty regarding leasehold land.

  

ch_5.

7 July 1998

Change of Party representation

John Bradford (CDP, McPherson, Qld) resigns from the Liberal Party to sit as a member of the Christian Democratic Party.

ch_5.

3 August 1998

Visit of PNG Prime Minister

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Bill Skate visits Parliament House during his official visit to Australia.

  

ch_5.

10 August 1998

Field of Crosses memorial service

The Australian People's Forum on Youth Suicide delegates hold a 'Field of Crosses' memorial service on the lawns opposite Parliament House. Some 2,500 white crosses adorn Federation Mall, each representing a person who died by suicide over the past five years.

  

ch_5.

7 September 1998

Visit of the Irish President

Irish President Mary McAleese visits Parliament House on her first official visit since becoming Ireland's Head of State.

  

ch_5.

3 October 1998

Federal election

The 1998 election sees the Coalition Government returned despite receiving only 49% of the two-party preferred vote.

The Liberal Party receives 33.9% of the vote, its lowest since 1972, and the National Party receives just 5.4%. The combined first preference vote for the three major parties (79.6%) is the lowest since 1943.

Fifty-seven of the 223 parliamentarians are women. Thirty-one are overseas-born.

ch_5.

14 October 1998

Senate: Casual vacancy New South Wales

Stephen Hutchins (ALP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Belinda Neal (ALP, NSW) on 3 September. Neal successfully contests the seat of Robertson, NSW, in the 1998 election.

ch_5.

6 November 1988

Praise Corroboree

Parliament House hosts more than 300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians taking part in the third annual Praise Corroboree during the National Day of Prayer and Fasting.

  

ch_5.

10 November 1998

Opening of the 39th Parliament

Governor-General Sir William Deane opens the 39th Parliament.

  

ch_5.

10 November 1998

Change of Speaker

Neil Andrew (LP, Wakefield, SA) is elected as the 34th Speaker of the House of Representatives, succeeding Ian Sinclair (NP, New England, NSW).

ch_5.

3 December 1998

Firefighting tragedy

The Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition and other parliamentarians express their distress at the death of five Country Fire Authority volunteer firefighters – Stuart Davidson, Gary Vredeveldt, Jason Thomas, Chris Evans and Matthew Armstrong – who died on 2 December while fighting bushfires near Linton, Victoria.

  

ch_5.

8 December 1998

Visit of the Italian President

Italian President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro visits Parliament House during an official visit to Australia. He is the first Italian President to do so since 1988.

  

ch_5.

1999

ch_6.

8 and 15 February 1999

Condolence Motions for James Cope CMG

The Parliament marks the death of former Speaker of the House of Representatives James Cope (ALP, Sydney, NSW) who died on 3 February at the age of 91. He served as Speaker from 27 February 1973 to 27 February 1975.

ch_6.

8 February 1999

Condolence Motion for Neville Bonner AO

Parliament expresses its deep regret at the death on 5 February of former Senator Neville Bonner (Ind, Qld), and 'places on record its appreciation of his long and meritorious public service' and tenders its sympathy to his family.

Recorded as the first Indigenous Australian to sit in Federal Parliament, Neville Bonner was appointed by the Queensland Parliament to replace Senator Annabelle Rankin (LP, Qld) in 1971.

ch_6.

8 February 1999

Condolence Motion for His Excellency the King of Jordan

The House of Representatives records its regret at the death on 7 February of the death of His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal of Jordan.

  

ch_6.

8 February 1999

Condolence Motion for Don Dunstan AC

Parliament records condolences for former SA Labor Premier Don Dunstan who died on 6 February.

  

ch_6.

16 February 1999

Visit of the President of Hungary

The President of Hungary, Arpad Goncz, visits Canberra during his official visit to Australia. It is the first visit of a Hungarian Head of State to Australia.

  

ch_6.

11 March 1999

Standard of dress for Members of Parliament

Speaker Neil Andrew (LP, Wakefield, SA) notes that the dress code for parliamentarians should reflect the Parliament's role as 'the equivalent of the board room of the nation'.

ch_6.

1 April 1999

Visit of the President of Vietnam

Vietnamese President Phan Van Khai is guest of honour at a luncheon at Parliament House during a state visit to Australia.

  

ch_6.

28 April 1999

Condolence Motion for Arthur Boyd AC, OBE

The Senate takes note of the death of Arthur Boyd, 'one of Australia's finest artists and leading philanthropists', who died on 24 April aged 78.

The Great Hall Tapestry, commissioned as part of the Parliament House Art/Craft Program, is a collaboration between Arthur Boyd, architectural firm Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp, and the craftspeople of the Victorian Tapestry Workshop (now the Australian Tapestry Workshop) in Melbourne. It depicts a bush scene in the Shoalhaven River area in southern NSW, an area that inspired many of his works.

  

ch_6.

26 May 1999

Journey of Healing

To mark the anniversary of the tabling of the 'Bringing them Home' report, a series of events is held in Canberra, including a ceremony in the Great Hall. Marking the first anniversary of National Sorry Day, the Journey of Healing 'was initiated at Uluru early in May 1999 when representatives of the stolen generations were 'welcomed back' by the traditional owners'. The issue of Reconciliation is the subject of a 'Matters of Public Importance' debate that afternoon.

  

ch_6.

11 June 1999

Exhibition: 'Works by Arthur Boyd'

The Presiding Officers launch a Parliament House exhibition of Arthur Boyd's works featuring his paintings of the Shoalhaven River.

  

ch_6.

21 June 1999

Further Telstra sales

With the support of independent senators Malcolm Colston (Ind, Qld) and Brian Harradine (Ind, Tas), the Telstra (Further Dilution of Public Ownership) Bill passes the Senate.

The Act receives Royal Assent on 5 July 1999. The so-called 'T2' sale opens on 21 September 1999 and closes on 7 October 1999. After the sale, the Government retains a 50% majority stake of Telstra. Total proceeds of the T2 share offer are $16.0 billion.

  

ch_6.

29 June 1999

Goods and Services Tax (GST) introduced

The House of Representatives agrees to Senate amendments and requests in relation to A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Bill 1999 and related Bills, and requests that the Bills be read a third time in the Senate. Debate on the Bill and 26 related Bills lasts a total of 68 hours 54 minutes.

The GST is a key element of the Government's tax reform plan and dominates the 1998 election campaign.

  

ch_6.

30 June 1999

New leader for the National Party

John Anderson (NP, Gwydir, NSW) succeeds Tim Fischer (NP, Farrer, NSW) as the National Party leader.

ch_6.

1 July 1999

Indigenous parliamentary representation

Senator Aden Ridgeway (AD, NSW) the second Indigenous person to be elected to the Parliament and the first to serve in the New Parliament House. Neville Bonner (Senator for Queensland) is recorded as being the first Indigenous Australian to enter the federal Parliament.

ch_6.

11 July 1999

Petrol bombs thrown at Parliament House

A man throws two fire-bombs at the Parliament House front doors, having previously rammed the doors with a car in 1992.

 

ch_6.

9 August 1999

Interlaken tragedy

Parliament expresses sympathies to the friends and families of those killed while canyoning at Interlaken, Switzerland, and commends the first responders and other assisting services.

  

ch_6.

18 August 1999

One Nation

Queensland's Supreme Court rules that One Nation was improperly registered at the 1998 State Election because it lacked the 500 members needed. The Court also finds that the registration was obtained by fraud and deception.

  

ch_6.

26 August 1999

Motion of Reconciliation to Indigenous Australians

In the presence of members of the Stolen Generations, each House of Parliament expresses its deep and sincere regret for past injustices.

  

ch_6.

31 August 1999

Senate proceedings 'go live'

The Senate authorises (subject to rules) its proceedings to be published by electronic means, including the Internet.

 

ch_6.

2 September 1999

Release of Australian aid workers

Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) makes a statement in the Parliament about the release from gaol in Belgrade of Australian aid workers Steve Pratt and Peter Wallace.

ch_6.

8 September 1999

Visit of the President of the People's Republic of China

Jiang Zemin becomes the first Chinese President to visit Australia.

  

ch_6.

10 September 1999

'Shame Australia!! Shame!' graffiti protest

Four men hang a banner at the front of Parliament House and spray-paint graffiti on the building in support of East Timor.

The men are subsequently found guilty of trespassing and damaging Commonwealth property.

  

ch_6.

17 September 1999

Visit by the President of the Republic of Korea

South Korean President Kim Dae-jung visits Parliament House during his official visit to Australia.

  

ch_6.

20 October 1999

Visit by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed visits Parliament House during her official visit to Australia. She is the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit Australia.

  

ch_6.

6 November 1999

Republic referendum

Australians reject the referendum proposal to:

  • establish the Commonwealth of Australia as a Republic with the Queen and Governor-General being replaced by a President appointed by a two-thirds majority of the members of the Parliament, and
  • insert a preamble to the Constitution.

The referendum ends several years of widespread community discussion about Australia becoming a Republic.

  

ch_6.

11 November 1999

Parliamentary Service Act 1999

The Parliamentary Service Act 1999 establishes a separate legal framework covering staff employed by the Parliamentary Departments.

Previously the five Parliamentary Departments were staffed under arrangements provided by the Public Service Act.

The Parliamentary Service Act 1999 subsequently provides for a separate Parliamentary Service distinct from the Australian Public Service. It re-establishes the Departments of the Senate and House of Representatives, and provides for both Houses of Parliament to establish other parliamentary departments.

  

ch_6.

24 November 1999

White Wreath Day

White wreaths are laid on the Parliament House front lawns to mark the inaugural White Wreath Day, which highlights the tragic impacts of suicide in Australia.

ch_6.

7 December 1999

Glenbrook train disaster

Parliament extends condolences to the families of those killed in the 2 December Glenbrook train disaster and commends the first responders.

  

ch_6.

2000

ch_6.

7 March 2000

Parliament welcomes INTERFET

The Presiding Officers welcome the International Force in East Timor (INTERFET) commander, Major-General Peter Cosgrove, accompanied by Australia's senior military leaders.

  

ch_6.

10 April 2000

Censure Motion

The Senate censures the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Senator John Herron (LP, Qld), for 'failure to fulfil his ministerial responsibilities and provide leadership in indigenous affairs'.

ch_6.

18 April 2000

Change of Party representation

Andrew Theophanous (Ind, Calwell, Vic) resigns from the Labor Party and sits as an Independent.

ch_6.

4 May 2000

Senate: Casual vacancy New South Wales

John (Sandy) MacDonald (NP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of David Brownhill (NP, NSW) on 14 April.

ch_6.

16 May 2000

Senate: Casual vacancy Queensland

George Brandis (LP, Qld) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Warwick Parer (LP, Qld) on 11 February.

ch_6.

14 June 2000

Condolence Motions for Greg Wilton

Parliament pays tribute to Greg Wilton (ALP, Isaacs, Vic) who died in office on 14 June.

ch_6.

12 August 2000

Isaacs, Vic, by-election

Ann Corcoran (ALP, Isaacs, Vic) wins the by-election triggered by the death of sitting Member Greg Wilton (ALP, Isaacs, Vic). The Liberal Party does not contest the by-election.

ch_6.

14 August 2000

Laptops permitted in chamber

Members of the House of Representatives are permitted to take laptop computers into the chamber.

  

ch_6.

16 August 2000

Midwinter Ball tradition

The Parliament House Press Gallery conducts its first annual charity fundraiser, 'Midwinter Ball'. The event bringing together journalists, politicians and corporate executives for a night of entertainment.

  

ch_6.

14 September 2000

Senate: Casual vacancy South Australia

Geoffrey Buckland (ALP, SA) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of John Quirke (ALP, SA) on 15 August.

ch_6.

3 October 2000

Sydney Olympics

Parliament adjourns during the Sydney Olympics (15 September–1 October) and Paralympics (18–29 October). On the first sitting after the Olympics, the Parliament acknowledges the Australian athletes' successes.

  

ch_6.

30 October 2000

Attempted censure: Peter Reith

The Opposition attempts to censure the Minister for Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business, Peter Reith (LP, Flinders, Vic) regarding expenses incurred on a tax-payer funded phone card used by his son.

ch_6.

2001

ch_6.

26 February 2001

Death of Donald Bradman

Acting Prime Minister, John Anderson (NP, Gwydir, NSW) acknowledges the death of Sir Donald Bradman on 25 February.

 

ch_6.

17 March 2001

Ryan, Qld, by-election

Leonie Short (ALP, Ryan, Qld) wins the by-election triggered by the resignation of sitting Member John Moore (LP, Ryan, Qld) on 5 February.

ch_6.

2 April 2001

Fatal asylum seeker protest

Pakistani national Shahraz Kayani sets himself alight at Parliament House, after a prolonged campaign to secure asylum in Australia. He dies several days later.

  

ch_6.

7 April 2001

Australian Democrats leadership change

Senator Natasha Stott Despoja (AD, SA) is elected parliamentary leader of the Australian Democrats after defeating Senator Meg Lees (AD, SA) in a leadership ballot.

ch_6.

3 May 2001

Visit by the German President

German President Dr Johannes Rau and his wife Christina attend a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) in Canberra during their state visit.

  

ch_6.

9 May 2001

Commemorative joint sitting of Parliament

The Commonwealth Parliament meets in Melbourne's Royal Exhibition Building in a historic joint sitting to commemorate the Centenary of Federation and the first sitting of the Parliament. The following day, both Houses of Parliament sit in the Victorian Parliament House.

ch_6.

22 May 2001

Condolence Motions for Peter Nugent

The House of Representatives and Senate move Condolence Motions honouring Peter Nugent (LP, Aston, Vic) who died in office on 22 April.

ch_6.

26 June 2001

Visit by the Indonesian President

Indonesian President KH Abdurrahman Wahid and Madame Sinta Nuriyah Wahid attend a parliamentary luncheon in the Great Hall as part of their state visit.

Wahid is the first Indonesian President to visit Canberra since 1972.

  

ch_6.

28 June 2001

Censure Motion

The House of Representatives censures the Leader of the Opposition, Kim Beazley (ALP, Brand, WA), for 'failing to order the renegotiation of the Labor Party's Centenary House leases and depriving the Australian community of $36 million'.

ch_6.

29 June 2001

New Governor-General

Peter Hollingworth is sworn in as Australia's 23rd Governor-General, replacing Sir William Deane.

ch_6.

14 July 2001

Aston, Vic, by-election

Chris Pearce (LP, Aston, Vic) wins the by-election following the death of sitting Member Peter Nugent (LP, Aston, Vic).

ch_6.

31 July 2001

Senate: Casual vacancy Queensland

John Cherry (AD, Qld) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of John Woodley (AD, Qld) on 27 July.

ch_6.

9 August 2001

Censure Motion

The House of Representatives censures the Leader of the Opposition, Kim Beazley (ALP, Brand, WA), for his 'failure to condemn irresponsible strike action in the manufacturing industry and for his continuing policy failure to promote the national interest over union interest'.

  

ch_6.

22 August 2001

Censure Motion

The House of Representatives censures the Leader of the Opposition, Kim Beazley (ALP, Brand, WA), for 'the way in which he has misled the Australian people about health policy in general and access to public hospitals in Western Australia.

  

ch_6.

27 August 2001

Tampa refused entry into Australian waters

Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) announces that the Norwegian vessel Tampa, carrying several hundred refugees rescued from a foundering vessel, would not be permitted to land in Australia.

  

ch_6.

29 August 2001

Royal Commission into HIH Insurance

Governor-General Peter Hollingworth issues letters patent establishing an inquiry into the collapse in 2001 of HIH insurance, Australia's second-largest general insurer. Its failure is 'a watershed for Australia's financial section'.

The Commissioner, the Hon Justice Owen, delivers his report in April 2003, identifying a litany of failures at HIH which led to its collapse.

 

ch_6.

29 August 2001

Royal Commission into the Building and Construction Industry

Governor-General Peter Hollingworth issues letters patent establishing an inquiry into the building and construction industry.

The Commissioner, Justice Terence Cole RFD QC, delivers his 23 volume report on 24 February 2003.

  

ch_6.

3 September 2001

Explosives packages intercepted

During a regular scan of incoming mail, Parliament House security staff intercept packages addressed to the Leader of the Opposition Kim Beazley (ALP, Brand, WA), Leader of the Australian Democrats Senator Natasha Stott Despoja (AD, SA), and Leader of the Australian Greens Senator Bob Brown (AG, Tas). The packages contain bullets and explosive detonators.

  

ch_6.

17 September 2001

9/11 service in the Great Hall

Over 2,000 people fill the Great Hall for an inter-denominational service to commemorate the people killed and injured during the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the USA. Attendees include most members of the Parliament, senior public servants, diplomats, members of the armed services and members of the public. Immediately following the attacks, enhanced Parliament House security measures are introduced, including entry screening (with the exception of senators and members), and restricting unaccompanied visitor passes.

  

ch_6.

2 October 2001

Change of Party representation

Senator Shayne Murphy (Ind, Tas) resigns from the ALP and sits as an Independent.

ch_6.

10 November 2001

2001 federal election

The Liberal/National Party Coalition Government is returned with an increased majority. The 2% two-party-preferred swing to the Government is the largest since 1966 and only the fifth positive swing to a government since 1949. The ALP records its lowest post-1945 first-preference vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The House of Representatives comprises 82 Coalition MPs, 65 ALP MPs, and three Independents.

In the new Senate, minor parties will continue to hold the balance of power, although the Australian Democrats will have to share this with other parties and Independents.

Women make up 27% of the Australian Parliament (up from 24.6% in the 39th Parliament) – 30.3% of Senators (up from 28.9%) and 25.3% of Members of the House of Representatives (up from 22.3%).

  

ch_6.

22 November 2001

ALP leadership change

Kim Beazley (ALP, Brand, WA) resigns as Leader of the Opposition following the ALP's election defeat. The ALP party room elects Simon Crean (ALP, Hotham, Vic) unopposed to replace Beazley as leader.

ch_6.

26 November 2001

Howard Ministry

The Governor-General swears in the new Howard Ministry.

Of the 42 members of the third Howard Ministry, 10 (24%) are women, two of these are members of Cabinet. The ministry comprises 36 Liberals (86%) and six National Party members (14%).

ch_6.

November–December 2001

The Peoplescape

As part of the Centenary of Federation, thousands of Australians are honoured with the Peoplescape exhibition outside Parliament House. It is the largest outdoor art installation in Australia.

ch_6.

2002

ch_6.

4 February 2002

Senate: Casual vacancy Tasmania

Richard Colbeck (LP, Tas) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Jocelyn Newman (LP, Tas) on 1 February.

ch_6.

12 February 2002

40th Parliament opened

Governor-General Peter Hollingworth opens the 40th Commonwealth Parliament.

  

ch_6.

14 February 2002

National Rail Corporation sold

The Australian Government sells the National Rail Corporation (in conjunction with the NSW Government's FreightCorp) to a private consortium for $1.2 billion.

  

ch_6.

15 February 2002

Visit by New Zealand Prime Minister

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) hold regular bilateral discussions.

  

ch_6.

26 February 2002

Senate: Casual vacancy Tasmania

Guy Barnett (LP, Tas) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Brian Gibson (LP, Tas) on 22 February.

ch_6.

28 February 2002

Visit by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo attends a luncheon at Parliament House during his state visit. It is the first time a serving Nigerian Head of State has visited Australia.

  

ch_6.

24 May 2002

Visit by the President of the Portuguese Republic

Portugal's President Jorge Sampaio participates in a joint press conference with Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) as part of his state visit.

  

ch_6.

27 May and 17 June 2002

Condolence Motions for Sir John Gorton

Parliament pays tribute to former Australian Prime Minister Sir John Gorton (Ind, Higgins, Vic) who died on 19 May.

Gorton served almost 26 years in the Commonwealth Parliament as a Senator for Victoria in 1949 before switching to the House of Representatives in 1968.

Gorton remains the only senator to have become Prime Minister, following Harold Holt's (LP, Higgins, Vic) disappearance.

ch_6.

30 May 2002

Visit by Prime Minister of Thailand

Thailand's Prime Minister, Dr Thaksin Shinawatra, gives a joint press conference with Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) during a visit to Parliament House. Dr Shinawatra is the first Thai Prime Minister to visit Australia since 1989.

  

ch_6.

6 June 2002

Visit by President of the Hellenic Republic

Greece's President Constantinos Stephanopoulos participates in a joint press conference with Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) during his state visit. It is the first visit to Australia by a Greek President since 1988.

 

ch_6.

19 August 2002

Change of President of the Senate

Paul Calvert (LP, Tas) is elected as the 21st President of the Senate, succeeding Margaret Reid (LP, ACT).

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20 August 2002

Protesters climb the Flagmast

Greenpeace demonstrators climb the Parliament House Flagmast and unfurl a banner, protesting the Government's refusal to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on global warming.

  

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5 October 2002

Australian Democrats' leadership change

Senator Andrew Bartlett (AD, Qld) is elected leader of the Australian Democrats following Senator Natasha Stott Despoja's (AD, SA) resignation on 21 August 2002. (Brian Greig (AD, WA) has served as interim leader.)

  

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15 October 2002

Visit by Fiji Prime Minister

Fiji's Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase gives a joint press conference with Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) while visiting Parliament House.

  

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21 October 2002

Monash University shooting

The House is informed of the tragic shooting at Monash University which killed two people and injured five others. Many parliamentarians speak to the Condolence Motion, including Anna Burke (ALP, Chisholm, Vic) who represents the local electorate.

In response, additional legal restrictions will be placed on handguns through the National Handgun Buyback Act 2003, the National Firearms Trafficking Policy Agreement 2002 and the National Handgun Agreement 2002.

  

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24 October 2002

Bali bombing memorial service

Following the 12 October terrorist attack in Bali, Parliament House hosts a national memorial for the victims' families and friends. During the inter-denominational service, relatives are invited to light candles and place a flower in a specially-prepared Balinese water garden.

  

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29 October 2002

Senate: Casual vacancy Queensland

Santo Santoro (LP, Qld) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of John Herron (LP, Qld) on 5 September.

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December 2002

New South Wales bushfires

Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) expresses concern for all those affected by recent devastating bushfires in NSW.

 

ch_6.

2003

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4 February 2003

Waterfall train tragedy, Space Shuttle Columbia, and the Canberra firestorm

Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) expresses the Parliament's sympathy and sorrow for all those killed and injured in the recent Waterfall train accident, the Columbia space shuttle tragedy and the Canberra bushfires.

 

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5 February 2003

Censure Motion

The Senate censures the Government for deploying Australian troops 'in the absence of any United Nations authorisation and without revealing to the Australian people the commitments on which that deployment was based'.

 

ch_6.

18 February 2003

Senate: Casual vacancy ACT

Gary Humphries (LP, ACT) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Margaret Reid (LP, ACT) on 14 February.

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24 March 2003

Anti-Iraq War protests

Security guards remove a number of anti-war protesters from the House of Representatives public gallery. Outside, anti-war protesters attempt to storm Parliament House against a police barricade. Earlier this month four anti-war protesters walk from Melbourne to Canberra's Parliament House to raise awareness.

  

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28 March 2003

Degree conferred on the principal design architect of Parliament House

Romaldo Giurgola AO receives an honorary Doctorate of Science in Architecture from the University of Sydney.

  

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27 April 2003

New Party

Independent Senator (and former leader of the Australian Democrats) Meg Lees (APA, SA) establishes a new federal political party, the Australian Progressive Alliance.

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13 May 2003

Breastfeeding permitted in the Senate

The Senate amends its Standing Orders (SO 175) permitting senators to breastfeed an infant in the chamber.

  

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15 May 2003

Governor-General called on to resign

The Senate calls for Governor-General Peter Hollingworth to resign, following controversy about his role in handling sex abuse allegations within the Anglican Church.

Hollingworth subsequently resigns on 25 May 2003.

  

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29 May 2003

Censure Motion

The House of Representatives censures Laurie Ferguson (ALP, Reid, NSW) for 'attempting unsuccessfully to conduct a campaign of innuendo, imputation and smear against the Minister for Immigration' and 'failing to substantiate his claims when compelled by the House to do so'.

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16 June 2003

ALP leadership challenge

Kim Beazley (ALP, Brand, WA) unsuccessfully challenges Simon Crean (ALP, Hotham, Vic) for the ALP leadership.

 

ch_6.

11 August 2003

New Governor-General

Major-General Michael Jeffery, AC, CVO, MC (retd) is sworn in as Australia's 24th Governor-General.

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7 October 2003

Censure Motion

The Senate censures Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) for 'misleading the Australian Parliament and the Australian people in his justification for taking this country to war with Iraq'.

  

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11 October 2003

The Nationals

The National Party of Australia relaunches itself as 'The Nationals' at its federal party conference. It is the party's third name change since the Australian Country Party was first established in 1920.

  

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16 October 2003

Bali bombing memorial

A memorial to the victims of the Bali terrorist attack is unveiled in the gardens of Parliament House by Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW). Approximately 550 survivors and family members attend the ceremony, where 12 doves are released and the flags are lowered to half-mast.

  

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23 October 2003

President of United States addresses Parliament

US President George W Bush addresses a joint meeting of Parliament. Senators Bob Brown (AG, Tas) and Kerry Nettle (AG, NSW) are suspended from the House for interjecting and not leaving the chamber when directed.

  

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24 October 2003

Visit by the President of the People's Republic of China

China's President Hu Jintao addresses a joint meeting of both Houses of Parliament during his state visit to Australia.

His address follows motions from Senator Lyn Allison (AD, Vic) that both he and the US President George W Bush be received in the Great Hall. The motions reflect minor party opposition to an address in the House of Representatives by a non-democratically elected Head of State. Following interjections during President Bush's address on the previous day, Greens Senators Bob Brown (AG, Tas) and Kerry Nettle (AG, NSW) do not attend President Hu's address. The events are subsequently considered by the Senate Privileges and Procedure Committees which recommend that any future addresses be to the House of Representatives to which senators are invited as guests. The recommendation is adopted for all future such addresses.

ch_6.

29 October 2003

Bogong moth infestation

Senator Meg Lees (APA, SA) expresses concern about how poisons used to kill bogong moths at Parliament House would impact local birdlife.

Parliament House acts as a giant beacon for moths as they pass through the Canberra area during October and November.

 

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27 November 2003

New Department of Parliamentary Services Secretary announced

Hilary Penfold QC is announced as the first Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services. She commences in the role on 1 February 2004.

  

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2 December 2003

ALP leadership change

Mark Latham (ALP, Werriwa, NSW) and Kim Beazley (ALP, Brand, WA) contest the ALP leadership, following Simon Crean's (ALP, Hotham, Vic) resignation on 28 November. Latham is elected leader, 47 votes to 45.

ch_6.

2004

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8 February 2004

Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement

The Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile (NP, Lyne, NSW), announces that Australia has formalised the Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement.

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12 February 2004

Man jumps onto floor of chamber

Security guards remove a man from the House of Representatives Chamber after he jumps down from the public gallery during Question Time. He is later charged with disrupting the procedures of the Parliament, causing alarm and fear to members of the House of Representatives and intimidating officials, and is ordered not to go within 100 metres of Parliament House.

  

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1 March 2004

Visit by Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Sir Allan Kemakeza, gives a joint press conference with Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) after the leaders discussed the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands intervention.

  

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30 March 2004

Censure Motion

The Senate censures the Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Robert Hill (LP, SA), for failing to comply with an order of the Senate requiring him to table documents.

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31 March 2004

Senate: Casual vacancy Victoria

Mitch Fifield (LP, Vic) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Richard Alston (LP, Vic) on 10 February.

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18 April 2004

Cabinet Room flooded

The Cabinet Room is flooded, resulting in extensive carpet damage and minor damage to the parquetry flooring, walls, ceilings and furniture within the vicinity.

  

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12 May 2004

Twenty-millionth visitor

The Parliament's Presiding Officers welcome the 20-millionth visitor to Parliament House since its 1988 opening.

  

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20 June 2004

Second Royal Commission to inquire into the Centenary House lease

The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock (LP, Berowra, NSW), announces a second Commission of Inquiry into the ALP-owned Centenary House lease arrangements. On 24 June, Governor-General Michael Jeffery issues the letters patent establishing the Commission.

Commissioner David Hunt submits his report on 3 December 2004.

  

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21 June 2004

Censure Motion

The Senate censures the Minister for Defence, Senator Robert Hill (LP, SA), for his actions in response to 'reports of abuse of Iraqi prisoners by United States of America personnel'.

  

ch_7.

22 June 2004

Parliament House Vista heritage-listed

The Australian Heritage Council adds the Parliament House Vista to the Commonwealth Heritage List. Parliament House's heritage status is the subject of ongoing debate, given the unique position of the parliamentary precincts.

  

ch_7.

3 August 2004

Condolence Motions for Dr Henry Jenkins

The House of Representatives and Senate move Condolence Motions in honour of former Speaker Dr Henry (Harry) Jenkins (ALP, Scullin, Vic) who died on 27 July.

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9 October 2004

2004 federal election

For the second successive election, the Liberal/Nationals Coalition Government is returned with an increased majority.

The Liberal Party wins 74 seats in the House of Representatives, their second-highest result, while the Nationals win 12 seats, their lowest number since World War II. The NT Country Liberal Party returns one candidate.

For only the sixth time since 1949, a positive two-party preferred swing is recorded to the incumbent government. In terms of first-preference votes, the Liberal Party records over 40% for the first time since 1975, while the ALP records its lowest post-World War II first-preference vote. They win 60 seats. Independents hold three.

In the Senate, the Coalition wins 38 seats and wins control of the chamber for the first time since 1980. The Coalition parties win four of the six Queensland seats, the first time that this has been achieved in any state.

The informal vote in the House of Representatives (5.2%) is the second highest since 1949.

  

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26 October 2004

Howard Ministry

Governor-General Michael Jeffery swears in the fourth Howard Ministry.

Of the 42 members of the fourth Howard Ministry, nine (21%) are women, three of these are members of Cabinet. The ministry comprises 36 Liberals (86%) and six Nationals (14%).

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3 November 2004

Australian Democrats leadership change

Senator Andrew Bartlett (AD, Qld) does not re-contest the Australian Democrats leadership following the 2004 election. At a party room ballot his deputy Senator Lyn Allison (AD, Vic) becomes leader.

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16 November 2004

Opening of the 41st Parliament

The Governor-General, Major-General Michael Jeffery, opens the 41st Parliament.

  

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16 November 2004

Change of Speaker

David Hawker (LP, Wannon, Vic) is elected as the 25th Speaker of the House of Representatives, succeeding Neil Andrew (LP, Wakefield, SA).

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9 December 2004

Condolence Motion for Alan Browning

The Parliament expresses its condolences following Alan Browning's death. Mr Browning served as Clerk of the House of Representatives from 1985 to 1991.

  

ch_7.

2005

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28 January 2005

ALP leadership change

Kim Beazley (ALP, Brand, WA) is elected unopposed as ALP leader, following Mark Latham's (ALP, Werriwa, NSW) resignation on 21 January due to ill health.

  

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8 February 2005

South Australian bushfires

Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) addresses the chamber about the devastating South Australian bushfires that killed nine people and caused considerable damage to property.

 

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8 February 2005

Indian Ocean Boxing Day tsunami 2004

The Parliament expresses its deepest condolences at the tragic loss of life and property caused by the Boxing Day tsunami, the most severe tsunami disaster in the last 40 years.

  

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15 February 2005

Visit by Sultan of Brunei

Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah meets with Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) during a state visit.

  

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9 March 2005

State visit by HRH Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark

Danish Royals Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary are officially received in the Senate President's suite by the Presiding Officers and presented with a book on the Australian Parliament.

 

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10 March 2005

New Auditor-General appointed

Ian McPhee is appointed as the 14th Auditor-General, replacing Patrick Barrett.

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17 March 2005

Visit by Prime Minister of Norway

Norway's Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik and Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) give a joint press conference during a state visit.

  

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19 March 2005

Werriwa, NSW, by-election

Chris Hayes (ALP, Werriwa, NSW) wins the by-election triggered by the resignation of Mark Latham (ALP, Werriwa, NSW). There were 16 candidates, the third-highest number for a by-election since 1901.

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1 April 2005

Joint Standing Committee on the Parliamentary Library and Parliamentary Librarian

The Parliamentary Service Act 1999 is amended to establish the statutory position of the Parliamentary Librarian. The Act also establishes the Joint Standing Committee on the Parliamentary Library, which supersedes the previous House and Senate standing committee's functions.

The Parliamentary Service Amendment Act 2005 receives Royal Assent on 1 April 2005.

  

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4 April 2005

Visit by President of the Republic of Indonesia

Indonesia's President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visits Parliament House during his state visit to Australia.

 

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7 April 2005

Visit by Prime Minister of Malaysia

Malaysia's Prime Minister, Dr Abdullah Badawi delivers a joint press conference with Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW).

  

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15 April 2005

Memorial service for victims of RAN helicopter crash

Parliament House hosts a national commemorative service for nine ADF personnel killed when their Navy Sea King helicopter crashed in Indonesia. The crash occurred while the crew was conducting a humanitarian aid sortie.

  

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5 May 2005

Visit by Vietnamese Prime Minister

Vietnam's Prime Minister Mr Phan Van Khai participates in a joint press conference with Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW).

 

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5 May 2005

Senate: Casual vacancy New South Wales

Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (LP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of John Tierney (LP, NSW) on 14 April.

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3 June 2005

Capital Hill Unconformity heritage-listed

A geological feature known as the Capital Hill Unconformity beneath Parliament House is entered in the Commonwealth Heritage List, together with the State Circle Cutting. These sites provide keys to interpreting the Canberra region's ancient geological landscape.

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14 June 2005

White powder security incidents

The Speaker addresses enhanced security measures to reduce items containing hazardous substances entering Parliament House.

This follows three incidents over the previous fortnight where (ultimately non-hazardous) white powder is found in letters delivered to the building.

 

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15 June 2005

Visit by President of the Islamic republic of Pakistan

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf becomes the first Pakistani Head of State to visit Australia.

  

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23 June 2005

Nationals leadership change

Mark Vaile (NP, Lyne, NSW) becomes leader-elect of the Nationals following John Anderson's (NP, Gwydir, NSW) resignation. Mr Vaile is confirmed as the Nationals new leader on 6 July.

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14 July 2005

Visit by President of the Republic of Chile

Chile's President Ricardo Lagos Escobar and Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) hold a joint press conference at Parliament House.

  

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9 August 2005

New Senate sworn in

State senators elected in October 2004 take their seats in the Senate for the first time. The new Senate comprises 39 Coalition senators, 28 ALP senators, four Australian Democrats senators, four Australian Greens senators, and one Family First senator.

From 1 July 2005, 28.3% of Australian federal parliamentarians are women. In the Senate the figure is 35.5%, while in the House of Representatives it is 24.7%.

  

ch_7.

9 August 2005

Terrorist attack on London transport 7 July

The Australian Parliament records its 'repugnance, horror and disgust' towards the recent terrorist attacks on the London transport system that killed 52 people.

 

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25 August 2005

Senate: Casual vacancy Tasmania

Carol Brown (ALP, Tas) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Susan Mackay (ALP, Tas) on 29 July.

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September 2005

Security wall

A waist-high 40cm thick security wall is built around Parliament House in response to heightened concerns about security.

The wall is part of an $11.7 million security upgrade that includes retractable metal bollards at all access roads, and strengthened external windows around ministerial offices.

  

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5 September 2005

United States of America Hurricane Katrina

Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) conveys 'our profound sympathy on the terrible devastation and apparently very large loss of life occasioned by Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast region'.

  

ch_7.

5 October 2005

New Parliamentary Librarian announced

Roxanne Missingham is announced as the ninth Parliamentary Librarian. Ms Missingham commences in the role on 6 December 2005.

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10 October 2005

Condemnation of Bali terrorist attack

Motions in the House of Representatives and the Senate convey the Parliament's 'condemnation and outrage' at the terrorist attacks which took place in Bali on 1 October 2005.

  

ch_7.

10 November 2005

Inquiry into certain Australian companies in relation to the UN Oil-for-Food Programme

The Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock (LP, Berowra, NSW), announces that former judge Terence Cole will head an inquiry into whether certain Australian companies breached the law regarding the United Nations Oil-for-Food Programme.

The inquiry's five-volume final report is tabled on 27 November 2006.

Final Report and Letters Patent:
Volume 1
Volume 2
Volume 3
Volume 4
Volume 5

ch_7.

28 November 2005

Greens decide on a parliamentary leader

Senator Bob Brown (AG, Tas) is elected unopposed as parliamentary party leader of the Australian Greens. He becomes the first person to fill this role in the party.

 

ch_7.

30 November 2005

3,000 'Candles of Hope'

Protesters light 3,000 Candles of Hope at Parliament House's Federation Mall as part of a clemency campaign for Australian Van Tuong Nguyen. He was convicted of drug trafficking in March 2004 and faces execution in Singapore's Changi Prison, with the case sparking parliamentary debate regarding the death penalty.

  

ch_7.

8 December 2005

Abortion pill RU486

In a rare expression of cross-party cooperation, four women from the Australian Democrats, Australian Labor Party, Liberal Party and Nationals jointly introduce a Private Senators' Bill to remove ministerial power over the availability of the 'abortion pill', RU486.

Senators Claire Moore (ALP, Qld), Lyn Allison (AD, Vic), Judith Troeth (LP, Vic), and Fiona Nash (NP, NSW) co-sponsor the Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Repeal of Ministerial Responsibility for Approval of RU486) Bill 2005. The Bill receives Royal Assent on 3 March 2006, becoming one of only 13 Private Senators' Bills to become law since 1901.

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2006

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23 January 2006

Change of Party representation

Senator Julian McGauran (LP, Vic) resigns from the National Party to sit as a member of the Liberal Party.

ch_7.

8 February 2006

Visit by New Zealand Prime Minister

New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark and Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) hold a joint press conference at Parliament House.

  

ch_7.

14 March 2006

Visit by Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh

Her Majesty The Queen and Prince Philip attend a dinner at Parliament House during their state visit to Australia.

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27 March 2006

Visit by UK Prime Minister Tony Blair

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair addresses Parliament, and becomes the first visiting foreign Head of State to speak in the House of Representatives where senators are invited guests.

ch_7.

3 April 2006

Visit from Premier of China

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) hold a joint press conference at Parliament House.

  

ch_7.

4 April 2006

Visit by Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Dutch Prime Minister Dr Jan Peter Balkenende visits Parliament House during his official visit to Australia. It is the first visit by a Dutch Prime Minister since 1997.

  

ch_7.

 4 May 2006

Senate: Casual vacancy South Australia

Cory Bernardi (LP, SA) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Robert Hill (LP, SA) on 15 March.

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29 May 2006

Beaconsfield miners' reception

A public reception is hosted in the Great Hall by Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) for Tasmanian miners Brant Webb and Todd Russell and those involved in their rescue. Miner Larry Knight who died in the rockfall is also remembered.

  

ch_7.

13 June 2006

Condolence Motion for Roy Bullock OBE

The Parliament expresses its condolences following Roy Bullock's death on 13 May 2006. Mr Bullock was Clerk of the Senate from 1979 to 1980.

ch_7.

14 June 2006

Visit by Prime Minister of Singapore

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong gives a joint press conference with Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW). It is his first visit to Australia as Prime Minister.

  

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7 September 2006

Visit by Prime Minister of the Republic of the Fiji Islands

Fiji's Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) hold a joint press conference at Parliament House during Mr Qarase's official visit to Australia.

  

ch_7.

12 October 2006

Visit by Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste's President, Dr José Ramos-Horta holds a joint press conference at Parliament House with Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) and later attends an informal lunch.

  

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19 October 2006

Human cloning laws

Senator Kay Patterson (LP, Vic) introduces a Private Senator's Bill regarding human cloning and embryo research. It receives Royal Assent on 12 December.

The Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction and the Regulation of Human Embryo Research Amendment Act 2006 is only the 13th Private Senator's Bill to become law since 1901.

ch_7.

19 November 2006

Telstra sale

The Australian Government concludes Telstra's privatisation by completing the Stage 3 (T3) share offering. This sale creates $15.5 billion in proceeds for the Australian government.

 

ch_7.

27 November 2006

Condolence Motion for Sir Harold Young

The Parliament pays tribute to former Senate President Sir Harold Young, KCMG (LP, SA) who died on 21 November.

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4 December 2006

ALP leadership change

Kevin Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld) is elected ALP leader 49 to 39 votes in a party room ballot against the incumbent Kim Beazley (ALP, Brand, WA).

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6 December 2006

Visit by President of the Republic of Korea

South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun holds a joint press conference at Parliament House with Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) as part of his first state visit.

  

ch_7.

7 December 2006

Inquiry into Indigenous stolen wages

Chair of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, Senator Marise Payne (LP, NSW), tables its Unfinished business: Indigenous stolen wages report which the Senate then debates.

The report recommends that Commonwealth, state and territory governments establish compensation schemes for affected people.

  

ch_7.

2007

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10 April 2007

Memorial service for Senator Jeannie Ferris

Senator Jeannie Ferris (LP, SA) is farewelled in a memorial service in the Great Hall following her death on 2 April.

The House of Representatives and the Senate move Condolence Motions on 8 May.

ch_7.

19 April 2007

Senate: Casual vacancy Queensland

Suzanne Boyce (LP, Qld) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Santo Santoro (LP, Qld) on 11 April.

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3 May 2007

Senate: Casual vacancy South Australia

Simon Birmingham (LP, SA) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the death of Senator Jeannie Ferris (LP, SA) on 2 April.

ch_7.

9 May 2007

Condolence Motions for Alan Cumming Thom

The Parliament expresses its condolences following the death on 14 April 2007 of Alan Cumming Thom, Clerk of the Senate from 1982 to 1988.

ch_7.

31 May 2007

Visit by the President of the Republic of the Philippines

The Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo visits Parliament House during her official visit to Australia. It is the first visit by a Philippines President since 1995.

  

ch_7.

 6 June 2007

Senate: Casual vacancy South Australia

Mary Jo Fisher (LP, SA) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Amanda Vanstone (LP, SA) on 26 April.

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12 June 2007

Kerang rail accident and New South Wales floods

Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) expresses the Parliament's sympathies following a tragic level crossing accident at Kerang (Vic) and severe flooding and violent storms in the NSW Hunter and Central Coast regions.

 

ch_7.

19 June 2007

Senate: Casual vacancy Western Australia

Mathias Cormann (LP, WA) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Ian Campbell (LP, WA) on 31 May.

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13 August 2007

Message stick tabled in the Senate

Senator Bob Brown (AG, Tas) tables a message stick and translation in the Senate.

Raymattja Marika presented the message stick to the Parliament on behalf of the Northern Territory Indigenous peoples. It reads:

Stop the legislation. Sit down and talk. No more dispossession.

  

ch_7.

20 August 2007

Change of Party representation

Harry Quick (Ind, Franklin, Tas) sits as an Independent, having been expelled from the Labor Party.

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14 August 2007

Change of President of the Senate

Alan Ferguson (LP, SA) is elected as the 22nd President of the Senate, following Paul Calvert's (LP, Tas) resignation from that position.

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30 August 2007

Senate: Casual vacancy Tasmania

David Bushby (LP, Tas) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Paul Calvert (LP, Tas) from the Parliament on 29 August.

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2 September 2007

Equine influenza inquiry

Following an equine influenza (horse flu) outbreak in Australia, Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) announces an inquiry, to be led by retired judge Ian Callinan. The inquiry's final report is tabled on 16 June 2008.

  

ch_7.

11 September 2007

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper addresses Parliament

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper addresses the Parliament.

  

ch_7.

11 September 2007

Condolence Motion for Harold Weir

The House of Representatives expresses condolences following the death of Harold Weir, who served as Parliamentary Librarian from 1978 to 1981.

ch_7.

24 November 2007

2007 federal election

The ALP returns to office for the first time since 1996, winning 83 seats despite achieving its second-lowest first-preference vote (43.4%). Prime Minister John Howard (LP, Bennelong, NSW) becomes only the second Prime Minister (after Stanley Bruce in 1929) to lose his seat in an election.

The House of Representatives comprises 83 ALP MPs, 65 Coalition MPs, and two Independent MPs.

The Coalition loses its Senate majority, but still maintains 37 seats, five more than the Government. The Australian Greens increase its seats to five and Nick Xenophon (Ind, SA) also joins the Senate. However, the last four Australian Democrats leave the Senate, with two resignations and two election defeats.

  

ch_7.

29 November 2007

Opposition leadership change

Brendan Nelson (LP, Bradfield, NSW) is elected as Liberal Party leader, following his victory in a party room ballot against Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW).

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3 December 2007

Rudd Ministry

Governor-General Michael Jeffery swears in the Rudd Ministry.

Of the 42 members of the Rudd Ministry, 10 (24%) are women, and four of these are members of Cabinet.

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3 December 2007

Nationals leadership change

Warren Truss (NP, Wide Bay, Qld) is elected unopposed as Nationals leader following Mark Vaile's (NP, Lyne, NSW) resignation on 30 July.

ch_7.

13 December 2007

Matt Price memorial service

Parliament Press Gallery journalist Matt Price is farewelled at a memorial service in the Great Hall.

  

ch_7.

2008

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January 2008

Landscape trial

The Department of Parliamentary Services commences a landscape trial using different varieties of couch grass on the extensive lawns of Parliament House.

The trial forms part of the Parliament's environmental management program aiming to reduce energy and water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste generation.

 

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12 February 2008

42nd Parliament opened

Governor-General Michael Jeffery opens the 42nd Parliament.

  

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12 February 2008

First Welcome to Country ceremony

The first Welcome to Country ceremony is held at the opening of the 42nd Parliament.

Ngambri elder Matilda House-Williams presents Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld) with a message stick.

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12 February 2008

Change of Speaker

Harry Jenkins (ALP, Scullin, Vic) is elected as the 26th Speaker of the House of Representatives, succeeding David Hawker (LP, Wannon, Vic).

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12 February 2008

Nursing mothers proxy vote

The House of Representatives allows members who are nursing mothers a proxy vote (except on Constitution Alteration Bills).

The provision is first used on 20 October 2008 by Sophie Mirabella (LP, Indi, Vic).

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13 February 2008

Apology to Stolen Generations

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld) offers a formal Apology to Australia's Indigenous peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations, on behalf of the nation:

We apologise for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians.

We apologise especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, their communities and their country …

Following the speeches, Lorraine Peeters (Weilwun and Gamilaroi peoples), acting on behalf of the Stolen Generations present in the Parliament, presents a glass coolamon to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, Brendan Nelson (LP, Bradfield, NSW). The coolamon – made by Bai Bai Napangardi, an artist from the Balgo community (WA) – contains a message that said: 

On behalf of our people, thank you for saying sorry. In return we give you this gift on behalf of us affected by being taken away from our families. This is our way of saying thank you. The gift is a glass coolamon, fragile yet strong. Coolamons have carried our children. The gift is a symbol of the hope we place in the new relationship you wish to forge with our people. A relationship that itself is fragile yet strong. We have a new covenant between our peoples, that we will do all we can to make sure our children are carried forward, loved and nurtured and able to live a full life.

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27 February 2008

Visit by New Zealand Prime Minister

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark holds a joint press conference at Parliament House with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld) during her state visit.

  

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19 March 2008

New Department of Parliamentary Services Secretary announced

Alan Thompson is announced as the second Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services, taking over from Hilary Penfold. Mr Thompson commences in the role on 20 May 2008.

  

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19–20 April 2008

2020 Summit

Parliament House hosts the Government's two-day Australia 2020 Summit. The Summit is designed to develop long-term national policy options across 10 critical areas. It involves 1,000 Australians who are leaders in their fields.

  

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9 May 2008

20th anniversary of Parliament House

Parliament House celebrates the 20th anniversary of its official opening.

The commemorations focus on the 'the contribution of those who were involved in the design and construction of the building'. Approximately 1,000 workers attend the ceremony in the Great Hall.

  

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29 May 2008

Censure Motion

The House of Representatives censures the Opposition leader, Brendan Nelson (LP, Bradfield, NSW) for his 'failure to stand up for the interests of Australian motorists and consumers', 'capitulating to the interests of big oil companies', 'failing to put forward fully costed budget proposals' and 'continuing the practice of economic irresponsibility'.

  

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28 June 2008

Gippsland, Vic, by-election

Darren Chester (NP, Gippsland, Vic) wins the by-election triggered by the resignation of Peter McGauran (NP, Gippsland, Vic) on 9 April.

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25 July 2008

Bark petition presented

Following Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's (ALP, Griffith, Qld) apology to the Stolen Generations, Galarrwuy Yunupingu presents the Prime Minister with a bark petition requesting 'full recognition of Indigenous rights in the Australian Constitution'.

  

ch_7.

26 August 2008

The new Senate sits

New state senators elected in the 2007 election take their seats for the first time.

The Senate comprises 37 Coalition senators, 32 ALP senators, five Australian Greens senators, one Family First senator, and one Independent senator.

From 1 July 2008 the Australian federal parliament comprises 29.6% women (35.5% of senators and 26.7% of MPs).

  

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26 August 2008

Change of President of the Senate

Senator John Hogg (ALP, Qld) is elected as the 23rd President of the Senate, succeeding Alan Ferguson (LP, SA).

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5 September 2008

First woman Governor-General

Quentin Bryce AC is sworn in as Australia's 25th Governor-General. She is the first woman to hold that position.

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6 September 2008

Lyne, NSW, by-election

Rob Oakeshott (Ind, Lyne, NSW) wins the by-election triggered by the resignation of Mark Vaile (NP, Lyne, NSW) on 30 July.

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6 September 2008

Mayo, SA, by-election

Jamie Briggs (LP, Mayo, SA) wins the by-election triggered by the resignation of Alexander Downer (LP, Mayo, SA) on 14 July.

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16 September 2008

Liberals leadership change

Malcom Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) is elected leader of the Liberal Party after he defeats Brendan Nelson (LP, Bradfield, NSW) in a party room spill motion.

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26 November 2008

Global Financial Crisis

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld) gives an economic statement on the Global Financial Crisis. He details the impact on Australian families, government action to date, and the economic future strategy.

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1 December 2008

Protesters removed from House of Representatives

Several protesters are removed from the House of Representatives, including a man who jumps from the public gallery into the chamber.

  

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3 December 2008

'Cash for photograph' scandal

James Bidgood (ALP, Dawson, Qld) allegedly attempts to sell photographs (for a donation to charity) taken of a protester who threatens to set himself alight outside Parliament House. The Speaker of the House of Representatives refers the matter to the Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests for its considerations of a possible code of conduct for members.

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2009

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9 February 2009

Condolence Motion for the Victorian bushfire victims

The House of Representatives suspends sitting until 2pm when a Condolence Motion for the 'Black Saturday' Victorian bushfires victims is debated. 173 people died in the tragedy. The Senate likewise expresses its deep regret at the loss of life, and its heartfelt concerns to those injured and to the families and friends of the deceased and injured.

  

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13 February 2009

Economic stimulus package

The Senate passes the Government's $42 billion economic stimulus package as a key response to the Global Financial Crisis.

  

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26 February 2009

Ministerial Statement: 'Closing the Gap'

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld) makes the first Ministerial Statement on the Closing the Gap National Agreement and tables the first annual report.

  

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5 March 2009

Visit by President of the Republic of Korea

South Korea's President Lee Myung-bak meets with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld) during a state visit.

  

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11 March 2009

Senate: Casual vacancy Western Australia

Chris Back (LP, WA) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Chris Ellison (LP, WA) on 30 January.

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28 April 2009

Visit by Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Michael Somare gives a joint press conference with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld).

  

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22 June 2009

Censure Motion

The House of Representatives censures the Opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) for 'relying on, actively communicating and promoting the contents of a fake email to attack the integrity of the Prime Minister and the Treasurer'.

  

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24 June 2009

Childcare centre opens

Almost three decades after the opening of Parliament House, a childcare centre opens in the former Non-Members' bar area. The conversion costs approximately $380,000.

  

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31 July 2009

Memorial service for Craig Senger

A memorial service is held in the Great Hall for Craig Senger, the first Australian diplomat to be killed in a terrorist attack. He was one of three Australians killed in terrorist bombings at Jakarta's JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels on 17 July.

On 11 August, Condolence Motions in the House of Representatives and the Senate pay tribute to the three Australians – Craig Senger, Garth McEvoy and Nathan Verity – and extends profound sympathies to their families.

  

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20 August 2009

Visit by New Zealand Prime Minister

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key participates in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld).

  

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20 October 2009

Queensland bushfires

Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard (ALP, Lalor, Vic) informs the House about the Government's disaster assistance to communities affected by the Queensland bushfires.

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16 November 2009

Apology to the Forgotten Australians

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld) apologises on behalf of the nation to more than 500,000 'Forgotten Australians' and former child migrants, many of whom suffered abuse and neglect while in out-of-home care.

  

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19 November 2009

Retirement of the Clerk of the Senate

Harry Evans retires as Clerk of the Senate. Having commenced in 1988, he is the longest serving Clerk of the Australian Senate. Rosemary Laing commences in the role on 5 December 2009.

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1 December 2009

Liberals leadership change

Tony Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW) is elected as Liberal Party leader in a party room ballot (42–41), defeating Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW).

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4 December 2009

Retirement of the Clerk of the House of Representatives

Ian Harris AO retires as Clerk of the House of Representatives, having served since July 1997. The new Clerk, Bernard Wright, commences the following day.

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5 December 2009

Bradfield, NSW, by-election

Paul Fletcher (LP, Bradfield, NSW) wins the by-election triggered by Brendan Nelson's (LP, Bradfield, NSW) resignation on 19 October.

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5 December 2009

Higgins, Vic, by-election

Kelly O'Dwyer (LP, Higgins, Vic) wins the by-election triggered by the resignation of Peter Costello (LP, Higgins, Vic) on 19 October.

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18 December 2009

Maralinga nuclear test site returned to traditional owners

The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson (ALP, Batman, Vic), advises the House of the return of the Maralinga (SA) former nuclear testing site to its traditional owners, the Maralinga Tjarutja community. This ceremony follows a five-year rehabilitation project to safely remediate the site.

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2010

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22 February 2010

Censure Motion

The House of Representatives censures the Opposition leader Tony Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW) 'for his extreme and reckless statements regarding the Government's Economic Stimulus Measures, his statement that he would oppose Government measures as a matter of policy, and his failure to advance fully costed alternative policy proposals'.

  

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23 February 2010

Censure Motion

The Senate censures the Government for 'its gross and systematic failure in the delivery of its climate change programs, including home insulation, green loans, solar rebate, renewable remote power generation program and the renewable energy target'.

  

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9 March 2010

Queensland floods

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld) speaks about the significant flooding across Queensland.

 

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10 March 2010

Visit by President of the Republic of Indonesia

Indonesia's President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono meets with Australia's Prime Minister and Foreign and Defence Ministers during a state visit.

  

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20 May 2010

Change of Party representation

Having been expelled from the Liberal National Party of Queensland, Michael Johnson (Ind, Ryan, Qld) sits as an Independent for the remainder of his term.

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3 June 2010

Visit by President of the Republic of the Maldives

The Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed speaks with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld) about shared interests on his state visit.

  

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21 June 2010

Visit by President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste's President Dr José Ramos-Horta meets Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld) and Governor-General Quentin Bryce during his state visit. Dr Horta also opens a new Timor-Leste embassy in Canberra.

  

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23 June 2010

Welcome to Country confirmed

Both Houses amend their Standing Orders so that the opening of Parliament will include a Welcome to Country ceremony.

  

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24 June 2010

First woman Prime Minister

Julia Gillard (ALP, Lalor, Vic) is elected unopposed as ALP leader after current Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld) chooses not to contest the leadership in a party room ballot.

She becomes the 27th Prime Minister of Australia, and the first woman to hold that position. As a Welsh-born migrant, she is also Australia's first overseas-born Prime Minister since Billy Hughes (LP, Bradfield, NSW).

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24 June 2010

Gillard Ministry

Governor-General Quentin Bryce swears in the Gillard Ministry.

Of the 40 members of the Gillard Ministry, nine (23%) are women, and four of these are members of Cabinet.

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21 August 2010

2010 federal election

The election results in a 'hung' parliament, the Government being returned with the support of the Greens and three of the four Independents. The House of Representatives comprises 72 ALP MPs, 73 Coalition MPs, one AG MP, and four Independent MPs.

In the Senate, the Greens achieve the balance of power, winning six seats to make a total of nine. The DLP sees its first senator John Madigan (DLP, Vic) elected since 1970.

From 1 July 2011 the Australian parliament is made up of 29.6% women – 39.5% of senators and 24.7% of members of the House of Representatives.

  

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2 September 2010

'Lines that Speak' exhibition

To commemorate Romaldo Giurgola's 90th birthday, Parliament House hosts the 'Lines that speak: architectural drawings of Romaldo Giurgola' exhibition.

  

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14 September 2010

Gillard Ministry

The Governor General swears in the second Gillard Ministry.

Of the 42 members, 12 (29%) are women, and four of these are members of Cabinet.

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28 September 2010

Opening of 43rd Parliament

Governor-General Quentin Bryce opens the 43rd Parliament.

  

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29 September 2010

Changes to procedures in House of Representatives

As a result of the Agreement for a better Parliament: Parliamentary Reform, the House of Representatives agrees to amend the Standing Orders.

  

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29 September 2010

First Indigenous Member of the House of Representatives

The first Indigenous Member of the House of Representatives Ken Wyatt (LP, Hasluck, WA), gives his first speech.

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3 October 2010

High-security briefing room

A new Parliament House high-security emergency response briefing room is declared operational.

It is designed to be a central coordination point during times of national and international crisis.

  

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26 October 2010

Youngest Parliamentarian

Wyatt Roy (LP, Longman, Qld), the youngest elected MP, gives his first speech.

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25 November 2010

Cambodia festival disaster

Prime Minister Julia Gillard (ALP, Lalor, Vic) expresses condolences to Cambodia's government and people for the recent Water Festival tragedy in Phnom Penh, where 380 people died.

 

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2011

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8 February 2011

Cyclone Yasi, unprecedented floods, and bushfires

Prime Minister Julia Gillard (ALP, Lalor, Vic) 'acknowledge[s] with great sadness' the devastation caused by unprecedented floods, Cyclone Yasi and bushfires.

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9 February 2011

Christmas Island boat disaster

Prime Minister Julia Gillard (ALP, Lalor, Vic) speaks on the tragic loss of 50 lives which occurred on 15 December when a vessel carrying asylum seekers sank off Christmas Island. The incident becomes the subject of a House Committee report.

  

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23 February 2011

Visit by Mongolian Prime Minister Sukhbaatar Batbold

Mongolian Prime Minister, Sukhbaatar Batbold, is welcomed to Parliament House as part of his official visit to Australia. During his visit he signs a Memorandum of Understanding on Vocational Education and Training with Mongolia.

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3 March 2011

Visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak

Malaysian Prime Minister, Najib Razak, visits Parliament House, the third visit by a Malaysian Prime Minister in 30 years.

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11 March 2011

Parliament House lights up

Parliament House is illuminated during the ACT Government's 'Enlighten' Canberra Festival. 'Enlighten' includes illuminated projections on several buildings, showcasing Canberra's most famous tourist attractions.

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21 March 2011

Japan natural disasters

Parliament expresses its deep shock at the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear emergency that has struck Japan. The government commits $10m to the Australian Red Cross Japan and Pacific disaster appeal.

  

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21 March 2011

New Zealand earthquake

Parliament expresses its condolences to the people of New Zealand after the devastating Christchurch earthquake in February.

  

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5–11 April 2011

Visit by Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference

The Chairman of China's National Committee of the Chinese People Political Consultative Conference, Jia Qinglin, visits Parliament House. He meets with Prime Minister Julia Gillard (ALP, Lalor, Vic) and members of her ministry.

  

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31 May 2011

Confidence in the Speaker

Speaker Harry Jenkins (ALP, Scullin, Vic) names a member for continued interjections after having been warned. However, the motion to suspend the member is defeated.

Given the result, the Speaker states his intention to consider his position. But the Opposition leader immediately moves a motion of confidence in the Speaker, which is agreed to on the voices.

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June 2011

Solar panels fitted

A section of the roof of Parliament House and the roof of the Gardener's Compound are fitted with solar panels as part of a pilot project to assess how alternative technologies can be integrated into the building systems.

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14 June 2011

Visit by Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama visits Parliament House as a guest of the All-Parliamentary Group for Tibet.

  

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14 June 2011

Indigenous banner tabled in the Senate

During a Senate debate on the National Radioactive Waste Management Bill 2010, Senator Scott Ludlam (AG, WA) tables a banner covered in handprints and containing exhortations in three different Indigenous languages saying 'No waste dump at Muckaty'.

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20 June 2011

Address by New Zealand Prime Minister

John Key becomes the first New Zealand Prime Minister to address the Australian Parliament.

  

ch_8.

10 August 2011

White powder security alert

Suspicious white powder is discovered in an envelope in the Parliament House ministerial wing. The building is locked down and 16 people isolated; however, the incident is identified as a hoax.

  

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22 August 2011

'Convoy of no confidence'

A 'Convoy of No Confidence' rally, involving 11 truck convoys from around Australia, gathers outside Parliament House.

The rally protests the Government's proposal to introduce a carbon pollution reduction scheme.

  

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25 August 2011

Condolences for the 22 July terrorist attacks in Norway

Parliament condemns the terrorist attacks in Norway where a gunman killed 77 people at a youth camp. Prime Minister Julia Gillard (ALP, Lalor, Vic) conveys the Parliament's deepest condolences to the victims, their families and the people of Norway.

  

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27 September 2011

A new Party

Bob Katter (KAP, Kennedy, Qld) registers Katter's Australian Party with the Australian Electoral Commission.

ch_8.

4–5 October 2011

Tax summit

The Government holds a two-day tax forum for 200 participants at Parliament House.

  

ch_8.

12 October 2011

Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme legislation

The House of Representatives passes the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme legislation, with crossbench support. The Clean Energy Bill 2011 and 17 related Bills pass the Senate on 8 November.

The package of legislation receives Royal Assent on 18 November. The Acts will be repealed in 2014.

  

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13 October 2011

Senate: Casual vacancy New South Wales

Arthur Sinodinos (LP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Helen Coonan (LP, NSW) on 22 August.

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21 October 2011

Royal Visit

During her 16th visit to Australia, Her Majesty The Queen, together with His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, attends a reception held in the Great Hall.

Her Majesty is officially welcomed by the Prime Minister Julia Gillard (ALP, Lalor, Vic) and gives a speech to invited guests.

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17 November 2011

Address by US President

The United States President, Barack Obama, addresses the Parliament, focusing on the relationship between Australia and the United States.

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22 November 2011

Visit by the Crown Prince and Princess of Denmark

Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark are honoured at a lunch in the Great Hall during an official visit to Australia.

  

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24 November 2011

Speaker resigns

Harry Jenkins (ALP, Scullin, Vic) unexpectedly resigns as Speaker.

Peter Slipper (LP, Fisher, Qld) is elected unopposed as the new Speaker and Anna Burke (ALP, Chisholm, Vic) is elected Deputy Speaker. On accepting the Speakership, Mr Slipper resigns from the Liberal Party to become an Independent.

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4 December 2011

Removal of Executive veto for Territories

The Territories Self-Government Legislation Amendment (Disallowance and Amendment of Laws) Act enters into force, removing the power of the Commonwealth Cabinet or a minister to veto or change Territory laws. It is the first Bill introduced by the Greens passed by the federal Parliament.

  

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7 December 2011

Human Rights scrutiny

The Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Bill 2011 receives Royal Assent, requiring government legislation to be accompanied by a statement setting out how it complies with the seven main United Nations human rights treaties to which Australia is a party. The Act also establishes a Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights to examine Bills and existing Acts for their compatibility with these treaties.

  

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2012

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27 January 2012

Aboriginal protest

Protesters from the Aboriginal Tent Embassy burn the Australian flag on Parliament House's front steps, amid tensions over the Tent Embassy's future.

  

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7 February 2012

Condolence Motions for Sir Zelman Cowen CMG, GCVO, PC, QC

The House of Representatives and Senate move Condolence Motions in honour of Australia's 19th Governor-General, Sir Zelman Cowen, who died on 8 December 2011.

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13 February 2012

Seven Historical Documents of Truth and Justice

The National Sorry Day Committee presents Seven Historical Documents of Truth and Justice to the Australian Parliament in a special ceremony marking the fourth anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations. The documents are presented in a traditional message stick carved by Wiradjuri artist Duncan Smith.

  

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14 February 2012

Speaker's procession introduced

Speaker Peter Slipper (Ind, Fisher, Qld) reintroduces the Speaker's procession by walking through the Members' Hall before entering the chamber.

This tradition had ceased when Parliament moved to its permanent home in 1988.

  

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27 February 2012

Federation Chamber

The Main Committee of the House of Representatives is renamed the Federation Chamber.

The House of Representatives Committee on Procedure had originally recommended a name change in 2004 to avoid confusion with the main committee room in Parliament House.

The chamber's new name reflects the Procedure Committee's recommendation that it should reflect 'a significant aspect of Australian culture or parliamentary democracy'.

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6 March 2012

Senate: Casual vacancy New South Wales

Bob Carr (ALP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Mark Arbib (ALP, NSW).

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13 March 2012

Australian floods

Prime Minister Julia Gillard (ALP, Lalor, Vic) acknowledges the considerable flooding that hit the eastern part of Australia, 'from Queensland right down to the Murray-Darling Basin'.

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16 April 2012    

Visit by President of Lebanon

Lebanon's President, Michel Suleiman attends a luncheon at Parliament House during his state visit to Australia.

  

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22 April 2012

Speaker steps aside

Speaker Peter Slipper (Ind, Fisher, Qld) states that he is standing aside as Speaker while he is investigated for alleged sexual harassment and fraud. Deputy Speaker, Anna Burke (ALP, Chisholm, Vic) will act as Speaker.

  

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29 April 2012

Change of Party representation

Having been suspended by the Labor Party, Craig Thomson (Ind, Dobell, NSW) sits as an Independent for the remainder of his term.

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2 May 2012

Senate: Casual vacancy Western Australia

Dean Smith (LP, WA) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the death of Senator Judith Adams (LP, WA).

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8 May 2012

Condolence Motions for Judith Adams

Condolence Motions in the House of Representatives and the Senate pay tribute to Senator Judith Adams who died in office on 31 March.

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10 May 2012

New Parliamentary Librarian

Dr Dianne Heriot is appointed as the 10th Commonwealth Parliamentary Librarian following the resignation of Roxanne Missingham in February 2012.

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28 May 2012

Visit by Prime Minister of Thailand

Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra attends a luncheon at Parliament House during her state visit to Australia.

  

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28 May 2012

New Secretary for the Department of Parliamentary Services

Carol Mills is appointed as the third Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services following the retirement of Alan Thompson.

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31 May 2012

Mabo Native Title decision remembered

The House of Representatives marks the 20th anniversary of the High Court's Mabo native title decision.

  

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20 June 2012

Senate: Casual vacancies Tasmania

Peter Whish-Wilson (AG, Tas) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Bob Brown (AG, Tas) on 15 June.

Lin Thorp (ALP, Tas) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Nick Sherry (ALP, Tas) on 1 June.

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23 July 2012

Visit by Prime Minister of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai attends a luncheon at Parliament House during his state visit to Australia.

  

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23 July 2012

Parliamentary Budget Officer appointed

Phil Bowen is appointed as the inaugural Parliamentary Budget Officer. The role of the Budget Office is to provide Parliament with independent analysis of the budget, fiscal policy and financial implications of policy proposals.

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20 August 2012

Opposition leader suspended from the House

Opposition leader Tony Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW) is suspended from the chamber for using un-parliamentary language during Question Time.

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21 August and 11 October 2012

Acknowledgement of Peter Norman, athlete

The Senate and House of Representatives acknowledge Peter Norman, silver medallist in the 200 metres at the 1968 Mexico Games who stood in solidarity, wearing an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge, during the medal ceremony as African–American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos gave the `black power' salute. Both chambers pass a motion acknowledging Norman's action in the cause of racial equality and apologising for the treatment he received on his return to Australia.

  

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22 August 2012

Visit by Prime Minister of Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo attends a luncheon at Parliament House during his state visit to Australia.

  

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5 September 2012

Senate: Casual vacancy South Australia

Anne Ruston (LP, SA) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Mary Jo Fisher (LP, SA) on 14 August.

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9 October 2012

'Misogyny speech'

In response to Opposition leader Tony Abbott's (LP, Warringah, NSW) motion to remove the Speaker, Peter Slipper (Ind, Fisher, Qld), from office, Prime Minister Julia Gillard (ALP, Lalor, Vic) delivers the what has become widely known as the 'Misogyny Speech', declaring

… to the Leader of the Opposition: I will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man. I will not. The government will not be lectured about sexism and misogyny by this man – not now, not ever.

The motion is defeated by one vote (69–70), but later in the day Mr Slipper resigns.

  

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9 October 2012

Change of Speaker

Deputy Speaker Anna Burke (ALP, Chisholm, Vic) is elected unopposed as Speaker following the resignation of Peter Slipper (Ind, Fisher, Qld).

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11 October 2012

Visit by Prime Minister of Singapore

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong attends a luncheon at Parliament House during his state visit to Australia.

  

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12 October 2012

Bali bombings national commemoration

Governor-General Quentin Bryce leads a National Commemoration in the Great Hall of Parliament House marking the 10th anniversary of the Bali bombings.

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24 October 2012

Extension of term for Governor-General

Governor-General Quentin Bryce is extended in the role for an additional six months until March 2014.

  

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10 November 2012

Visit by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall visit Canberra and attend a ceremony to mark the naming of Queen Elizabeth Terrace.

  

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12 November 2012

Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

Prime Minister Julia Gillard (ALP, Lalor, Vic) announces a Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Governor-General Quentin Bryce issues letters patent for the Commission on 11 January 2013.

The Royal Commission's 17-volume final report is released on 15 December 2017 and includes over 400 recommendations.

  

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26 November 2012

Apology to victims of sexual abuse in the Australian Defence Force

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith (ALP, Perth, WA) apologises on behalf of the Government to Australian Defence Force members who suffered sexual or other forms of abuse in the course of their service.

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28 November 2012

New rules for media

The Presiding Officers issue new rules for media-related activity in Parliament House and its precincts. The rules specify locations in public and private areas where media-related activity is prohibited, permitted, or permitted subject to approval.

  

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2013

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5 February 2013

Australian natural disasters

Prime Minister Julia Gillard (ALP, Lalor, Vic) acknowledges the tragic deaths of Australians in recent flooding and bushfire events across the country. Seven people were killed in flooding in Queensland, one resident in a bushfire in Victoria, and two firefighters died, one in Tasmania and another in Seaton, Victoria.

  

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13 February 2013

Indigenous constitutional recognition

On the fifth anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, the House of Representatives passes the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Bill 2012. The Bill acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have 'occupied this land from time immemorial' and 'seeks to foster momentum for a referendum for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders'.

  

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26 February 2013

Condolence Motions for Joan Child AO

Condolence Motions in the Parliament pay tribute to Joan Child (ALP, Henty, Vic), the first women elected as Speaker of the House of Representatives, who died on 23 February. She served as Speaker from 1986 to 1989.

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12 March 2013 

Commemorating the naming of Canberra

Governor-General Quentin Bryce and Prime Minister Julia Gillard (ALP Lalor, Vic) take part in a ceremony to celebrate Canberra's centenary. The event is held on the lawns of Parliament House near the site where Lady Denman announced the name of the new federal capital.

  

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13 March 2013

Tweeting from the House

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Anna Burke (ALP, Chisholm, Vic), decides to allow members 'tweeting' in the chamber. This ruling responds to the Manager of Opposition Business in the House, Christopher Pyne (LP, Sturt, SA), asking that a government backbencher withdraw a comment made on Twitter during Question Time.

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 13 March 2013

The centenary of the naming of Canberra

The Senate congratulates Canberra and its citizens on their centenary. The resolution recognises 'Canberra, through its national institutions, as a showcase of the hopes and aspirations, milestones and achievements of the Australian nation'.

  

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18 March 2013

Visit by the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Myanmar's President Thein Sein visits Canberra and meets with Prime Minister Julia Gillard (ALP, Lalor, Vic). The Prime Minister notes that it is the first visit by a head of state from Myanmar since 1974.

  

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21 March 2013

National Apology for forced adoptions

In a ceremony in the Great Hall of Parliament House, Prime Minister Julia Gillard (ALP, Lalor, Vic) apologises on behalf of the nation to those affected by forced adoption policies.

Motions of apology are moved in the House of Representatives and in the Senate. The Government also tables its response to the Senate Community Affairs Reference Committee report, Commonwealth Contribution to Former Forced Adoption Policies and Practices.

Between 2010–12 governments of all states and the Australian Capital Territory issued apologies to those affected by forced adoption.

  

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21 March 2013

National Disability Insurance Scheme

The Parliament passes the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2013, clearing the way for Disability Care Australia to be trialled from July 2013.

  

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30 March 2013

Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Amendment Act 2013

The Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Amendment Bill 2013 receives Royal Assent, giving the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly the power to independently determine its own size (by enactment agreed to by a two-thirds majority of the Assembly).

  

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9 May 2013

Parliament House turns 25

The 25th anniversary of permanent Parliament House's official opening is marked by a morning tea held in the Great Hall to acknowledge those who have worked at Parliament House.

The anniversary coincides with the Centenary of Canberra's celebrations, and the centenary organisers commission a work by the Australian Ballet dedicated to Romaldo Giurgola's Parliament House. The artistic director works in consultation with Parliament House architect Romaldo Giurgola, using the design principles of the building to shape the ballet.

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9 May 2013

Australia's first triangular coin to celebrate Parliament House's 25th anniversary

Australia's first triangular coin is minted to mark the 25th Anniversary of Parliament House. Launched at Australian Parliament House, the $5 coin depicts Parliament House, including its distinctive triangular Flagmast. The Royal Australian Mint produces 10,000 of these commemorative coins. It also produces a special 20-cent coin featuring Australian Parliament House with Old Parliament House in the foreground.

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14 and 16 May 2013

Condolence Motions for Baroness Margaret Thatcher

The House of Representatives and the Senate move Condolence Motions for former UK Prime Minister, Baroness Margaret Thatcher who died on 8 April, aged 87.

  

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15 May 2013

Senate: Casual vacancy Western Australia

Sue Lines (ALP, WA) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Chris Evans (ALP, WA) on 12 April.

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28 May 2013

Questions directed to non-government members

Following Rob Oakeshott's (Ind, Lyne, NSW) question to both the Prime Minister and Opposition leader, Anthony Albanese (ALP, Grayndler, NSW) moves a Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders so that Opposition leader Tony Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW) can address the House.

Speaker Anna Burke (ALP, Chisholm, Vic) rules that the Opposition would not be able to answer the question but would have the opportunity to address the House after Question Time.

  

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24 June 2013

ParlView launched on APH website

The Department of Parliamentary Services launches ParlView enabling people to watch, search and download parliamentary broadcasts, special parliamentary events and press conferences, and historical audio-visual material via the Australian Parliament website.

  

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24 June 2013

Bill to recognise local government in the Constitution

The Constitution Alteration (Local Government) 2013 Bill passes both Houses of Parliament. The legislation authorises a referendum for electors to vote on the proposal to amend section 96 of the Constitution.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard (ALP, Lalor, Vic) had announced on 9 May 2013 the Government's intention for a referendum to be held concurrently with the federal election on 14 September 2013. However, the date of the general election is changed to 7 September and the referendum does not proceed.

  

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26 June 2013

Fiftieth anniversary of Yirrkala bark petitions

Prime Minister Julia Gillard (ALP, Lalor, Vic) and Opposition leader Tony Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW) acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the Yirrkala bark petitions presented by the Yolngu people asserting their tittle to their traditional lands. The petitions seek redress for the excise of over 300 square kilometres of their lands without consultation to grant leases for bauxite mining, and lead to the establishment of the Select Committee on Grievances of Yirrkala Aborigines, Arnhem Land Reserve.

Whilst they were not the first claims to be made by Indigenous groups, the Yirrkala bark petitions are the first traditional documents to be recognised by the Commonwealth Parliament and, as such, they represent documentary recognition of Indigenous people in Australian law.

Today the Yirrkala Petitions are on public display at Parliament House.

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27 June 2013

Kevin Rudd becomes Prime Minister

Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld) is sworn in as Prime Minister after defeating Julia Gillard (ALP, Lalor, Vic) in a leadership challenge. This follows two unsuccessful challenges (on 27 February 2012 and 21 March 2013).

He is the first former Prime Minister to be returned to the position since Robert Menzies (LP, Kooyong, Vic) in 1949.

Anthony Albanese (ALP, Grayndler, NSW) is elected as Deputy Prime Minister.

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29 June 2013

Changes to laws for migrant workers

The Migration Amendment (Temporary Sponsored Visas) Bill 2013 receives Royal Assent. The new law amends the Migration Act 1958 to strengthen regulation of the 457-visa system.

  

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1 July 2013

New political party

Independent Senator Nick Xenophon (NXT, SA) registers the Nick Xenophon Group (subsequently known as the Nick Xenophon Team) party with the AEC.

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1 July 2013

Composition of the second Rudd Ministry

The ALP leadership changes also result in a substantial ministerial reshuffle. Of the 42 members of the second Rudd ministry, 13 (31%) are women, six of these are members of Cabinet.

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8 July 2013

Visit by President of Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste's President Taur Matan Ruak attends a luncheon at Parliament House during his state visit to Australia.

  

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5 August 2013

Prorogation of 43rd Parliament

The Official Secretary to the Governor-General reads the proclamation of Governor-General Quentin Bryce proroguing the 43rd Parliament and dissolving the House of Representatives.

  

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21 August 2013

Senate: Casual vacancies New South Wales and Victoria

Sam Dastyari (ALP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Matt Thistlethwaite (ALP, NSW) on 9 August to successfully contest the seat of Kingsford Smith (NSW).

Mehmet Tillem (ALP, Vic) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of David Feeney (ALP, Vic) to successfully contest the seat of Batman (Vic).

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24 August 2013

Parliament House Open Day 2013

Parliament House opens its doors to the more than 8,000 members of the public as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations. Visitors can walk from the ceremonial main front doors right through to the Prime Minister's courtyard. The Open Day features a visit by the principal design architect, Romaldo Giurgola, as well as artists talking about their contributions to the making of the building.

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7 September 2013

2013 federal election

The Liberal/National Coalition led by Tony Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW) wins government, its tally of 90 seats being its highest since 1996, the last time it won government from Opposition. The ALP holds 55 seats, its lowest count since 1996.

Disturbingly for electoral administrators, the 5.9% informal vote was the second highest on record while historically low levels of voter turnout continued.

The new Palmer United Party returns one member (Clive Palmer, PUP, Fairfax, Qld) and three senators (who will take their seats on 1 July 2014): Jacqui Lambie (PUP, Tas); Glenn Lazarus (PUP, Qld) and Dio Wang (PUP, WA).

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18 Sept 2013

Composition of the Abbott ministry

The Abbott ministry is sworn in by Governor-General Quentin Bryce.

Of the five members of the Abbott Ministry, eight (17%) are women, and of these, two are members of Cabinet. The ministry comprises 38 Liberals and seven Nationals.

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2 October 2013

Visit by the Prime Minister of New Zealand

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key meets with ministers at Parliament House during his official visit to Australia.

  

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13 October 2013

Governor-General offers resignation over Labor leadership ballot

Governor-General Quentin Bryce offers her resignation to avoid any perception of bias given her son-in-law, Bill Shorten's (ALP, Maribyrnong, Vic) candidacy for ALP Leader. Mr Abbott declines her resignation on the basis that 'she will retire in March next year and the Government commands the House of Representatives with a significant margin'.

  

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13 October 2013

Change of ALP leadership

Bill Shorten (ALP, Maribyrnong, Vic) becomes leader of the Australian Labor Party, defeating Anthony Albanese (ALP Grayndler, Vic). Tanya Plibersek (ALP, Sydney, NSW) is elected Deputy Leader.

Kevin Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld), who stood down from the leadership following the May election, resigns from Parliament on 22 November 2013.

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12 November 2013

Opening of 44th Parliament

Governor-General Quentin Bryce opens the 44th Parliament.

A Welcome to Country ceremony is held in the Great Hall before MPs, Senators from the ACT, NT, and those filling casual vacancies, are sworn in.

Bronwyn Bishop (LP, Mackellar, NSW) is elected as the 29th Speaker of the House of Representatives.

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12 November 2013

First Indigenous woman elected to Commonwealth Parliament

Senator Nova Peris (ALP, NT) takes her seat in the Senate. She is the first Indigenous woman to be elected to the Australian Parliament.

Prior to her swearing-in, Senator Peris receives a traditional Indigenous blessing. She makes her first speech the next day.

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13 November 2013

Senate: Casual vacancy New South Wales

Deb O'Neill (ALP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Bob Carr (ALP, NSW) on 24 October 2013.

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28 November 2013

Visit by Myanmar's Opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

Myanmar's Opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, visits Parliament House and meets with Prime Minister Tony Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW).

  

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9 December 2013

Condolence Motions for Nelson Mandela

Condolence Motions in the House of Representatives and Senate pay tribute to former South African President, Nelson Mandela who died on 5 December, aged 95.

  

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12 December 2013

Royal Commission into the Home Insulation Program

Attorney-General, George Brandis (LP, Qld), and Environment Minister, Greg Hunt (LP, Flinders, Vic), announce a Royal Commission into the home insulation program, during which four people died.

The Commission's final report, authored by Ian Hanger QC, is tabled on 29 August 2014.

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31 December 2013

Retirement of the Clerk of the House of Representatives

The House of Representatives and the Senate pay tribute to retiring Clerk of the House of Representatives, Bernard Wright. The new Clerk, former Deputy Clerk, David Elder, commences in the role on 1 January 2014.

  

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2014

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8 February 2014

Griffith by-election

Terri Butler (ALP, Griffith, Qld) wins the by-election triggered by the resignation of Kevin Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld).

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11 February 2014

Senate: Casual vacancy Queensland

Barry O'Sullivan (NP, Qld) fills the Senate casual vacancy following Barnaby Joyce's (NP, Qld) resignation on 8 August 2013 to successfully contest the House of Representatives seat of New England (NSW).

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13 February 2014

100th Victoria Cross for Australia awarded

Prime Minister Tony Abbott MP (LP, Warringah, NSW) informs the House of Representatives that the 100th Victoria Cross for Australia has been awarded posthumously to the late Corporal Cameron Baird VC, MG.

  

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18 February 2014

High Court declares void the WA half-Senate election

The High Court, sitting as the Court of Disputed Returns, declares void the 2013 half-Senate election in WA, the first time that this has occurred.

This follows the loss of 1,370 ballots, leading the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to lodge a petition on 15 November 2013 seeking an order to void the election of six WA senators. An AEC-commissioned inquiry identifies significant and systemic shortfalls and failings in Senate ballot paper security, storage and handling in WA.

The Electoral Commissioner, Ed Killesteyn, and the Australian Electoral Officer for Western Australia, Peter Kramer, resign shortly after the Court's decision.

  

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5 March 2014

Censure Motion against Assistant Minister for Health

The Senate censures Assistant Minister for Health Fiona Nash (NP, NSW) for misleading it over a conflict of interest within her office, failing to comply with an order for production of documents, or to account to the Senate for her actions.

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13 March 2014

Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption

Governor-General Quentin Bryce issues letters patent establishing a Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption. Justice Dyson Heydon is appointed Commissioner.

The Commission's six-volume final report is delivered to the Governor-General on 28 December 2015, and tabled in Parliament on 30 December. Commissioner Heydon also submits the report to the Governors of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.

  

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19 March 2014

Ministerial accountability: Assistant Treasurer stands aside

Assistant Treasurer Arthur Sinodinos (LP, NSW) stands aside following public revelations about his interests in Australian Water Holdings, a company being investigated by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). He formally resigns as Assistant Treasurer in December 2014 pending the outcome of the ICAC inquiry. The inquiry report, released in 2017, makes no findings against him.

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28 March 2014

New Governor-General sworn in

Peter Cosgrove is sworn in as Australia's 26th Governor-General and made a Knight of the Order of Australia. He succeeds Quentin Bryce who was appointed Dame of the Order of Australia on 25 March.

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28 March 2014

Motion of no-confidence in Speaker

The Manager of Opposition Business, Tony Burke (ALP, Watson, NSW), moves a no-confidence motion against the Speaker, Bronwyn Bishop (LP, Mackellar, NSW). The motion accuses her of favouring Government members, rather than acting as 'the custodian of the rights and privileges of elected Members of the Parliament'. The motion is unsuccessful (83–51).

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5 April 2014

Western Australian Senate election

Following the voiding of the previous election, WA goes to the polls to elect six senators in a half-Senate election. Two days earlier, the AEC admits failing to properly secure ballot papers at a mobile pre-polling booth.

The results are announced by the AEC on 29 April 2014.

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24 April 2014

Royal reception 2014

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend a Parliament House reception during their Australian tour.

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26 May 2014

'Pipe bomb' produced at Senate Estimates hearing

Senator Bill Heffernan (LP, NSW) produces a fake 'pipe bomb' at a Senate Estimates hearing to argue that '[t]his building is no longer secure' under new security arrangements.

Senator Bill Heffernan with fake pipe bomb at Senate Estimates hearing, Image source: ParlView, 26 May 2014ParlView, 26 May 2014" aria-expanded="false">

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27 May 2014

Pacific nations call on Parliament to act on climate change

A delegation from Kiribati, Tuvalu and Papua New Guinea sing on the Parliament House lawns, urging parliamentary action on climate change, including carbon emissions reductions and assistance to their countries.

  

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8 June 2014

The Federation Chamber turns 20

The Federation Chamber celebrates its 20th anniversary. On 22 June 2015, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Procedure report 'Role of the Federation Chamber: Celebrating 20 years of operation' becomes the first report tabled in the Federation Chamber.

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18 June 2014

A matter of privilege: the use of CCTV footage

The Department of Parliamentary Services' use of CCTV footage in an internal disciplinary matter is referred to the Senate Privileges Committee. The Committee's Terms of Reference are to inquire whether there was any improper interference with a senator's duties and whether anyone was disciplined in connection with providing information to a senator.

The Privileges Committee tables its report on 5 December 2014 and the Senate President tables a response on 2 March 2015.

  

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1 July 2014

New political parties

Two new political parties are represented in the federal parliament as Senators David Leyonhjelm (LDP, NSW) and Ricky Muir (AMEP, Vic) are sworn in. Both were elected in the 2013 federal election.

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7 July 2014

New President of the Senate

Senator Stephen Parry (LP, Tas) becomes the 24th President of the Senate.

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8 July 2014

Address by the Prime Minister of Japan

Japan's Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, addresses both Houses of Parliament during his official visit to Australia.

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17 July 2014

Statements on the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17

Prime Minister Tony Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW) addresses the parliament on the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.

  

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19–22 July 2014

Malaysia Airlines MH17 tragedy

Prime Minister Tony Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW) announces that the Australian flag will be flown at half-mast on all Australian Government establishments as a mark of respect to the Australians killed on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. The flight crashed on 17 July 2014 after being shot down, killing all 283 passengers and 15 crew on board, including 38 Australians.

On 22 July 2014 a ceremony takes place at Parliament House for the official signing of the Condolence Book. A National Day of Mourning and National Memorial Service for the victims is planned for 7 August 2014.

On 26 August 2014, Prime Minister Tony Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW) moves a Condolence Motion in the House of Representatives.

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4 September 2014

Change of Party representation

Senator John Madigan (Ind, Vic) informs the Senate that he has resigned from the Democratic Labour Party and will continue his term as an Independent.

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7 September 2014

Condolence Motion for Harry Evans

The Senate pays tribute to its former Clerk Harry Evans who died on 7 September. Evans was the longest-serving Clerk of the Senate, holding that office from 1988 to 2009.

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21 September 2014

Increased security at Parliament House

Following an urgent safety review of Parliament House, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) assumes responsibility for internal and external security amid heightened security concerns. The increased security measures follow the National Terrorism Public Alert being raised from medium to high on 12 September, the first increase since the system's introduction in 2003.

  

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22 September 2014

National security

Prime Minister Tony Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW) updates the Parliament on developing challenges to national security. The Opposition leader, Bill Shorten (ALP, Maribyrnong, Vic), makes a statement in reply.

  

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24 September 2014

Counter-Terrorism Bill introduced

Attorney-General George Brandis (LP, Qld) introduces the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Bill 2014 to the Senate. The Bill seeks to respond to the threat posed by Australians engaging in, and returning from, conflicts in foreign states, including by implementing recommendations made in a recent review of Australia's counter-terrorism laws.

The Senate passes the Bill, incorporating the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security's recommended amendments on 29 October and the House also does the following day.

  

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24 September 2014

Recommendations on use of electronic devices

The House of Representatives Procedure Committee finalises its report on the Use of electronic devices in the Chamber and Federation Chamber. The report recommends updated guidelines and clarifies electronic device use in the chamber.

  

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30 September 2014

Guest lecture by Speaker of the House of Commons

The UK House of Commons Speaker, John Bercow, delivers a lecture in Parliament House, addressing the challenges that modern parliaments and representatives face in the digital revolution and 'disruptive' technology era.

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2 October 2014

Presiding Officers' decision on 'facial coverings' in Parliament House

The Presiding Officers introduce interim security measures to ban 'facial-coverings' from being worn in certain areas of Parliament House.

On 20 October the Presiding Officers update this to clarify that people wearing facial coverings would be visually identified on entry, 'thereby enabling [them] to move from that point freely into the public portions of the building, including the chamber galleries'.

  

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21 and 27 October 2014

Condolence Motions for the Hon Gough Whitlam AC QC

Condolence Motions in the House of Representatives and the Senate pay tribute to former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam (ALP, Werriwa, NSW) who died on 21 October.

Mr Whitlam served as Australia's 21st Prime Minister before being dismissed from office by Governor-General Sir John Kerr on 11 November 1975.

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23 October 2014

Terrorist attacks in Canada

Prime Minister Tony Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW) makes a statement in the House on two terrorist attacks in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Ottawa, Canada, the latter involving an attack on the national Parliament.

  

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23 October 2014

Statement by Speaker regarding Parliament House security

The Speaker, Bronwyn Bishop (LP, Mackellar, NSW), makes a statement concerning Parliament House's security arrangements following the terrorist attack on the Canadian Parliament on 22 October.

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6 November 2014

Visit by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte visits Parliament House and meets with Prime Minister Tony Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW).

  

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14–19 November 2014

World leaders visit

Coinciding with the 2014 G20 Leaders' Summit in Brisbane, the Parliament holds joint meetings for addresses by:

  • David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom;
  • Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India; and
  • Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China.

François Hollande, President of the French Republic, also visits Parliament House during this time.

  

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24 November 2014

Change of Party representation

Senator Jacqui Lambie (Ind, Tas) informs the Senate that she has resigned from the Palmer United Party and that she will continue her term as an Independent.

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26 November 2014

Changes to Security Management Board for Parliament House

Speaker Bronwyn Bishop (LP, Mackellar, NSW) introduces the Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill 2014. The Bill amends the Security Management Board's composition to include the Australian Federal Police. During the Bill's second reading in the Senate, the President notes that the Presiding Officers maintain authority for Parliament House security decision-making. The Bill passes both Houses on 26 March 2015.

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26 November 2014

Censure Motion against Minister for Defence

The Senate censures the Minister for Defence, Senator David Johnston (LP, WA), for comments that he would not trust the Government's shipbuilder, the Australian Submarine Corporation, to 'build a canoe'.

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2015

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9 February 2015

Martin Place siege remembered

Prime Minister Tony Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW) acknowledges the courage of those held during the Martin Place Lindt Café siege in December 2014, and extends sympathies to the families and friends of those killed. The Senate also expresses its sympathy to the victims and their families.

  

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9 and 23 February 2015

Parliament marks the release of journalist Peter Greste

Motions in the Senate and House of Representatives celebrate the release of Peter Greste after being held for 400 days in an Egyptian prison.

  

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10 February 2015

Enhanced security arrangements at Parliament House

Bronwyn Bishop (LP, Mackellar, NSW) announces her agreement to an armed AFP presence in the attendants' booth adjacent to the chamber.

  

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12 February 2015

Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran: call for sentence commutation

The House of Representatives and Senate pass motions calling on the Indonesian government to 'commute [Andrew Chan's and Myuran Sukumaran's] sentences to an appropriate term of imprisonment'.

Some 100 parliamentarians also sign a letter to the Indonesian Ambassador requesting that the sentences be commuted. Despite all efforts, the two men are executed on 29 April 2015.

  

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23 February 2015

State visit by the King and Queen of Norway

Norway's King and Queen dine at Parliament House during their official visit to Australia.

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3 March 2015

Senate censures the Attorney-General

The Senate censures Attorney-General, Senator George Brandis (LP, Qld), for his conduct towards the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission Gillian Triggs. A similar censure motion in the House of Representatives on 25 February 2015 was unsuccessful.

  

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5 March 2015

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Act 2013 extended

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition (Sunset Extension) Bill 2015 passes both houses. The Bill amends the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Act 2013 (Cth) (Act of Recognition) to ensure that it continues to operate until a referendum to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the Constitution can be held.

 

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16 March 2015

Change of Party representation

Senator Glenn Lazarus (Ind, Qld) informs the Senate of his resignation from the Palmer United Party and his decision to continue his term as an Independent.

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18 March 2015

Visit by the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung visits Parliament House during his state visit to Australia.

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19 March 2015

Crown succession law changes

The Succession to the Crown Bill 2015 is passed by both Houses. The legislation ends the system of male primogeniture so that the order of succession is determined by the order of birth. This is consistent with changes to the 2013 United Kingdom Act. The Act receives Royal Assent on 24 March and enters into force on 26 March, when the changes to succession to the Crown across all the realms came into effect simultaneously.

  

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23 March 2015

Condolence Motions for the Hon Malcolm Fraser CH, AC

Condolence Motions in the House of Representatives and the Senate pay tribute to former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser (LP, Wannon, Vic) who died on 20 March, aged 84 years.

Mr Fraser served as Australia's 22nd Prime Minister from 1975 to 1983, taking office after the Whitlam Government's dismissal.

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24 March 2015

Member for Bowman is suspended from the House

Andrew Laming (LP, Bowman, Qld) is suspended for disorderly conduct. In the Federation Chamber the previous evening, Mr Laming poured crude oil over his hands, spilling it onto the desk and chamber carpet. Mr Laming subsequently pays $256 for the costs of the repairs.

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25 March 2015

Senate: Casual vacancy ACT

Katy Gallagher (ALP, ACT) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Kate Lundy (ALP, ACT) on 24 March.

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26 March 2015

Parliament House security upgrade

Parliament approves proposed security upgrades for Parliament House, including a perimeter fence, gatehouse at the Ministerial Wing entrance, and additional vehicle bollards.

  

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21 April 2015

Secretary leaves Department of Parliamentary Services

Carol Mills's appointment as Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services is terminated. The Parliamentary Librarian acts in the position until a new Secretary is appointed.

  

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6 May 2015

Senate: Casual vacancy New South Wales

Jenny McAllister (ALP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of John Faulkner (ALP, NSW) on 6 February. The delay in the senator's appointment is due to the NSW Parliament being in recess ahead of the state election in March 2015.

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6 May 2015

New leader for the Australian Greens

Richard Di Natale (AG, Vic) is elected as leader of the Australian Greens following the resignation of Christine Milne (AG, Tas).

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12 May 2015

Centenary of Gallipoli: motion by the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Tony Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW) acknowledges the 100th anniversary of the Anzac Gallipoli landings on 25 April 1915.

  

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14 May 2015

New political party

Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie (JLN, Tas) registers the Jacqui Lambie Network party with the AEC. Senator Lambie was previously aligned with the Palmer United Party until her resignation on 24 November 2014.

  

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21 May 2015

Senate: Casual vacancy Queensland

Joanna Lindgren (LP, Qld) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Brett Mason (LP, Qld) on 15 April.

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27 May 2015

Remonstrance from the Norfolk Legislative Assembly

The Speaker of Norfolk Island's Legislative Assembly, David Buffett, delivers a Remonstrance to the Commonwealth Parliament, setting out the Assembly's grievances regarding the removal of self-government. The Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015, which received Royal Assent on 26 May, replaces the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly with an Advisory Council.

  

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11 June 2015

New Commonwealth Auditor-General

Grant Hehir is appointed as the 15th Auditor-General, replacing Ian McPhee.

  

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15 June 2015

Magna Carta birthday celebrations

Parliament House hosts the first event in a worldwide program of celebrations to mark the 800th anniversary of the 1215 Magna Carta. Parliament House is home to one of only four known surviving manuscripts of the 1297 Inspeximus issue of the Magna Carta, the only copy in the southern hemisphere.

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17 June 2015

First time former opposing state/territory leaders in the same chamber

Former ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher (ALP, ACT), gives her first speech in the Senate.

Senator Gallagher's appointment to the Senate marks the first time that a Premier or Chief Minister has faced their former Opposition counterpart in the same chamber in the same Parliament. Senator Zed Seselja (LP, ACT) was the ACT Opposition leader (2007–13) before resigning to stand for the Senate at the 2013 election.

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25 June 2015

Report on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

The Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples publishes its final report, the key recommendation being that 'a referendum be held on the matter of recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution'.

  

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9 July 2015

New political party

Independent Senator Glenn Lazarus (GLT, Qld) registers the Glenn Lazarus Team party with the AEC. Senator Lazarus was previously aligned with the Palmer United Party until his resignation on 12 March 2015.

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17 July 2015

National memorial service marking the anniversary of the downing of flight MH17

A memorial service is held to commemorate the first anniversary of the tragic loss of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 and a memorial plaque is unveiled in the eastern formal gardens of Parliament House.

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2 August 2015

Resignation of the Speaker

Bronwyn Bishop (LP, Mackellar, NSW) resigns as Speaker, following sustained criticism of her travel entitlements usage. It is the third resignation of a Speaker since 2011, and the ninth since 1901.

That same day Prime Minister Tony Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW) announces a review into the parliamentary entitlements system. The report is completed in February 2016.

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10 August 2015

Condolence Motions for Don Randall

Condolence Motions in the House of Representatives and the Senate pay tribute to Don Randall (LP, Canning, WA) who died on 21 July. In the Senate, his death is marked by a minute's silence and several speeches in the adjournment debate.

A white rose is placed on Mr Randall's desk.

Mr Randall represented Canning since 2001 and was previously the Member for Swan (1996–98).

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10 August 2015

A new Speaker of the House of Representatives

Tony Smith (LP, Casey, Vic) is elected unopposed as the new Speaker, the 32nd person to hold this office.

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17 August 2015

Australia Post issues new Parliament House stamp

Senate President Stephen Parry (LP, Tas) launches an Australia, New Zealand and Singapore joint stamp issue, marking 50 years of trilateral relations between the three countries.

Designed by Sonia Young, the stamps feature each country's parliament house.

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19 August 2015

Senate: Casual vacancy Tasmania

Nick McKim (AG, Tas) fills the Senate casual vacancy following Christine Milne's (AG, Tas) resignation on 10 August.

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20 August 2015

Netball World Cup

Parliament House hosts a reception for the Australian Diamonds netball team, following their World Cup victory on 16 August.

  

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21 August 2015

Anniversary of parliamentary broadcasting

The Senate celebrates the 25th anniversary of its first televised proceedings.

  

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15 September 2015

A new Prime Minister

Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) is sworn in as Australia's 29th Prime Minister, having defeated Tony Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW) in a leadership ballot, 54 votes to 44.

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16 September 2015

National Disability Insurance Scheme agreement

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) announces agreements between the Commonwealth and the NSW and Victorian governments to roll out the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in those states (with negotiations with other states and territories to continue).

  

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19 September 2015

Canning by-election

Andrew Hastie (LP, Canning, WA) wins the by-election triggered by the death of sitting member Don Randall (LP, Canning, WA).

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21 September 2015

Turnbull Ministry

The Governor-General swears in the Turnbull ministry. Of the 41 Ministers, nine are women (22%), six of whom are part of the 29-member Cabinet.

Ken Wyatt (LP, Hasluck, WA) is appointed as Assistant Minister for Health, and is the first Indigenous Australian to be appointed to the Ministry. Wyatt Roy (LP, Longman, Qld) becomes the youngest-ever Commonwealth minister (25) when he is commissioned Assistant Minister for Immigration. Marise Payne (LP, NSW) becomes the first woman to be appointed Minister for Defence (noting that women have previously held Defence-related ministries/assistant ministries).

As a Coalition, the ministry incorporates 34 Liberals (83%) and seven Nationals (17%).

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22 September 2015

Senate: Casual vacancy South Australia

Robert Simms (AG, SA) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Penny Wright (AG, SA) on 10 September.

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22 October 2015

Electronic petitions

Speaker Tony Smith (LP, Casey, Vic) informs members that the Departments of the House of Representatives and Parliamentary Services are working to develop an electronic petitions website and system, foreshadowing changes to the House Standing Orders.

Senate Standing Orders already enable the presentation of electronic petitions in that chamber (SO 70).

The Standing Orders of the House will be amended in 2016 to provide for an electronic petitions system.

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9 November 2015

House of Representatives trials new arrangements for Question Time

The House begins trialling new Question Time arrangements providing private government members time to ask ministers' constituency questions. The trial continues until the end of the year.

  

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15 November 2015

Parliament House illuminated for France

Parliament House is illuminated with the French Tricolour as a mark of solidarity in the wake of terrorist attacks in Paris on 13 November. The Parliament House illumination continues until 22 November.

When Parliament resumes on 23 November, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW), and Opposition leader Bill Shorten (ALP, Maribyrnong, Vic) express their condolences.

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18 November 2015

The 'Big Picture' on the move

Tom Roberts's painting The Opening of the first Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia by HRH Duke of Cornwall and York (later King George V) on May 9, 1901, is removed from the Main Committee Room foyer and loaned to the National Gallery of Australia for a Tom Roberts exhibition (December 2015 to March 2016).

This is the first time the (400kg/4m high) painting has left Parliament House since its installation in 1988.

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25 November 2015

Tjuringa gifted to the Parliament and the Australian people by the Warlpiri people

On behalf of the Parliament, the Presiding Officers accept a gifted tjuringa (a traditional Indigenous ceremonial object). The Warlpiri people of Yuendumu had originally gifted the tjuringa to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Ian Viner (LP, Stirling, WA), in 1978 in exchange for the title deed to their traditional lands in the Northern Territory.

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5 December 2015

North Sydney by-election

Trent Zimmerman (LP, North Sydney, NSW) wins the by-election triggered by the resignation of Joe Hockey (LP, North Sydney, NSW) on 23 October.

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14 December 2015

New Secretary of DPS

Rob Stefanic is appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Parliamentary Services.

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2016

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2 February 2016

Infants in the House

Standing Order 257 is amended to allow members to care for infants in the House of Representatives and Federation Chambers. Previously, a member caring for a child during a division was only able to cast a proxy vote.

  

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2 February 2016

First Member of the House to have an office on the Senate side of Parliament House

Trent Zimmerman (LP, North Sydney, NSW) becomes the first MP to have an office located on the Senate side of the building. This is a temporary measure pending space becoming available in the House of Representatives wing.

  

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11 February 2016

New Nationals leadership team

Barnaby Joyce (NP, New England, NSW) becomes the new Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Nationals, following Warren Truss's (NP, Wide Bay, Qld) retirement announcement. Senator Fiona Nash (NP, NSW) becomes Deputy Leader, the first woman to hold the position.

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18 February 2016

New ministry sworn in; number of women in Cabinet increases

The Turnbull ministry is sworn in. The reshuffle follows the resignation of Stuart Robert (LP, Fadden, Qld), and announcements by Warren Truss (NP, Wide Bay, Qld) and Andrew Robb (LP, Goldstein, Vic) of their forthcoming retirements.

The number of women in Cabinet increases from five to six with Fiona Nash's (NP, NSW) elevation to Minister for Rural Health, Regional Communications and Regional Development. The total number of women in the ministry rises from nine to 10 with Jane Prentice (LP, Ryan, Qld) becoming Assistant Minister for Disability Services.

  

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22 February 2016

Condolence Motions for Bob Halverson OBE

Condolence Motions in the House of Representatives and the Senate pay tribute to former Speaker Bob Halverson (LP, Casey, Vic), who died on 9 February 2016. He served as Speaker from 1996 to 1998.

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29 February 2016

25th anniversary of the First Gulf War

The Parliament marks the 25th anniversary of the First Gulf War, paying tribute to the men and women who served in the Persian Gulf in 1990 and 1991.

Dan Tehan delivers a ministerial statement on the 25th anniversary of the First Gulf War, Image source: ParlView, 29 February 2016ParlView, 29 February 2016" aria-expanded="false">

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9 March 2016

Senate: Casual vacancy Victoria

James Paterson (LP, Vic) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Michael Ronaldson (LP, Vic) on 28 February.

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17–18 March 2016

Longest continuous Senate sitting day

The Senate sits continuously for 28 hours and 56 minutes debating the Commonwealth Electoral Amendment Bill 2016. The longest Senate sitting day (with breaks) is 66 hours and 18 minutes from 16–21 December 1993.

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18 March 2016

Passage of the Commonwealth Electoral Amendment Bill

The Commonwealth Electoral Amendment Bill 2016, which abolishes group voting tickets and allows for optional above-the-line preferential voting, passes both Houses.

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18 March 2016

Passage of the Territories Legislation Amendment Bill

The Territories Legislation Amendment Bill 2016, extending all Commonwealth laws to Norfolk Island (unless expressly provided otherwise) and requiring eligible Norfolk Island residents to enrol and vote in federal elections, passes both Houses.

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21 March 2016

Request to prorogue Parliament

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) requests Parliament be prorogued on Friday 15 April and summoned to sit again on Monday 18 April.

The Prime Minister states that Parliament is being prorogued and then recalled in order to consider two sets of legislation:

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15 April 2016

Parliament is prorogued

Proroguing a Parliament, in effect, terminates the current session of Parliament without dissolving either House, therefore without requiring an election. As a result of prorogation, all business on the Senate and House notice papers lapses.

Parliament was last prorogued and then recalled before an election in 1977 to allow the Queen to open Parliament.

Proroguing the Parliament with the express aim of recalling the Senate to consider legislation is unusual. The successful prorogation sets the stage for the possibility of a double dissolution election.

  

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18 April 2016

Parliament resumes after prorogation

Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, opens a new session of the Parliament.

The Senate receives the House of Representatives' message requesting it resume considering the Building and Construction Industry Bills. The Senate complies and the legislation is defeated a second time. This action sets in motion the 'trigger' for a double dissolution election.

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19 April 2016

Prime Minister announces likely date of double dissolution election

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) states his intention for the next federal election to be held on 2 July.

  

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28 April 2016

Senate: Casual vacancy Western Australia

Pat Dodson (ALP, WA) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Joe Bullock (ALP, WA) on 13 April.

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2 May 2016

Supply Bills introduced

The Assistant Finance Minister, Peter Hendy (LP, Eden-Monaro, NSW), introduces Supply Bills into the House to ensure funding of government services during the anticipated election period. The 2016–17 Budget Bills would then be considered and passed by the new Parliament.

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4 May 2016

Former member found guilty of contempt and reprimanded by the House

The House of Representatives finds former MP Craig Thomson (ALP, Dobell, NSW) guilty of contempt and reprimands him. The motion follows the Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests' recommendation citing Mr Thomson's statement on 21 May 2012 and the Melbourne Magistrates Court's findings on 18 February 2014.

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9 May 2016

Dissolution of both Houses

Both Houses of Parliament are dissolved by proclamation of Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove. The 2016 federal election will be Australia's seventh double dissolution election, and the first in almost 30 years.

  

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16 May 2016

Death of Romaldo Giurgola

Romaldo (Aldo) Giurgola, the architect of Australia's Parliament House, dies at age 95. As senior partner of Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp Architects, Mr Giurgola was the principal design architect for the building from its inception until 1999.

  

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2 July 2016

2016 double dissolution election

After an eight week campaign, the Liberal/National Coalition led by Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) is returned to power despite losing 14 seats.

In the House of Representatives, the Coalition holds 76 seats, the ALP 69. The cross bench comprises two Independents, and one member each from the Australian Greens, the Nick Xenophon Team, and Katter's Australian Party.

The Senate comprises: 30 Coalition senators, 26 ALP senators, nine Australian Greens senators, and 11 minor party senators.

Voting system changes were made for the Senate election to remove the control of the allocation of preferences by parties. There was a slight increase in the informal vote over the 2013 election, but only back to the levels of other, more recent, elections. Voter turnout (91%) was its lowest level since compulsory voting was introduced (1925).

The number of women in Parliament has risen from 69 (31 per cent) in the 44th Parliament to 73 (32 per cent) in the 45th Parliament. For the first time, all major parties have a female leader or deputy leader.

  

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1 August 2016

Royal Commission into the protection and detention of children in the Northern Territory

Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove issues letters patent establishing a Royal Commission into the protection and detention of children in the Northern Territory and appointing the Hon Margaret White AO and Mick Gooda as Commissioners.

The Commission delivers its four-volume final report to the Governor-General and NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner on 17 November 2017, and was tabled in the Parliament the same day.

  

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7 August 2016

Turnbull Ministry

Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove swears in the second Turnbull ministry. Of its 42 members, 12 are women (29%), seven (23%) of whom are in in the 30-member Cabinet. The ministry comprises 33 Liberals (79%) and nine Nationals (21%).

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30 August 2016

Opening of the 45th Parliament

The 45th Parliament begins with a Welcome to Country address by Ngunnawal elder Tina Brown and a smoking ceremony. Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove then officially opens the Parliament, outlining the Government's agenda.

The Speaker of the House Tony Smith (LP, Casey, Vic) and the President of the Senate Stephen Parry (LP, Tas) are both re-elected unopposed.

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31 August 2016

Rotation of senators

Following a double dissolution election, the Senate must decide which senators will serve a six or three-year term (see the Constitution, s. 13).

The Senate resolves the issue on its second sitting day.

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31 August 2016

First speech by the first Indigenous woman to be elected to the House of Representatives

Linda Burney (ALP, Barton, NSW), the first Indigenous woman to be elected to the House of Representatives, is sung into the Parliament by her Wiradjuri sister Lynette Riley, before making her first speech. In her speech, she speaks briefly in the Wiradjuri language.

Ms Burney previously served in the NSW Parliament, becoming the first Indigenous member of that Parliament on her election in 2003. In 2007 she became the first Indigenous person to serve as a minister in the NSW Parliament.

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31 August 2016

Building and Construction Bills and Budget Bills reintroduced

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) re-introduces the three double-dissolution 'trigger' Bills. The Treasurer introduces the Budget Savings Omnibus Bill 2016 on the same day.

  

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1 September 2016

Government loses votes on the floor of the House of Representatives

The Government loses three procedural votes on the floor of the House of Representatives. In the third vote, the Speaker, Tony Smith (LP, Casey, Vic), uses his casting vote.

The last time a majority government lost a division in the House was in 1962.

  

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12 September 2016

30-millionth visitor to Parliament House

On or around this date, Parliament House welcomes its 30-millionth visitor since its opening in 1988.

In the 2015–16 financial year, 725,992 people visited Parliament House.

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13 September 2016

Electronic petitions in the House

An electronic petitions (e-petitions) website and system is developed for the House of Representatives, allowing citizens to enter and sign petitions online and to track their progress. It becomes operational in late-September. The House accordingly amends its standing orders to enable e-petitions.

  

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14 September 2016

Introduction of Plebiscite (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill 2016

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) introduces the Plebiscite (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill 2016 into the House. The Senate rejects the Bill on 7 November.

  

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10 October 2016

Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry – Lionel Murphy

The Presiding Officers make statements regarding the release of documents from the 1986 Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry into the conduct of Justice Lionel Murphy (a former senator). The Commission determined whether Justice Murphy's conduct constituted misbehaviour under the Constitution (s. 72).

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12 October 2016

Prime Minister of Singapore addresses the Parliament

Lee Hsien Loong becomes the first Singaporean Prime Minister to address the Australian Parliament.

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12 October 2016

Opposition second reading amendment passes the House

The Government accidentally votes in favour of a motion which calls on it to explain 'why it has failed to close tax loopholes and increase transparency in Australia'. It is the first time a second reading amendment has passed the House of Representatives.

  

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13 October 2016

Senate photography ban lifted

Photography restrictions in the Senate Chamber are removed, bringing it into line with the House of Representatives Chamber.

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25 October 2016

Senate: Casual vacancy Victoria

Kimberley Kitching (ALP, Vic) fills the Senate casual vacancy following Stephen Conroy's (ALP, Vic) resignation on 30 September.

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2 November 2016

Visit by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands

The Dutch King and Queen visit Parliament House as part of a state visit. Their Majesties are accompanied by the Dutch Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Economic Affairs, and a commercial delegation.

  

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7 November 2016

Senate refers Day and Culleton matters to the High Court

The Senate refers two matters to the High Court sitting as the Court of Disputed Returns. The first involves a possible pecuniary conflict of interest relating to former Senator Bob Day's (FFP, SA) electoral office lease. The second matter relates to Senator Rod Culleton's (PHON, WA) larceny conviction which was extant during the election period before being subsequently annulled.

Read: Related documents

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8 November 2016

Infants in the Senate

The Senate amends its Standing Orders to allow an infant being breastfed or 'briefly cared for' by a senator into the chamber, 'provided the business of the Senate is not disrupted'.

  

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21 November 2016

Nationals senators cross the floor over shotgun ban

Bridget McKenzie (NP, Vic) and John Williams (NP, NSW) cross the floor to support David Leyonhjelm's (LDP, NSW) motion aiming to lift an importation ban on Adler shotguns. The motion is defeated, 45 votes to seven.

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22 November 2016

Visit by the King and Queen of Jordan

Jordan's King and Queen visit Parliament House as part of a state visit to Australia.

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30 November 2016

House of Representatives Question Time suspended due to protest

Question Time is suspended when approximately 50 protestors are removed from the House of Representatives public gallery, including some who superglue their hands to railings.

Protesters return to Parliament House the following day, with two abseiling down the front of the building, and others dyeing the forecourt water feature red.

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1 December 2016

Security changes at Parliament House approved by both Houses

The House and Senate approve proposed Parliament House perimeter security enhancements, including additional fencing. The 2.6-metre-high fence will form a new external perimeter for the building's southern and northern grassed ramps.

  

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1 December 2016

Senate pays tribute to Dr Rosemary Laing on her upcoming retirement

The Senate pays tribute to Dr Rosemary Laing 'for her distinguished work as Clerk of the Senate' on her last sitting day in the Senate.

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18 December 2016

Change of Party representation

Senator Rod Culleton (Ind, WA) resigns from Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party to sit as an Independent. This comes amidst controversy about his eligibility under section 44(ii) of the Constitution to sit in the Senate, a question resolved by the High Court in 2017.

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2017

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13 January 2017

Sussan Ley resigns from the ministry

Sussan Ley (LP, Farrer, NSW) resigns from the Ministry following controversy about her use of parliamentary travel entitlements.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) announces changes to the management of parliamentarians' work expenses, including the establishment of an independent parliamentary expenses authority.

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18 January 2017

Ministerial changes; first Indigenous federal minister

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) announces changes to the Ministry. They include Ken Wyatt's (LP, Hasluck, WA) elevation to Minister for Aged Care and Indigenous Health, making him Australia's first Indigenous federal minister.

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3 February 2017

Rodney Culleton ruled ineligible by the High Court

The High Court rules that Senator Rod Culleton (Ind, WA) was constitutionally incapable of being chosen or of sitting as a senator under Section 44(ii). The resulting vacancy is to be filled by a special count of the ballot papers.

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7 February 2017

A new Party

Senator Cory Bernardi (AC, SA) becomes the first Australian Conservatives federal parliamentarian, following his resignation from the Liberal Party.

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7–8 February 2017

50th anniversary of Black Tuesday bushfires

The House and Senate commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Black Tuesday bushfires in Tasmania, which killed 64 people.

  

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14 February 2017

Visit by Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe visits Australia to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

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16 February 2017             

Changes to parliamentary entitlements

The Parliamentary Entitlements Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 passes both Houses. The Bill ends access to the Life Gold Pass scheme (with the exception of former Prime Ministers and their spouses or partners), while reducing the entitlement for current and former members. The Bill also introduces penalty loadings for claims exceeding an entitlement.

  

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2 March 2017   

Exhibition: 'The Official Observer'

The Official Observer exhibition showcases 25 years of images by the Australian Government Photographic Service (AUSPIC) official photographer, David Foote.

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9 March 2017

New Clerk of the Senate

Richard Pye commences as Clerk of the Senate following Dr Rosemary Laing's retirement. The appointment is for a statutory 10-year term.

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10 March 2017

WA Senate vacancy filled

The High Court declares Peter Georgiou (PHON, WA) elected as a Senator for Western Australia. He replaces Rod Culleton (Ind, WA) whose election was declared void by the High Court under sections 44 and 45 of the Australian Constitution.

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23 March 2017

Terrorist attack at Westminster

Parliament offers condolences to the British parliament and people following the previous day's terrorist attack at Westminster. The British High Commissioner to Australia, Her Excellency Menna Rawlings, is in the House at the time.

  

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25 March 2017

Beehives at Parliament House

Three beehives are installed in bushland on the grounds of Parliament House as a symbolic act to raise awareness of the decline of the bee population. Parliament House's honey wins second prize at the 2018 Royal Canberra Show.

  

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5 April 2017

Bob Day ruled ineligible by the High Court

The High Court rules that former Senator Bob Day (FFP, SA) was constitutionally incapable of being chosen or of sitting as a senator (Section 44(v)).

The resulting vacancy is to be filled by a special recount of ballot papers.

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19 April 2017

SA Senate vacancy filled

The High Court declares Lucy Gichuhi (FFP, SA) elected as a Senator for South Australia.

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9 May 2017

First baby breastfed in the chamber

Larissa Waters (AG, Qld) breastfeeds her daughter in the Senate Chamber. It is the first time a baby has been breastfed in the Australian parliament.

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9 May 2017

Despatch Box 90th anniversary

Parliament marks the 90th anniversary of the opening of the provisional parliament building, now referred to as Old Parliament House. On that day the Duke of York (later King George VI) presented two rosewood despatch boxes as gifts to the new parliament. The despatch boxes have sat on each side of the table between the Government and Opposition House of Representatives benches since 1927.

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23 May 2017     

Manchester Arena attack

Parliament offers sympathy to the people of the United Kingdom following the explosion at Manchester Arena on 22 May.

  

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24–26 May 2017

Visit of Sri Lanka's President, Hon Maithripala Sirisena

Sri Lanka's President, Maithripala Sirisena, visits Parliament House for discussions on security and defence, the first bilateral visit by a Sri Lankan Head of State.

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27 May–3 June 2017

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the Mabo Decision and the 50th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum.

Parliament House hosts the exhibition 'Prevailing Voices–Indigenous Australian Parliamentarians' as part of National Reconciliation Week celebrations. The exhibition aims to recognise and celebrate Indigenous parliamentarians' contributions to the Australian Parliament.

A portrait of Ken Wyatt (LP, Hasluck, WA), the first Indigenous member of the House of Representatives and the first Indigenous federal minister, is unveiled at the opening.

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12 July 2017

Parliament House protesters appear in court

Seven people are charged with intentionally damaging Commonwealth property 'after they allegedly superglued their hands' to railings in the House of Representatives gallery on 30 November 2016. The matter is heard in the ACT Supreme Court in 2018, with the protesters found not guilty.

  

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July 2017

Eligibility crisis begins

Between July 2017 and May 2018, the High Court (sitting as the Court of Disputed Returns) deems 15 sitting parliamentarians as ineligible due to having allegiance to a foreign power, including citizenship (s. 44(i) of the Constitution).

  

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14 and 18 July 2017

Senators Ludlam and Waters resign from Parliament due to dual citizenship

On 14 July, Scott Ludlam (AG, WA) resigns from the Senate, having discovered his New Zealand citizenship. Senator Larissa Waters (AG, Qld) resigns on 18 July, due to having discovered that she has Canadian citizenship.

Section 44 of the Australian Constitution disqualifies people from being 'chosen' or sitting in the Parliament on a number of grounds, including being 'a subject or a citizen or entitled to the rights or privileges of a subject or a citizen of a foreign power' (s. 44(i)). 'Its purpose is to ensure that people elected to Parliament are beholden to no-one but the electors as a whole and may therefore perform their duties free from undue external influence', avoiding both actual and perceived conflicts of interest.

Green's leader Senator Richard Di Natale (AG, Vic) commits the party to 'an urgent root-and-branch review' of its processes 'to prevent this from happening again'.

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24 July 2017

New Parliamentary Budget Officer

Jenny Wilkinson becomes the new Parliamentary Budget Officer following the retirement of Phil Bowen.

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25 July 2017

Senator Canavan resigns from the ministry

Matt Canavan (NP, Qld) steps down from the ministry due to possible Italian citizenship. Unlike former Senators Scott Ludlam (AG, WA) and Larissa Waters (AG, Qld), who acquired dual citizenship by birth, Senator Canavan's circumstances involve citizenship by descent.

Attorney General George Brandis (LP, Qld) states that it 'is the Government's preliminary view' that, because Senator Canavan's mother registered him as an Italian resident abroad 'without his knowledge or consent, that he is not in breach of s. 44 of the Constitution'.

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8 August 2017

Four senators referred to the Court of Disputed Returns

The Senate refers the matters of Ludlam, Waters and Canavan to the High Court to determine 'whether by reason of s. 44(i) of the Constitution there is a vacancy in the representation' of Western Australia and Queensland in the Senate, and if so, 'by what means and in what manner that vacancy should be filled'.

Also on 8 August, Senator Richard Di Natale (AG, Vic) gives notice of a motion to refer Senator Malcolm Roberts (PHON, Qld) to the Court of Disputed Returns following controversy regarding his possible British citizenship. The following day, the Senate refers Senator Roberts to the High Court on the motion of his party leader, Senator Pauline Hanson (PHON, Qld).

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8 August 2017

Parliament marks the Deaths of Dr Yunupingu and Kunmanara Lester

The Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten (ALP, Maribyrnong, Vic) acknowledge the deaths of Dr Yunupingu and Kunmanara Lester. The Senate also records its condolences on 17 August.

  

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9 August 2017

Same-sex marriage plebiscite becomes a postal survey

Following the defeat of the Government's motion to restore the Plebiscite (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill 2016 to the Senate Notice Paper, the Government announces its intention to press 'ahead with a voluntary postal plebiscite for all Australians' on same-sex marriage. Treasurer Scott Morrison (LP, Cook, NSW) directs the ABS to conduct the survey and makes available $122 million in funding.

The collection period for the Postal Survey opens on 12 September and continues until 7 November.

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10 August–7 September 2017

High Court challenge to the same-sex marriage postal survey

Andrew Wilkie (Ind, Denison, Tas) announces a High Court application challenging the Government's authority to direct or fund the ABS regarding the voluntary postal survey on grounds that the Government has no power to order the ABS to conduct it or to appropriate funds to pay for it.

Australian Marriage Equality co-chair Alex Greenwich also seeks an injunction to stop the postal survey, with Greens Senator Janet Rice (AG, Vic) a joint plaintiff.

On 7 September, the High Court unanimously dismisses both challenges as being 'demonstrably without substance', publishing its reasons on 28 September.

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14 August 2017

State visit by the Solomon Islands Prime Minister

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister the Honourable Mr Manasseh Damukana Sogavare visits the Parliament as part of a visit to Australia.

The 14-year Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands to restore stability and economic growth ended on 30 June 2017. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) pays tribute to those involved in the Mission.

During the visit, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop (LP, Curtin, WA) and Solomon Islands Foreign Minister George Tozaka sign a new security treaty to enable rapid deployment of Australian police, armed forces and civilian personnel to the Solomon Islands should need arise and when both countries consent. The Department of Foreign Affairs notes that 'this will be Australia's first bilateral security treaty in the Pacific'.

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14 August 2017

Barnaby Joyce citizenship issue

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce (NP, New England, NSW) informs the House that he may be a 'citizen by descent of New Zealand'.

The House refers Mr Joyce to the Court of Disputed Returns later that day. The issue of his eligibility is of particular significance given that the Turnbull Government holds a one-seat majority in the House.

The Opposition criticises Mr Joyce for not stepping down from the ministry while the issue is resolved.

  

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16 August 2017

Visit by the President of the Republic of Croatia

Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic visits Parliament House during her trip to Australia, the first by a Croatian Head of State since 1995.

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16 August 2017

Senate: Casual vacancy Western Australia

Slade Brockman (LP, WA) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Chris Back (LP, WA) on 31 July.

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17 August 2017

Senator wears a burqa to Question Time

Senator Pauline Hanson (PHON, Qld) wears a burqa to Question Time, removing it as she rises to ask the Attorney-General whether he would work to ban such garments in Australia.

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17 August 2017

Nationals Senator Fiona Nash declares possible dual citizenship

Senator Fiona Nash (NP, NSW) announces her possible British citizenship, but remains in the ministry. Senator Nash is referred to the Court of Disputed Returns when Parliament resumes on 4 September.

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31 August 2017

Possible constitutional breach for Senator Hinch

Senator Derryn Hinch (DHJP, Vic) announces that he is seeking legal advice regarding whether his receiving a US pension breaches Section 44(i) of the Constitution.

The subsequent legal advice indicates that there is no breach.

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4 September 2017

Bruce Billson referred to the House Privileges Committee

The House of Representatives refers former MP Bruce Billson (LP, Dunkley, Vic) to its Standing Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests regarding his paid role in the Franchise Council of Australia while serving as an MP.

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4 September 2017

Senator Xenophon referred to the Court of Disputed Returns

The Senate refers Senator Nick Xenophon (NXT, SA) to the Court of Disputed Returns to determine if he is in breach of Section 44(i) of the Constitution.

While Senator Xenophon renounced his Greek citizenship (by descent) before entering Parliament, he becomes aware in August that he may have inherited British citizenship from his Cyprus-born father.

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6 September 2017

Clinton Pryor's Walk for Justice

Clinton Pryor arrives at Parliament House, ending his year long, 5,800km trek from Heirisson Island (Perth). Pryor presents a list of demands for justice and sovereignty to the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.

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6 September 2017

Visit of Pope Tawadros II

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, visits Parliament House during a 10-day pastoral visit to Australia.

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12 September 2017

Parliament House's new fence

The first panels for the new 2.6m security fence are lifted into place on the Parliament House. This is part of a works package approved by the Parliament in December 2016, with temporary construction fences installed on the grass ramps since May 2017 to enable ground works to be completed. The increased security measures follow the raising of the National Terrorism Threat Advisory System in September 2014, the first time the threat level had been raised since the system was introduced in 2003.

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14 September 2017

Lionel Murphy Class A records tabled in Parliament

The final set of documents from the 1986 Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry into the conduct of Justice is tabled in the Parliament. The papers are published on the Parliament's Website with 'a small amount of personal information … redacted'.

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16 October 2017

Visit by the Irish President

Irish President Michael Higgins visits Parliament House as part of his official visit to Australia.

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16 October 2017

Condolences for Evelyn Scott AO

Parliament acknowledges the death of Indigenous elder and advocate Dr Evelyn Scott AO.

  

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27 October 2017

The High Court and the 'Citizenship Seven'

The High Court hands down its judgement regarding the qualification of the six senators and one MP referred to the Court of Disputed Returns.

The Court unanimously holds that Scott Ludlam (AG, WA), Larissa Waters (AG, Qld), Malcolm Roberts (PHON, Qld), Barnaby Joyce (NP, New England, NSW) and Fiona Nash (NP, NSW) were 'a subject or a citizen … of a foreign power' at the time that they nominated for the 2016 federal election. However, it unanimously finds that neither Senator Matt Canavan (NP, Qld) nor Senator Nick Xenophon (NXT, SA) was disqualified by this provision.

The Court orders that the Australian Electoral Commission undertake special counts of the ballot papers to fill the four vacant Senate positions.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives issues the writ for a by-election in New England to be held on 2 December 2017.

On 28 October the Prime Minister announces consequent changes to his Ministry.

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1 November 2017

Senate President announces resignation due to dual citizenship

Senate President Stephen Parry (LP, Tas) announces his intention to resign, having received legal advice that he is a British citizen. Senator Parry is the eighth parliamentarian to become enmeshed in the 'dual citizenship saga'.

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10 November 2017

John Alexander resigns due to dual citizenship

John Alexander (LP, Bennelong, NSW) resigns from Parliament, due to possibly being a British citizen.

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13 November 2017

New senators sworn in

Three new senators are sworn in by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, following the High Court's decision in Re Canavan [2017] HCA 45:

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13 November 2017

New President of the Senate

Scott Ryan (LP, Vic) is elected as the 25th Senate President, following Stephen Parry's (LP, Tas) resignation. At 44 years old, he is the youngest Senate President.

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13 November and 4 December 2017

Citizenship registers for the Parliament

The Senate agrees to establish a citizenship register, 'requiring declarations and documentation regarding senators' citizenship status' and associated details. The Standing Committee on Senators' Interests is tasked with overseeing the register.

On 4 December, the House of Representatives also agrees to a similar requirement.

  

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13 November and 4 December 2017

Condolence Motion: Sir Ninian Stephen KG, AK, GCMG, GCVO, KBE, KStJ, PC, QC

Condolence Motions in the Senate and the House of Representatives (on 4 December) pay tribute to Australia's 20th Governor-General, Sir Ninian Stephen, who died on 29 October, aged 94.

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14 November 2017

Senator Lambie resigns

Senator Jacqui Lambie (JLN, Tas) resigns from the Senate having received confirmation of her UK citizenship.

Senator Lambie's matter is referred to the Court of Disputed Returns. On 8 December, the High Court orders the two Tasmanian Senate vacancies be filled by a special count of votes.

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14 November 2017

Senate: Casual vacancy South Australia

Rex Patrick (NXT, SA) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Nick Xenophon (NXT, SA) on 31 October.

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15 November 2017

Results of the Australian Marriage Postal Law Survey and the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017

In response to the question: 'Should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?' 61.6% of respondents voted 'YES' and 38.4% voted 'NO'. The survey receives 12,727,920 responses – 79.5% of the eligible population.

All states and territories record a majority YES response. Of the Federal Electoral Divisions, 133 record a majority 'YES' response, and 17 a majority 'NO'.

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15 November 2017

The Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017

Senator Dean Smith (LP, WA) introduces his Private Senator's Bill, the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017, co-sponsored by Senators Reynolds, Wong, Pratt, Di Natale, Rice, Kakoschke-Moore, Hinch and Hume.

Debate on the Bill begins on the following day. Coalition and ALP parliamentarians are allowed a free vote. The Bill passes both Houses without amendment and enters into force on 9 December.

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27 November 2017

Senator Skye Kakoschke-Moore resigns due to dual citizenship

Senator Skye Kakoschke-Moore (NXT, SA) announces her resignation due to having British citizenship, having 'received advice from the UK Home Office … that she had received British citizenship from her mother, who was born in Singapore in 1957'.

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28 November 2017

Committee inquiry into section 44 of the Constitution

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) refers an inquiry into section 44 of the Constitution to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters. The Committee is to report to Parliament with regard to section 44(i) by 23 March 2018, and on any other provisions, by 30 June 2018.

  

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29 November 2017

Preventing water leaks at Parliament House

Scaffolding is erected on the Parliament House roof to enable skylight repairs. In 2016–17, the Government provided $18.3 million in capital funding over two years to repair and strengthen the main and side Parliament House skylights.

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30 November 2017

Banking Royal Commission

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) and Treasurer Scott Morrison (LP, Cook, NSW) announce a Royal Commission into 'the alleged misconduct of Australia's banks and other financial services entities'. On 18 December, Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove issues the Letters Patent appointing former High Court Justice Kenneth Hayne as Royal Commissioner and setting out the Terms of Reference for the Inquiry.

  

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2 December 2017

New England by-election

Barnaby Joyce (NP, New England, NSW) wins the by-election triggered by his own resignation. Mr Joyce had resigned due to contravening section 44(i) of the Constitution but had since renounced his New Zealand citizenship.

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4 December 2017

Celebrating the first honey harvest

Senate President Scott Ryan (LP, Vic) presides over the first harvest of honey from Parliament House's new hives. Over 200 politicians, diplomats and members of the public gather in the Great Hall for speeches, honey tastings, and information sessions.

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6 December 2017

Citizenship referrals and debate in the House

David Feeney (ALP, Batman, Vic) is referred to the High Court as he is unable to locate documents confirming renunciation of his British and Irish citizenship. Mr Feeney is referred to the High Court the following day.

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6 December 2017

A further citizenship referral in the Senate

Senator Katy Gallagher (ALP, ACT) is referred to the Court of Disputed Returns, following speculation that she may have held British or Ecuadorian citizenship by descent.

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6 December 2017

Committee inquiry into decisions of the Court of Disputed Returns

The Senate refers the implications of recent decisions made to the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters for inquiry and report by Tuesday 6 February.

  

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6 December 2017

Parliament marks the 50th anniversary of the disappearance of Harold Holt

The House of Representatives marks the 50th anniversary of Prime Minister Harold Holt's (LP, Higgins, Vic) disappearance at Cheviot Beach, near Portsea, Victoria. The tragic events of 17 December 1967 remain 'one of the confounding events' in Australia's history.

Members of Mr Holt's family, and friends of the Holt family, are seated on the floor of the chamber to listen to the debate.

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12 December 2017

Senate resignation

Senator Sam Dastyari (ALP, NSW) announces his intention to resign from the Senate. This follows the Senator's 30 November resignation as Deputy Opposition Whip following revelations of his alleged ties to a Chinese Communist Party-linked political donor. On 7 December, Attorney-General George Brandis (LP, Qld) declared his intention to refer Senator Dastyari to the Senate Privileges Committee.

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15 December 2017

Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse presents its 17-volume final report, including over 400 recommendations. The Royal Commission was formally established in January 2013.

  

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16 December 2017

Bennelong by-election

John Alexander (LP, Bennelong, NSW) wins the by-election triggered by his own resignation due to breaching Section 44(i) of the Constitution.

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19 December 2017

Major Cabinet reshuffle

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) announces a Ministry reshuffle. The new Cabinet is sworn in on 20 December.

Peter Dutton (LP, Dickson, Qld) becomes Minister for the new Home Affairs portfolio, which brings together 'Australia's immigration, border protection, law enforcement and domestic security agencies in a single portfolio'.

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22 December 2017

NSW Senate recount declared

The High Court declares retired Major-General Jim Molan (LP, NSW) elected, replacing Fiona Nash (NP, NSW) whose election was ruled void on 27 October. Hollie Hughes had been identified to fill the vacant seat; however, the High Court subsequently found that Hughes was 'incapable of being chosen' under s. 44(iv) of the Constitution, as she was a part-time member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. She was subsequently elected in 2019.

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2018

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5 February 2018

Change of Party representation

Senator Lucy Gichuhi (Ind, SA) announces that she has joined the Liberal Party. Appointed to the Senate in April 2017, Senator Gichuhi filled the vacancy created by the disqualification of Senator Bob Day (FFP, SA) but announced in May 2017 that she would sit as an Independent senator.

Senator Fraser Anning (Ind, Qld) announces that he will leave Pauline Hanson's One Nation party to sit as an Independent. Senator Anning filled the vacancy created by the disqualification of Senator Malcolm Roberts (PHON, Qld) in October 2017. On 4 June Senator Anning will announce that he has joined Katter's Australia Party.

  

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8 February 2018

Statements on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse

Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW), and Opposition Leader, Bill Shorten (ALP, Maribyrnong, Vic) make statements following the release of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse's final report on 15 December 2017.

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9 February 2018

Tasmanian Senate elections: High Court declarations

Richard Colbeck (LP, Tas) is declared elected following Stephen Parry's (LP, Tas) resignation on 2 November 2017, due to his dual citizenship.

Steven Martin (NP, Tas) is declared elected following Jacqui Lambie's (JLN, Tas) resignation on 14 November 2017, due to her dual citizenship.

The two are sworn in on 12 February. On 13 February 2018 Senator Martin informs the Senate that he will be sitting as an Independent.

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13 February 2018

10th anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations

Parliament marks the 10th anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations, with former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld) watching from the gallery.

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14 February 2018

Senate: Casual vacancy NSW

Kristina Keneally (ALP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Sam Dastyari (ALP, NSW) on 25 January.

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15 February 2018

Changes to the Statement of Ministerial Standards

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) amends the Statement of Ministerial Standards to specify that Ministers 'not engage in sexual relations with their staff'. The changes follow reports that Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce (NP, New England, NSW), 'made a shocking error of judgement in having an affair with a young woman working in his office'.

  

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26 February 2018

Change of National Party Leadership

Following Barnaby Joyce's (NP, New England, NSW) resignation as Leader, the Nationals elect Michael McCormack (NP, Riverina, NSW) to replace him. He is sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister and becomes the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. A ministerial reshuffle follows on 2 March.

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15 March 2018

Visit by the Prime Minister of Vietnam

Vietnam's Prime Minister, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, visits Parliament House during his official visit to Australia.

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17 March 2018

Batman by-election

Ged Kearney (ALP, Batman, Vic) wins the by-election triggered by the resignation of David Feeney (ALP, Batman, Vic) on 1 February.

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19 March 2018

Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Both Houses agree to establish the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition Relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

  

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19 March 2018

Visit by Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor of Myanmar

Aung San Suu Kyi, the State Counsellor of Myanmar, visits Parliament House for bilateral meetings following the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Sydney.

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19 March 2018

Parliamentary representation

Tim Storer (NXT, SA) is sworn in as a senator for South Australia, having been declared elected by the High Court following the resignation Senator Skye Kakoschke-Moore (NXT, SA) in November 2017.

On 21 March he informs the chamber that he will be sitting as an Independent.

Storer had been an NXT candidate at the 2016 election, but was expelled from the party in October 2017 after making an unsuccessful legal bid to fill the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of party leader Nick Xenophon (NXT, SA) on 21 October 2010.

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21 March 2018

Senate: Casual vacancy Queensland

Amanda Stoker (LP, Qld) fills the Senate casual vacancy caused by the resignation of George Brandis (LP, Qld) on 7 February.

Senate President Scott Ryan (LP, Vic) notes that:

... this is the first time the Senate has had its full complement of 76 senators since the resignation of Senator Ludlam on 14 July last year. At 250 days, that represents the longest period the Senate has been incomplete since Federation.

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26 March 2018

Launch of Parliament House 30th anniversary program

The Presiding Officers launch the Australian Parliament House 30th anniversary program.

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27 March 2018

Indigenous women protest to raise awareness of domestic violence

Aboriginal women from Alice Springs stage a sit-in, or Sorry Ceremony, at Parliament House in memory of the women who have suffered domestic violence.

  

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27 March 2018

Former minister Bruce Billson censured

The House of Representatives censures former Member and minister Bruce Billson (LP, Dunkley, Vic) for failing to 'discharge his obligations as a Member … in taking up paid employment for services to represent the interests of an organisation while he was a Member of the House, and failing to fulfil his responsibilities as a Member by appropriately declaring his personal and pecuniary interests'.

The censure follows an inquiry by the Standing Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests.

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10 April 2018

Change of Party name

The Nick Xenophon Team changes its name to Centre Alliance, following Senator Nick Xenophon's (NXT, SA) departure from the federal parliament.

  

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9 May 2018

Parliament House 30th anniversary

Her Majesty The Queen sends congratulations on the 30th anniversary of the official opening of Parliament House.

Celebrations include an address by the Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, a Smoking Ceremony, a Welcome to Country, a multi-faith blessing, a choir performance, and a birthday cake in the shape of Parliament House.

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9 May 2018

High Court finds ACT senator ineligible

The High Court, sitting as the Court of Disputed returns, finds Senator Katy Gallagher (ALP, ACT) ineligible to sit in the Parliament under section 44(i) of the Constitution.

In the wake of the ruling, four further Members of Parliament announce their resignations:

  

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23 May 2018

New Senator for the ACT

Following a special count of the ballot papers from the 2016 election, the High Court, sitting as the Court of Disputed Returns, declares David Smith (ALP) duly elected as a senator for the Australian Capital Territory. He fills the vacancy created on 9 May when Katy Gallagher (ALP, ACT) was declared ineligible to sit in the Parliament under section 44(i) of the Constitution.

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24 May 2018

Visit by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

A delegation from Trinidad and Tobago, led by Prime Minister Keith Rowley, visits Parliament House.

  

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25 May 2018

Change of Party representation

Senator Steven Martin (NP, Tas) announces that he has joined the Nationals. It is the party's first representation in Tasmania since the 1920s (when it was the Australian Country Party).

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18 June 2018

Change of Party representation

Senator Brian Burston (UAP [2018], NSW) becomes the first federal parliamentarian affiliated with the United Australia Party [2018], a rebranding of the Palmer United Party. Burston had been a member of Pauline Hanson's One Nation party until 14 June.

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21 June 2018

Parliamentary privilege and the use of intrusive powers

The Senate adopts the recommendations of a March 2018 Senate Standing Committee of Privileges report titled Parliamentary privileges and the use of intrusive powers focusing on the use of intrusive powers by law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

  

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25 June 2018

Visit by the Prime Minister of Vanuatu

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) meets with Vanuatu's Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas during his visit to Parliament House.

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7 July 2018

Exhibition: 'Crafting the house on the hill'

The exhibition 'Crafting the house on the hill: art, design and the building of Australian Parliament House' opens at the Canberra Museum and Gallery.

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28 July 2018

Federal by-elections

Justine Keay (ALP, Braddon, Tas) wins the by-election triggered by her own resignation on 10 May 2018 due to breaching Section 44(i) of the Constitution.

Josh Wilson (ALP, Fremantle, WA) wins the by-election triggered by his own resignation on 10 May 2018 due to breaching Section 44(i) of the Constitution.

Susan Lamb (ALP, Longman, Vic) wins the by-election triggered by her own resignation on 10 May 2018 due to breaching Section 44(i) of the Constitution.

Patrick Gorman (ALP, Perth, WA) wins the by-election triggered by Tim Hammond's (ALP, Perth, WA) resignation on 10 May 2018.

Rebekha Sharkie (CA, Mayo, SA) wins the by-election triggered by her own resignation on 11 May 2018 due to breaching Section 44(i) of the Constitution.

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August 2018

The Great Hall Tapestry is cleaned

The 20m-wide Great Hall tapestry – one of the world's largest – receives its first cleaning since 1999. The delicate operation takes a week to complete.

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13 August 2018

President's statement on parliamentary language in the Senate, Censure Motion

Senate President Scott Ryan (LP, Vic) makes a statement about parliamentary language following the 28 June exchange between Senators David Leyonhjelm (LDP, NSW) and Sarah Hanson-Young (AG, SA) that 'became the subject of substantial public debate and commentary'.

The following day, the Senate censures Senator Leyonhjelm for his comments.

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15 August 2018

Senate: Casual vacancy New South Wales

Dr Mehreen Faruqi (AG, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Lee Rhiannon (AG, NSW) on 14 August.

Senator Faruqi is the 100th woman to serve as a senator and the first female Muslim senator.

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20 August 2018

Visit by the President of Poland

Poland's President, Andrzej Duda, visits Parliament House, meeting with the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader to discuss international trade and security.

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21 August 2018

Liberal Party leadership ballot

Following 'a week of mounting pressure on [his] leadership over his handling of energy policy', Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) calls a Liberal Party leadership ballot. He defeats Peter Dutton (LP, Dickson, Qld) who immediately resigns from Cabinet. Other ministers resign over following days.

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21 August 2018

75 years of women in the Australian Parliament

Parliament marks the 75th anniversary of the election of the first women to Australia's Parliament; Enid Lyons (UAP, Darwin, Tas) and Dorothy Tangney (ALP, WA).

On 5 December 2018, the Senate and House of Representatives Alcoves are officially renamed after Dorothy Tangney and Enid Lyons, respectively, as a further commemoration of their elections.

  

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24 August 2018

A new Prime Minister

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) steps aside in response to a petition for a second Liberal Party leadership spill. A three-way leadership challenge ensues between Scott Morrison (LP, Cook, NSW), Peter Dutton (LP, Dickson, Qld) and Julie Bishop (LP, Curtin, WA). Ms Bishop is eliminated in the first round. In the second round, Mr Morrison defeats Mr Dutton (45–40) and becomes Australia's 30th Prime Minister.

Malcolm Turnbull retires from Parliament on 31 August.

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26 August 2018

Morrison Ministry

Prime Minister Scott Morrison (LP, Cook, NSW) announces his ministry. Of the 43 members, 11 (26%) are women, and six of these are members of Cabinet. The ministry comprises 33 Liberals (79%) and nine Nationals (21%).

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31 August 2018

Enhancing Online Safety (Non-consensual Sharing of Intimate Images) Act 2018

The Enhancing Online Safety (Non-consensual Sharing of Intimate Images) Act 2018 receives Royal Assent, establishing a complaints and objections system for the sharing of intimate images without the consent of the person depicted in those images.

 

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6 September 2018

Larissa Waters returns to the Senate

Larissa Waters (AG, Qld) is appointed to the casual vacancy created by the resignation of Andrew Bartlett (AG, Qld) on 27 August.

Waters becomes the first senator to return to the Senate after being disqualified under section 44 of the Constitution for holding dual citizenship. Her return is also notable because she fills the Senate position originally made vacant by her own disqualification.

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8 October 2018

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety is established to inquire into the quality of aged care services in Australia. The Hon Tony Pagone QC and Ms Lynelle Briggs AO are appointed Royal Commissioners. 

The Commission delivers its five volume final report on 1 March 2021.

  

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20 October 2018

Wentworth by-election

Dr Kerryn Phelps (Ind, Wentworth, NSW) wins the by-election triggered by Malcolm Turnbull's (LP, Wentworth, NSW) resignation on 31 August 2018. The result creates a hung Parliament.

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22 October 2018

National apology to victims of and survivors

Prime Minister Scott Morrison (LP, Cook, NSW) delivers a national apology to the victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse for the crimes exposed by the Royal Commission. Approximately 800 survivors from around Australia gather at Parliament House to hear the apology.

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9–19 November 2018

Centenary of the Armistice

Thousands of knitted, crocheted and felted poppies are arranged on an outer wall of the Great Hall (until 3 February 2019) and on the Parliament House Forecourt (until 19 November 2018) as part of a program of events to commemorate the Centenary of the end of World War I.

  

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27 November 2018

Change of Party representation

Julia Banks (LP, Chisholm, Vic) makes a personal statement in the House of Representatives in which she announces that she will now be serving as an Independent. Ms Banks had previously announced that she would not be recontesting her seat of Chisholm as a member of the Liberal Party.

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27 November 2018

Senator suspended

The Senate suspends Richard Di Natale (AG, Vic) after he refuses to withdraw comments concerning Senator Barry O'Sullivan (NP, Qld), which were prompted by comments made by Senator O'Sullivan about Senator Sarah Hanson-Young.

The Senate President notes that the relevant standing order has not been used for over 15 years.

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3 December 2018

Visit by the Prime Minister of Tuvalu

Tuvalu's Prime Minister, Enele Sopoaga visits Parliament House. During his visit Mr Sopoaga calls on Australia to take 'a more progressive response to climate change'.

  

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16 December 2018

Prime Minister announces the next Governor-General

Prime Minister Scott Morrison (LP, Cook, NSW) announces General David Hurley AC, DSC (Retd) as Australia's next Governor-General.

General Hurley is currently the NSW Governor but previously served 42 years in the Australian Army, including as Chief of the Defence Force (2011–14).

  

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17 December 2018

Andrew Broad resigns from the ministry

Andrew Broad (NP, Mallee, Vic) resigns as Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister following allegations of inappropriate conduct during official government travel. The following day he announces that he will not contest the next election.

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2019

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8 February 2019

Cyber-attack on parliamentary computer network

A reported cyber-attack on the parliamentary computing network is announced. The Presiding Officers make statements on 12 February outlining measures taken, in consultation with the relevant government agencies.

  

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12 February 2019

Government defeat in the House of Representatives

The minority Government is unable to prevent the House considering, amending and then agreeing to Senate amendments to the Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2018. The amendments seek to give greater weight to medical opinion when determining whether a medical evacuation from a regional processing country should occur.

While the defeat of government legislation in the House of Representatives is very rare and has occasionally been treated as a loss of confidence in a government, this matter is not considered so.

  

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12 February 2019

Condolence Motions for Gordon Scholes AO

The Parliament pays tribute to former Speaker Gordon Scholes (ALP, Corio, Vic) who died on 9 December 2018.

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12 February 2019

World record fundraising journey

Norman Bartie arrives at Parliament House after travelling from Brisbane to Canberra in an excavator with the aim of raising funds for a not-for-profit organisation supporting children affected by domestic violence. Covering over 5,649 kilometres, he sets a world record for the longest journey in an excavator.

  

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14 February 2019

Hakeem al-Araibi welcomed back to Australia

Hakeem al-Araibi, an asylum seeker who had fled persecution in Bahrain, is welcomed at Parliament House after being released by Thai authorities.

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18 February 2019

House agrees to Senate resolution on disability Royal Commission

On 14 February the Senate agrees to a motion sponsored by senators Jordon Steele-John (AG, WA), Carol Brown (ALP, Tas) and Stirling Griff (CA, SA) calling for a Royal Commission into 'violence, abuse and neglect of people with a disability', despite Government opposition.

When the House of Representatives considers the resolution, Prime Minister Scott Morrison (LP, Cook, WA) states that the Government supports the establishment of a Royal Commission but that the terms of reference require further consideration.

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability is established in April 2019.

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1 March 2019

Ministerial changes

Two cabinet ministers announce that they intend to retire at the upcoming election:

  • Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne (LP, Sturt, SA), who remains in his role until the election, and
  • Minister for Defence Industry Steven Ciobo (LP, Moncrieff, Qld), who leaves the ministry immediately.

Senator Linda Reynolds (LP, WA) is promoted to cabinet on 2 March 2019 to replace Mr Ciobo.

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6 March 2019

Senate: Casual vacancies Victoria and Tasmania

Raff Ciccone (ALP, Vic) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Jacinta Collins (ALP, Vic) on 15 February.

Wendy Askew (LP, Tas) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of David Bushby (LP, Tas) on 21 January.

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16 March 2019

Flag at half-mast after Christchurch attack

The Australian flag atop Parliament House is flown at half-mast as a mark of mourning and respect following a terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in which 51 people were killed and more than 50 injured.

On 2 April Condolence Motions in the House of Representatives and the Senate condemn the attack, and express their grief and solidarity with the people of New Zealand.

On 3 April Fraser Anning (KAP, Qld) is censured by the Senate for his comments about the causes of the terrorist attack.

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2 April 2019

New electronic division recording system in the House

The Speaker announces that tellers will now use iPads to record division votes, in place of the previous paper system. The system is first used the following day.

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3 and 4 April 2019

Qualifications of senators and members

Parallel motions are agreed to in the Senate and the House of Representatives establishing registers and procedures for members' and senators' qualifications. These measures replace existing interim arrangement.

  

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5 April 2019

Criminal Code Amendment (Sharing of Abhorrent Violent Material) Act 2019

The Criminal Code Amendment (Sharing of Abhorrent Violent Material) Act 2019 receives Royal Assent. The Act creates new offences for internet, hosting or content services providers who fail to refer to police 'abhorrent violent material that records or streams conduct that occurring' in Australia; and do not 'expeditiously' take down 'abhorrent violent material' capable of being accessed within Australia. This follows the repeated posting on social media of the livestream of the Christchurch terrorist attacks.

  

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11 April 2019

Election called, 45th Parliament ends

The Governor-General a issues a proclamation proroguing the 45th Parliament and dissolving the House of Representatives and, separately, issues writs for a House of Representatives general election and for the election of senators for the two territories on 18 May (writs for the election of state senators are the responsibility of state governors).

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18 May 2019

2019 Federal Election

The 2019 federal election returns the Morrison Government with a majority of 77 House of Representatives seats. The Liberal/National Party Coalition was widely expected to lose the election, having trailed in the polls to the ALP Opposition for almost the entire parliamentary term.

The House of Representatives – now at 151 members – comprises 77 Coalition members, 68 Labor members, three independents and one member each representing the Greens, Centre Alliance and Katter's Australia Party.

The Senate comprises 35 Coalition senators, 26 Labor senators, nine Greens senators, two Centre Alliance senators, two Pauline Hanson's One Nation senators, one Jacqui Lambie Network senator, and one Independent.

At the return of the writs, the 46th Parliament comprises 36.6% women, a 4.6% increase over the corresponding previous Parliament. The Senate's proportion of women increases 9.2% to 48.7%, while the House of Representatives' proportion of women has increased 1.8% to 30.5%.

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29 May 2019

Second Morrison Ministry

The Governor-General swears in the second Morrison Ministry. Of the 42 members, 11 (26%) are women, seven of these are members of Cabinet. The ministry comprises 34 Liberals (81%) and eight Nationals (19%). Ken Wyatt (LP, Hasluck, WA) becomes the first Indigenous Cabinet minister and first Indigenous Minister for Indigenous Australians.

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30 May 2019

New ALP Leadership

The ALP caucus confirms Anthony Albanese (ALP, Grayndler, NSW) as the new Leader of the ALP, and Opposition Leader, after an uncontested Leadership ballot. Richard Marles (ALP, Corio, Vic) is elected Deputy Leader, also unopposed.

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17 June 2019

Indigenous tours at Parliament House

The Department of Parliamentary Services begins free tours of Parliament House focusing on the stories of Indigenous parliamentarians and staff, the site history of Parliament House, significant artworks by Indigenous artists and the democratic participation of Indigenous people.

  

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1 July 2019

New Governor-General sworn in

General David Hurley is commissioned as Australia's 27th Governor-General, being sworn in by Chief Justice Susan Kiefel in the Senate Chamber.

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2 July 2019

Opening of the 46th Parliament

Ngunnawal elder Tina Brown conducts a Welcome to Country ceremony before Governor-General David Hurley formally opens the 46th Commonwealth Parliament.

Tony Smith (LP, Casey, Vic) is elected unopposed for the third time as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Scott Ryan (LP, Vic) is re-elected as Senate President, having served in the role since 2017.

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2 July 2019

Message stick walker meets with senators and members

Alwyn Doolan, a Gooreng Gooreng and Wakka Wakka man, who had walked 8,500km in 12 months from Cape York to Hobart and back to Canberra, is welcomed by Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt (LP, Hasluck, WA) and a number of other parliamentarians at Parliament House.

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3 July 2019

Condolence Motions for Bob Hawke AC

Condolence Motions in the House of Representatives and Senate pay tribute to former Prime Minister Bob Hawke (ALP, Wills, Vic) who died on 16 May 2019, aged 89.

Mr Hawke remains the third longest-serving Australian Prime Minister and the longest-serving ALP Prime Minister.

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4 July 2019

New Clerk of the House of Representatives announced

Speaker Tony Smith announces that Deputy Clerk Claressa Surtees will become 16th Clerk of the House of Representatives following the retirement of David Elder in August. She is the first woman appointed to this office.

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22 July 2019

Visit by Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape visits Parliament House for the inaugural Papua New Guinea–Australia Leaders' Dialogue.

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23 July 2019

Member addresses the House in English, Cantonese and Mandarin during first speech

Gladys Liu (LP, Chisholm, Vic) delivers her first speech. Briefly speaking in both Cantonese and Mandarin, she states: 'As the first Chinese-Australian woman elected to this place, I am fully aware of the historic significance and, therefore, I am determined to do my very best'.

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1 August 2019

Retirement of the Clerk of the House of Representatives

The House of Representatives pays tribute to its Clerk, David Elder, on his retirement. The President of the Senate also notes his service.

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11 September 2019

Senate: Casual vacancy Victoria

Sarah Henderson (LP, Vic) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by Mitch Fifield's (LP, Vic) resignation on 16 August.

The Senate now has, for the first time, equal gender representation, with 38 women and 38 men.

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12 September 2019

Centenary of the Parliamentary Bible

The Parliamentary Library marks the 100th anniversary of Governor-General Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson's presentation of a Bible and lectern, commemorating the conclusion of World War I. The Bible contains the signatures of every Commonwealth Presiding Officer since Federation, the earlier signatures being pasted in.

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16 September 2019

Visit of the Prime Minister of Fiji

Fiji's Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, visits Parliament House as part of state visit to Australia.

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17 October 2019

Exhibition: 'Alfred Deakin'

An exhibition marking the centenary of the death on 7 October 1919 of former Prime Minister Alfred Deakin (Lib Com, Ballaarat, Vic) opens at Parliament House. The Parliamentary Library also marks the occasion by releasing the first volume of Deakin's collected letters to the London Morning Post newspaper.

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12 November 2019

Visit of the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands

A delegation from the Cook Islands led by Prime Minister Henry Puna visits Parliament House.

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14 November 2019

Senate: Casual vacancy New South Wales

Jim Molan (LP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Arthur Sinodinos (LP, NSW) on 11 November.

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25 November 2019

Statements made on bushfires

The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition make statements on the large numbers of bushfires burning in Queensland, News South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, acknowledging the loss of four lives and the destruction of many properties. The bushfire crisis continues over the summer, and by early February 2020 has resulted in the deaths of 33 people and the loss of over 3,000 homes.

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2020

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13–16 January 2020

Asia–Pacific Parliamentary Forum

The Australian Parliament hosts the 28th annual meeting of the Asia–Pacific Parliamentary Forum, attended by some 350 delegates from national parliaments across the region.

  

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19–21 January 2020

Novel coronavirus

The Health Department activates its National Incident Room to coordinate the health sector emergency response to COVID-19. On 21 January COVID-19 is declared a 'disease of pandemic potential' enabling the issue of 'enhanced biosecurity measures'.

Over the next three years, COVID-19 will have a dramatic impact on the Parliament: lockdowns, APH closing to the public, interruptions to scheduled sittings, remote participation, and travel restrictions.

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20 January 2020

Canberra hailstorm

Parliamentary Handbook photographer David Foote captures iconic images of Parliament House following a brief but violent hailstorm that strikes Canberra causing widespread damage.

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2 February 2020

Ministerial resignation

Minister for Agriculture Bridget McKenzie (NP, Vic) resigns from Cabinet and her position as the Nationals' Deputy Leader for breaching the Ministerial Standards. The resignation comes amid ongoing controversy about the governance and funding under the Community Sport Infrastructure Program.

On 5 February 2020, the Senate establishes a Select Committee on Administration of Sports Grants which tables an Interim Report in December 2020 and a Final Report in March 2021.

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3 and 4 February 2020

Ministerial resignation and Nationals' leadership ballot

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan (NP, Qld) offers his resignation to leader Michael McCormack (NP, Riverina, NSW) to enable him to support Barnaby Joyce (NP, New England, NSW) in the Nationals' upcoming party room leadership ballot.

McCormack retains the leadership in the 4 February ballot, and on 6 February Prime Minister Scott Morrison (LP, Cook, NSW) announces consequent changes to the ministry.

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3 and 4 February 2020

Australian Greens leadership change

Senator Richard Di Natale (AG, Vic) announces his resignation as Parliamentary leader of the Australian Greens.

Adam Bandt (AG, Melbourne, Vic) succeeds him as leader the following day.

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4 February 2020

Condolence Motions for 'Black Summer' bushfires

The House of Representatives and Senate debate Condolence Motions following devastating bushfires. The Motions acknowledge the 'loss of 33 lives, the destruction of over 3,000 homes, the unimaginable loss of … wildlife, and the devastating impact on regional economies'.

Present during the debate are family members of Australian firefighters who died fighting the fires and the US Ambassador representing the families of three US firefighters who were killed.

After the speeches, both Houses adjourn as a mark of respect to the victims of the bushfires.

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6 February 2020

Senate: Casual vacancy South Australia

Andrew McLachlan (LP, SA) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Cory Bernardi (Ind, SA) on 20 January.

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10 February 2020

Address by the President of the Republic of Indonesia

Indonesia's President, Joko Widodo, addresses members and senators assembled in the House of Representatives. The President's state visit marks the 70th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Australia and Indonesia.

  

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20 February 2020

Bushfire Royal Commission

The Royal Commission into Natural Disaster Arrangements is established. Retired Air Chief Marshall Mark Binskin AC, the Hon Dr Annabelle Bennett AC, SC and Professor Andrew Macintosh are appointed Commissioners.

The Government receives the Royal Commission's report on 28 October 2020 and tables it in Parliament on 9 November 2020.

  

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27 February 2020

Visit of the President of Israel

Israel's President Ruvi Rivlin, visits Parliament House during his official visit to Australia.

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27 February 2020

Disorder in the Federation Chamber

The Deputy Speaker suspends and subsequently adjourns the Federation Chamber due to repeated Closure Motions moved during Constituency Statements.

  

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27 February 2020

National Cabinet

The Prime Minister, Premiers and Chief Ministers resolve to form a 'national cabinet to deal with the national response to the coronavirus'. The first meeting of the National Cabinet takes place on 15 March.

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16 March 2020

Changes to the operation of Parliament House

The Presiding Officers announce changes to the operation of Parliament House to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, including closure of public galleries and cancellation of events and school tours. Committee proceedings will also not be open to the public. On 25 March, Parliament House closes to the public. Over the next two years, access to Parliament House by staff and members of the public will vary in accordance with changes in heath advice and COVID-19 restrictions.

  

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18 March 2020

Human biosecurity emergency

The Governor-General declares 'a human biosecurity emergency' which gives the Health Minister unprecedented powers under the Biosecurity Act to 'issue directions and set requirements' to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.

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20 March 2020

The Federal Budget is postponed

The Treasurer Josh Frydenberg (LP, Kooyong, Vic) announces that the Federal Budget will be postponed until October.

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23 March 2020

Parliament meets to debate COVID measures

Special COVID-19 social-distancing arrangements are established in both chambers for the single-day sitting. Pairing arrangements are enacted so that only 37 senators and 90 MPs are in Parliament House.

With the Budget delayed until October, the Parliament also passes Supply Bills No. 1 and No. 2 2020–21 to provide resourcing for government services.

On 8 April Parliament again assembles for a special sitting to debate a second tranche of legislation dealing with COVID-19 economic measures. The Senate establishes a Select Committee 'to inquire into the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic'.

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28 April 2020

Services Australia satellite processing centre at Parliament House

Services Australia opens a satellite processing centre at Parliament House to accommodate the many parliamentary staff who have volunteered for secondment to Services Australia to assist the numerous Australians needing Government support.

In all, 63 parliamentary service officers (62 from the Department of Parliamentary Services and one from the Department of the Senate) are deployed to Services Australia.

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8 May 2020

Anniversary of the first broadcast of the Commonwealth Parliament

The first radio broadcast of parliamentary proceedings occurred 75 years ago today, when acting Prime Minister Ben Chifley (ALP, Macquarie, NSW) informed Parliament of the surrender of all German forces in Europe.

  

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12–14 May 2020

Parliament resumes

Parliament meets for a further special sitting on 12–14 May, addressing a broad range of matters which had been deferred due to the pandemic. On the last sitting day, the Houses resolve to return for a seven-day sitting in June, and to change the calendar to include two weeks of Budget estimates hearings in October.

  

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12 and 13 May

Condolences for Victorian police officers

The Parliament pays tribute to Victorian police officers Lynette Taylor, Kevin King, Glen Humphris and Joshua Prestney who were killed by a truck after pulling over a car on a freeway on 22 April.

  

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11 June 2020

Inquiry into the destruction of ancient rock shelters at Juukan Gorge (WA)

The Parliament establishes an inquiry into the destruction in May 2020 of '46,000 year old caves at the Juukan Gorge in the Pilbara region of Western Australia' by mining company Rio Tinto. The Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia tables an Interim Report in December 2020 and a Final Report in October 2021.

  

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11 June 2020

50 years of Senate Committees

The Senate marks the 50th anniversary of its committee system 'that forever changed' its role and functions.

  

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4 July 2020

Eden–Monaro by-election

Kristy McBain (ALP, Eden–Monaro, NSW) wins the by-election triggered by the resignation of Mike Kelly (ALP, Eden-Monaro, NSW) on 30 April 2020.

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18 July 2020

Sittings postponed

On the advice of the Commonwealth's Chief Health Officer, parliamentary sittings scheduled for August are postponed. It is the first time that scheduled sittings have been set aside in this way. The President of the Senate and the Speaker establish a working group to develop protocols to enable Parliament to meet safely.

  

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18 August 2020

Banks's 'Florilegium' exhibition

To mark the 250th anniversary of HMB Endeavour's voyage along Australia's east coast, Parliament House hosts an exhibition celebrating Sir Joseph Banks's Florilegium, a portfolio of 743 engravings which illustrate plant life seen on the voyage.

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24 August 2020

Parliament via video link

Following the Procedure Committee's recommendations regarding senators unable to attend the chamber due to COVID-19-related reasons, the Senate adopts rules for remote participation via video link.

The House of Representatives also agrees to new procedures by resolution, following an agreement struck between the Leader of the House and the Manager of Opposition Business.

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24 August 2020

Change of Party representation

Senator Rex Patrick (Ind, SA) informs the Senate he has resigned from the Centre Alliance party and will now sit as an Independent.

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3 September 2020

Senate procedure

The Senate adopts a resolution affirming its right to determine its own meetings and the right of Senators to attend parliamentary proceedings. It further calls on the executive of all jurisdictions to 'have appropriate regard to these matters in devising and implementing public health measures'.

  

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3 September 2020

Aged Care Minister censured

The Senate censures the Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Senator Richard Colbeck (LP, Tas), regarding the aged care sector's administration during the pandemic.

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4 September 2020

Senate: Casual vacancy Victoria

Lidia Thorpe (AG, Vic) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Richard Di Natale (AG, Vic) on 26 August.

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23 October 2020

A new Parliamentary Budget Officer

Dr Stein Helgeby is announced as the new Parliamentary Budget Officer.

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30 October 2020

Finance Minister steps down

Senator Mathias Cormann (LP, WA) resigns from the Ministry ahead of his retirement from the Parliament on 6 November. Senator Simon Birmingham (LP, SA) is sworn in as Minister for Finance on 30 October, also assuming the role of Leader of the Government in the Senate.

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10 November 2020             

'No' to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags in the Senate Chamber

The Senate rejects a Motion to display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags in the Senate Chamber alongside the Australian flag.

  

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25 November 2020

Senate: Casual Vacancy Western Australia

Ben Small (LP, WA) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Mathias Cormann (LP, WA) on 6 November.

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28 November 2020

Groom by-election

Garth Hamilton (LP, Groom, Qld) wins the by-election triggered by John McVeigh's (LP, Groom, Qld) resignation on 18 September 2020.

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30 November 2020             

Prime Minister attends Parliament via video link

Prime Minister Scott Morrison (LP, Cook, NSW) attends parliamentary proceedings remotely from The Lodge due to quarantine restrictions following an official visit to Japan.

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9 December 2020

ACT and NT changes to parliamentary representation

The Electoral Amendment (Territory Representation Bill 2020 passes the Parliament

restoring the Northern Territory's second seat in the House of Representatives which had been lost in electoral redistributions due to population change. The Bill receives Royal Assent on 15 December.

  

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2021

 

  

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2 February 2021

Changed procedures in the Senate

The Senate begins recording divisions on tablet devices and reporting the results online in real time.

  

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2 February 2021

Condolence Motions for Major-General the Hon Michael Jeffery AC, AO (Mil), CVO, MC

The Parliament pays tribute to former Governor-General Michael Jeffery, who died on 18 December 2020. He served as Governor-General from 2003 to 2008.

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16 February 2021

Inquiries into Parliament's workplace culture

In response to allegations that a parliamentarian's staffer was sexually assaulted at Parliament House in 2019, Prime Minister Scott Morrison (LP, Cook, NSW) establishes two inquiries. The first, led by Celia Hammond (LP, Curtin, WA) will examine workplace culture at Parliament House, while the second, led by Stephanie Foster (PM&C) will provide advice on improving complaints processes and support for staffers reporting sexual assault.

The first review is subsequently incorporated into a broader independent review of Parliament House's workplace culture by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner.

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23 February 2021

Change of Party representation

Craig Kelly (Ind, Hughes, NSW) advises that he has resigned from the Liberal Party to sit as an Independent. In August he is announced as lead of the United Australia Party [2018].

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1 March 2021

Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Bill 2019 receives Royal Assent. The Bill, which had originally been introduced in 2018 but lapsed with the prorogation of Parliament, merges the Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia into a new Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

The Act enters into force on 1 September 2021.

  

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5 March 2021

Sex Discrimination Commissioner to lead review into Parliament's workplace culture

The Minister for Finance, Simon Birmingham (LP, SA) announces an independent review into Commonwealth Parliamentary workplaces, to be led by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins.

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15 March 2021

March4Justice

Thousands of people attend March4Justice rallies around Australia, calling for an end to gendered violence. Speakers at the rally outside Parliament House include Brittany Higgins, the former staffer whose allegations of sexual assault in the building were 'the catalyst for much of the anger leading up to the protests'.

Both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition make statements in the House regarding the rallies.

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15 March 2021

Condolence Motions for Sir Michael Somare

Parliament pays tribute to former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare who led his country to independence in 1975. Sir Michael died on 26 February.

  

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22 March 2021

Statements on Indulgence on floods

Prime Minister Scott Morrison (LP, Cook, NSW) and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese (ALP, Grayndler, NSW) make statements on the devastating floods in New South Wales and Queensland.

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29 March 2021

Ministry reshuffle

Prime Minister Scott Morrison (LP, Cook, NSW) announces a reshuffle of his ministry. The new ministry sees the return to a record number of women (seven) in Cabinet, and the creation of a Women's Cabinet Taskforce.

  

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10 April 2021

Gun salute in honour of The Duke of Edinburgh

Following the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh on 9 April 2021, a 41-gun salute is performed at Parliament House in his honour.

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19 April 2021

Royal Commission: Defence and Veteran Suicide

The Government announces a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide to complement the establishment of a permanent National Commission 'to proactively deal with future issues'. The Royal Commission is formally established on 8 July 2021, and is led by Nick Kaldas, former Deputy Commissioner of the NSW Police Force.

  

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9 May 2021

120th anniversary of first sitting of the Commonwealth Parliament

Commonwealth Parliament first sat 120 years ago in Melbourne's Exhibition Building, the city's only building able to accommodate the 12,000 invited guests. With senators and members assembled under the great dome, the Duke of Cornwall and York (later King George V) declared the Parliament open, his voice ringing 'clear through the building'.

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10 May 2021

Exhibition: 'Commemoration of the London Blitz'

The Presiding Officers unveil an exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the bombing of London during the Blitz. At the heart of the exhibition are relics salvaged from the bomb-damaged Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey which were a gift in 1942 from the British Government.

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4 June 2021

Foster report released

Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham (LP, SA) announces the public release of the Foster Report. The report by Stephanie Foster, Deputy Secretary of Prime Minister and Cabinet, reviews the current arrangements for responding to serious incidents in parliamentary workplaces. It recommends the creation of an independent complaints mechanism for serious incidents, and the logging of after-hours access to parliamentarians' offices.

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11 June 2021

50th anniversary of Neville Bonner's appointment to the Senate

This day marks the 50th anniversary of Neville Bonner's (LP, Qld) appointment to the Senate. Bonner continued to represent Queensland as a Senator until 1983. After politics, he held a series of prominent positions including as an ABC director and patron of World Vision and Amnesty International. Deeply proud of his role as a trailblazer, he continued to be a strong advocate for Indigenous rights. He was named Australian of the Year in 1979 and appointed an AO in 1984.

To mark the anniversary, an exhibition is held at Parliament House and Professor Megan Davis delivers a Senate Occasional Lecture.

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21 June 2021

Nationals leadership change

Following a further leadership spill, Barnaby Joyce (NP, New England, NSW) replaces Michael McCormack (NP, Riverina, NSW) as leader of the Nationals. He is sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister the following day. Consequent changes to the Ministry are announced on 27 June.

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21 June 2021

Man arrested with weapon at Parliament House

Additional security measures are enacted in Parliament House after an armed man making threats outside the building is arrested.

  

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4 August 2021

Federation Chamber hiatus

The Speaker informs the House of Representatives that the Federation Chamber will not meet until 18 October 2021 as COVID-19 restrictions prevent members of the Speaker's Panel attending sittings.

  

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5 August 2021

Stolen wages redress scheme

Prime Minister Scott Morrison (LP, Cook, NSW) and the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt (LP, Hasluck, WA) announce a $378.6 million redress scheme for living members of the Stolen Generations who were removed from their families as children in the NT, the ACT, and the Jervis Bay Territory.

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30 August 2021

Death of Senator Alex Gallacher

Senate President Scott Ryan (LP, Vic) announces Senator Alex Gallacher's (ALP, SA) death the day before.

On 31 August and 29 November 2021, Condolence Motions in the House of Representatives and Senate respectively, pay tribute to Senator Gallacher.

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1 September 2021

70th anniversary of the ANZUS alliance

The Parliament acknowledges the 70th anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty, which was first signed on 1 September 1951.

  

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4 September 2021

Parliament kitchen provides COVID-19 relief

A media article highlights the role of the Department of Parliamentary Services, particularly its catering team led by Chef David Learmonth, in providing for more than 45,000 meals for people in need at the Vinnies Blue Door drop-in centre during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  

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14 September 2021

Senate: Casual vacancy Western Australia

Dorinda Cox (AG, WA) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Senator Rachel Siewert (AG, WA) on 6 September.

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21 September 2021

Senate: Casual vacancy South Australia

Karen Grogan (ALP, SA) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the death of Senator Alex Gallacher (ALP, SA).

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23 September 2021

Parliamentary Workplace Support Service

As recommended in the Foster Review, 'a new independent workplace complaints mechanism … [for] staff and parliamentarians who work in Commonwealth Parliamentary workplaces' is established.

  

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1 October 2021

Ministry reshuffle

Prime Minister Scott Morrison (LP, Cook, NSW) announces a reshuffle of his ministry following Christian Porter's (LP, Pearce, WA) resignation.

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18 October 2021

A new President of the Senate

Senator Slade Brockman (LP, WA) is elected as the 26th President of the Senate, defeating Mehreen Faruqi (AG, NSW) 45 votes to seven. He succeeds Scott Ryan (LP, Vic) who resigned from Parliament on 13 October.

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23 November 2021

A new Speaker of the House

Andrew Wallace (LP, Fisher, Qld) is elected as the 31st Speaker of the House of Representatives, defeating Rob Mitchell (ALP, McEwen, Vic) 70 votes to 59. He succeeds Tony Smith (LP, Casey, Vic).

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30 November 2021

Release of the report on the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces

Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins launches the Set the Standard report, which makes 28 recommendations. The report also sets out five key shifts required in the areas of (1) leadership, (2) diversity, equality and inclusion, (3) systems to support performance, (4) standards, reporting and accountability, and (5) safety and wellbeing.

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2 December 2021

Senate: Casual vacancy Victoria

Greg Mirabella (LP, Vic) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Scott Ryan (LP, Vic).

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2 December 2021

Alan Tudge stands aside from portfolio

The Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge (LP, Aston, Vic) stands aside from his portfolio, pending an investigation into allegations of emotional and physical abuse made by former staffer Rachelle Miller. The review, undertaken by Dr Vivienne Thom, finds 'insufficient evidence' for a finding that his conduct breached Ministerial Standards.

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2022

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23 January 2022

Online Safety Act 2021

The Online Safety Act 2021 enters into force, establishing the position of a Safety Commissioner whose functions are, among other things, promoting online safety for Australians, administering a complaints system for cyber‑bullying material targeted at an Australian child, and administering a complaints and objections system for non‑consensual sharing of intimate images.

  

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28 January 2022

Change of Party representation

Senator Sam McMahon (Ind, NT) resigns from the Country Liberal Party. She unsuccessfully contests the 2023 election as a candidate for the Liberal Democratic Party.

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8 February 2022

Remote participation in 2022

Parliamentarians continue to be able to participate remotely according to the rules agreed to during the 46th Parliament in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

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8 February 2022

Statement of Acknowledgement: Recommendation 1 Set the Standard report

The Presiding Officers issue a statement acknowledging 'the unacceptable history of workplace bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces'.

  

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8 February 2022

Motion for Her Majesty The Queen's Jubilee

Following the anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee on 6 February, the following motion is agreed to in both Houses:

We … express to Your Majesty our warm congratulations at this time of celebration of the Platinum Jubilee of your accession to the Throne. We express our respect and regard for the dedication you have displayed in the service of the Commonwealth and your deep and abiding commitment to Australia and her people.

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11 February 2022

Convoy to Canberra protest

The Canberra Times reports that up to 10,000 protesters march through Canberra to Parliament House, declaring it the largest anti‑vaccination mandate protest yet.

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14 February 2022

Condolence Motion for Michael Beahan, AM

A Condolence Motion in the House of Representatives pays tribute to Senate President Michael Beahan (ALP, WA) who died on 30 January.

The Senate debates its Condolence Motion on 29 March 2022, the delay being a consequence of Senate Estimates hearings.

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14 February 2022

Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Standards

A Joint Select Committee is 'established to inquire into and report on matters relating to the development of codes of conduct for Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces'.

The committee is re-established in the 47th Parliament.

  

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17 February 2022

Statements made on Senator Payne's length of service

The Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition make statements congratulating Senator Marise Payne (LP, NSW) on being the longest-serving female senator. Senator Payne is also the longest-serving female federal parliamentarian to serve in a single chamber.

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28 February 2022

Ukrainian flag illumination on Parliament House

Parliament House is lit with the colours of the Ukrainian flag – blue and yellow – in solidarity against the Russian invasion.

  

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28 and 29 March 2022

Condolence Motions for Senator Kimberley Kitching

Condolence Motions in the Senate and the House of Representatives pay tribute to Senator Kimberley Kitching (ALP, Vic) who died on 10 March.

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31 March 2022

Ukrainian President addresses Parliament

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the Australian Parliament via video link with English translation.

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6 April 2022

Senate: Casual vacancy Victoria

Jana Stewart (ALP, Vic) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the death of Senator Kimberley Kitching (ALP, Vic).

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11 April 2022

Election called, 46th Parliament ends

The Governor-General issues a proclamation proroguing the 46th Parliament and dissolving the House of Representatives.

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13 April 2022

Senator Kristina Keneally resigns to contest Fowler

Senator Kristina Keneally (ALP, NSW) resigns to unsuccessfully contest the House of Representatives' seat of Fowler at the 2022 federal election.

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18 May 2022

Senate: Casual vacancy Western Australia

Ben Small (LP, WA) is appointed to fill a casual vacancy caused by his own resignation on 15 April due to his holding New Zealand citizenship.

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21 May 2022

2022 federal election

The ALP wins 77 seats (gaining nine) to form a majority government, making Anthony Albanese (ALP, Grayndler, NSW) Australia's 31st Prime Minister. On a two-party preferred basis, there was a swing to the ALP in all states except Tasmania.

The Coalition lost 19 seats leaving a total of 56, while the crossbench expanded to its largest-ever total of 16 seats

In the Senate, the ALP wins 26 seats and the Coalition 32 seats, with 12 Australian Greens and six other senators making up the crossbench – 18 crossbench senators in five minor parties/Independents.

The overall proportion of women elected at the commencement of the 47th Parliament is 44.5%, up 7.9% compared to the last Parliament.

The House of Representatives comprises 38.4% women, up 7.9%, while the Senate comprises 56.6% women, up 7.9%. This is the first time that a majority of senators are women.

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30 May 2022

Liberal Party leadership

In a party room vote, Peter Dutton (LP, Dickson, Qld) is elected unopposed as Liberal Party leader, replacing Scott Morrison (LP, Cook, NSW) who stood down after the election. Sussan Ley (LP, Farrer, NSW) is elected unopposed as Liberal Party Deputy Leader, following incumbent Josh Frydenberg's (LP, Kooyong, Vic) defeat in the federal election.

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30 May 2022

Nationals Party leadership

In a party room vote, David Littleproud (NP, Maranoa, Qld) is elected as the Nationals leader, with Perin Davey (NP, NSW) elected as the Deputy Leader.

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31 May 2022

New Labor Ministry

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese (ALP, Grayndler, NSW), announces his full Ministry following the federal election, to be sworn in the following day.

The 23-member Cabinet includes 10 women (43.5%), which is a record number and percentage of women in Cabinet.

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26 July 2022

47th Parliament commences

The 47th Parliament commences with a Welcome to Country by Ngambri–Ngunnawal custodian Paul House.

Milton Dick (ALP, Oxley, Qld) is elected as the 32nd Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Senator Sue Lines (ALP, WA) is elected as the 27th President of the Senate. Senator Lines had been Deputy President since 2016.

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26 July 2022

Condolence Motions for Shinzo Abe

Condolence Motions in the House of Representatives and Senate pay tribute to Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister of Japan (2006–07 and 2012–20) who was assassinated on 8 July 2022.

  

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27 July 2022

Flags in the Senate Chamber

The Senate resolves to display the Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag alongside the Australian flag.

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27 July 2022

Statement for Sir Gerard Brennan

Senator Patrick Dodson (ALP, WA) pays tribute to Sir Gerard Brennan who died on 1 June 2022.

Appointed to the High Court of Australia in 1977, Sir Gerald became Chief Justice in 1995. He wrote the lead judgement in the Mabo Case, rejected the doctrine of terra nullius as antithetical to 'the values of justice and human rights (especially equality before the law) which are aspirations of the contemporary Australian legal system'.

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1 and 2 August 2022

Condolence Motions for Archie Roach

The Parliament pays tribute to Archie Roach, who died on 30 July. Gunditjmara and Bundjalung man and member of the Stolen Generation, Roach was 'one of Australia's most distinctive and celebrated performers'.

  

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25 August 2022

'Robodebt' Royal Commission established

The Government announces a Royal Commission into the debt assessment and recovery 'Robodebt' scheme.

Governor-General David Hurley issues the Letters Patent on 18 August 2022, appointing Catherine Holmes AC, SC as Royal Commissioner.

The Commission's three volume report is delivered to the Governor-General on 7 July 2023 and tabled in Parliament the same day.

 

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26 August 2022

Inquiry into the appointment of the former Prime Minister to administer multiple departments

The Government announces an Inquiry into former Prime Minister Scott Morrison's (LP, Cook, NSW) appointment to administer departments other than the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and related matters.

The Hon Virginia Bell AC is appointed to lead the inquiry and delivers her findings on 25 November 2022. She recommends more transparency around Executive Councillors, ministers, administering departments, holding offices, and acting arrangements.

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5 September 2022

Condolence Motions for Mikhail Gorbachev

Condolence Motions in the Senate and House of Representatives pay tribute to Mikhail Gorbachev, former leader of the Soviet Union (1985–91).

  

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7 September 2022

President of Timor-Leste visits

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (ALP, Grayndler, NSW) meets with Timor-Leste's President, Dr José Ramos-Horta.

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8 September 2022

Death of Her Majesty The Queen

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II dies aged 96.

Her eldest child, Charles, who is proclaimed King Charles III, automatically succeeds her.

The reign of Her Majesty The Queen spanned 16 Australian Prime Ministers and included 16 visits to Australia, the first in 1954.

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9 September 2022

Demise of the Crown

Governor-General David Hurley announces the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Australian flag above Parliament House is lowered to half-mast.

The Governor-General David Hurley, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (ALP, Grayndler, NSW), Opposition Leader Peter Dutton (LP, Dickson, Qld), and Parliament's Presiding Officers issue condolence statements. 

Parliamentary sittings scheduled to begin on 12 September are suspended for a 14-day official mourning period.

A 96-gun salute takes place at Parliament House to mark each year of the Queen's life.

A condolence book opens at Parliament House, and the building is illuminated with photos of the Queen to commemorate her life of service. Both continue until the mourning period concludes on 22 September.

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11 September 2022

Proclamation of His Majesty King Charles III

Governor-General David Hurley formally proclaims the accession of His Majesty The King, Charles III. Large crowds gather on the Parliament House Forecourt to witness the Proclamation, which is followed by a 21-gun salute.

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22 September 2022

Remembering Her Majesty The Queen

A National Day of Mourning public holiday commemorates 'Her Majesty's remarkable life and dedication to service', with one minute's silence at 11am.

A televised National Memorial Service is held at Parliament House.

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23 September 2022

Condolence Motions Queen Elizabeth II

Parliament is recalled for a special sitting to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, with Condolence Motions in both Houses.

In the House, 113 MPs speak in the debate, and 49 senators speak in the Senate.

Parliamentarians are not required 'to swear allegiance to the new Head of State, King Charles III, as their previous oaths or affirmations (as stipulated in the Constitution) are automatically carried over. Victoria is the only Australian jurisdiction where this is not the case'.

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28 September 2022

Condolence Motion for Jack Charles

Parliament pays tribute to Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta senior elder, Uncle Jack Charles.

A member of the Stolen Generations, he was the first Indigenous elder to appear before the Yoorrook Justice Commission and in July 2022 was named male Elder of the Year at the national NAIDOC awards.

  

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6 October 2022

Prime Minister of Solomon Islands visits

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogovare meets with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (ALP, Grayndler, NSW) for bilateral talks.

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12 October 2022

20th anniversary of the Bali bombings

A commemorative ceremony is held in the Great Hall to mark 20 years since the 2002 Bali bombings killed 202 people, including 88 Australians.

Motions in the House of Representatives and Senate also acknowledge the anniversary.

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16 October 2022

Visit of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (ALP, Grayndler, NSW) welcomes Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Parliament House. The three-day visit includes the Australia–Singapore Annual Leaders' Meeting.

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24 November 2022

Ministerial statement – Government response to committee report on Juukan Gorge

Tanya Plibersek (ALP, Sydney, NSW), Minister for the Environment and Water, responds to the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia's interim and final report into the destruction of Juukan Gorge by Rio Tinto. The Government accepts seven of the eight recommendations and is consulting on the final recommendation to determine 'whether ultimate responsibility for cultural heritage protection should sit with the Indigenous Affairs Minister or the Environment Minister'.

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25 November 2022

Report of the Inquiry into the appointment of the former Prime Minister to administer multiple departments

Virginia Bell releases her findings into Scott Morrison's (LP, Cook, NSW) administration of departments other than the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and related matters.

Bell recommends more transparency around Executive Councillors, ministers, administering departments, holding offices and acting arrangements.

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29 November 2022

Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Standards final report

The Committee tasked with developing codes of conduct in response to Recommendation 21 of the Set the Standard report tables its final report. The committee recommends that the chambers adopt the Behaviour Standards and Codes outlined in Appendix 1 of the report.

  

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30 November 2022

Former Prime Minister censured

The House of Representatives censures former Prime Minister Scott Morrison (LP, Cook, NSW) for holding undisclosed multiple ministerial appointments. The censure receives support from the crossbench, excluding Bob Katter (KAP, Kennedy, Qld) and Bridget Archer (LP, Bass, Tas). This is only the third time a private member has been censured in the House of Representatives.

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1–2 December 2022

Industrial Relations Bill passes the House

On the last scheduled sitting day (1 December) the Leader of the House announces additional sitting days to pass legislation.

However, the Senate passes the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 during the evening of 1 December. The House of Representatives then sits at 8am on 2 December and passes the Senate's amendments before adjourning at 8.41am.

  

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1 December 2022

Restoring Territory Rights Bill 2022

The Restoring Territory Rights Bill 2022 is passed by both Houses of Parliament. It receives Royal Assent on 13 December, removing the prohibition on the NT and ACT legislatures legalising euthanasia.

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8 December 2022

120th anniversary of the Franchise Act

The Parliament Library hosts a symposium celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Commonwealth Franchise Act 1902.

  

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12 December 2022

National Anti-Corruption Commission

The National Anti-Corruption Bill 2022 receives Royal Assent. The Act establishes the National Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate and report on serious or systemic corruption in the Commonwealth public sector. It will also educate the public service, and the public, about corruption risks and prevention.

The Commission commences operations on 1 July 2023.

  

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15 December 2022

Parliament recalled

Following a National Cabinet meeting on 9 December, Parliament is recalled to debate the Treasury Laws Amendment (Energy Price Relief Plan) Bill 2022. The House of Representatives sits from 9am and the Senate from 1pm. The Bill passes both chambers. It receives Royal Assent the following day.

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15 December 2022

Condolence Motions for Rachel McCrow, Matthew Arnold and Alan Dare

The Parliament pays tribute to Constable Rachel McCrow, Constable Matthew Arnold and Mr Alan Dare who were killed in an ambush on 12 December.

  

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23 December 2022

Change of Party representation

Andrew Gee (Ind, Calare, NSW) resigns from the Nationals due to disagreement over The Voice to Parliament. He will now sit as an Independent.

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2023

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3–6 January 2023

Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers conference

Parliament House hosts the 26th Conference of Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers.

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6 February 2023

Condolence Motions for Senator Andrew James (Jim) Molan AO, DSC

The Parliament pays tribute to Senator Jim Molan (LP, NSW) who died on 16 January.

 

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6 February 2023

Matter of privilege not referred

For the second time, Speaker Milton Dick (ALP, Oxley, Qld) finds no prima facie evidence to refer Scott Morrison (LP, Cook, NSW) to the Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests for deliberately misleading the House.

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6 February 2023

Change of Party representation

Lidia Thorpe (Ind, Vic) announces her resignation from the Australian Greens to sit as an Independent.

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7 February 2023

Visit by New Zealand Prime Minister

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (ALP, Grayndler, NSW) deliver a joint press conference. It is Mr Hipkins's first official visit since becoming Prime Minister.

2023 is a significant anniversary in the Australia and New Zealand relationship: 80 years of diplomatic representation, 50 years of the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement, and 40 years of the Closer Economic Relations Free Trade Agreement.

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8 February 2023

Visit by Timor-Leste's Prime Minister

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (ALP, Grayndler, NSW) welcomes Timor-Leste's Prime Minister, General Taur Matan Ruak, to the Parliament.

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13 February 2023

15th anniversary of the Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples

The House of Representatives marks the 15th anniversary of the National Apology to Australia's Indigenous peoples, joined by members of the Stolen Generations. The debate follows an anniversary breakfast in the Great Hall.

The Senate acknowledges the anniversary on 8 March as the anniversary falls during the 2022–23 Supplementary Budget Estimates period.

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14–16 February 2023

Visit by Prime Minister of Vanuatu

Vanuatu's Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau meets Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (ALP, Grayndler, NSW) for bilateral talks.

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17 February 2023

Suspicious package leads to partial evacuation

Shortly after midday, parts of Parliament House and nearby roads are cordoned off due to reports of a possible suspicious package in the area. Following an hour-long search, nothing is found, and the building is reopened.

 

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8 March 2023

Australian flag at Parliament House

The Presiding Officers release a joint statement about the 'unacceptable condition' of Parliament House's iconic Australian flag.

Adverse weather conditions and the usual transport mechanism being offline interrupted the usual four-week flag-changing schedule. On 11 March, industrial climbers complete an eight-hour climb to change the flag.

 

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8–10 March 2023

Parliamentary Professionals conference

Parliament House hosts the inaugural Parliamentary Professionals Services Network conference, bringing together parliamentary departments from across Australia and New Zealand.

  

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22 March 2023

Visit by Prime Minister of Samoa

Samoan Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa holds bilateral talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (ALP, Grayndler, NSW).

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23 March 2023

The Voice referendum wording announced

The Government announces,

[t]he question the Parliament will now consider to be put to the Australian people at the 2023 referendum will be:

'A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

Do you approve this proposed alteration?'

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28 March 2023

House attendant injured

During a House of Representatives division, an attendant is injured as seven MPs try to exit the chamber whilst the doors are being locked.

The Speaker subsequently addresses the behaviour and notes that he 'will not tolerate it', and the seven MPs involved apologise.

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28–29 March 2023

Senate sits until 4.14am

The Senate debates the Safeguard Mechanism (Crediting) Amendment Bill 2023 until 4.14am. It then resumes less than five hours later at 9.00am.

  

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29 March 2023

Vietnam war veterans honoured

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (ALP, Grayndler, NSW) hosts an event in Parliament House honouring veterans of the Vietnam War and thanking them for their service. This year marks 50 years since Australian troops were withdrawn from Vietnam.

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30 March 2023

Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023 introduced

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus (ALP, Isaacs, Vic) introduces the Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023.

This is the first step to alter the Constitution (under section 128). If approved by a successful referendum, the Bill will introduce a new Chapter IX and section 129 titled 'Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples'.

The Bill passes both Houses on 19 June 2023.

  

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1 April 2023

Aston, Vic, by-election

Mary Doyle (ALP, Aston, Vic) wins the by-election triggered by Alan Tudge's (LP, Aston, Vic) resignation on 17 February 2023. ABC News reports:

It is the first time in more than a century that a government has won a seat from the opposition at a by-election.

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14 April 2023

Franchise seminar

The Parliamentary Library convenes its second symposium on the electoral franchise: 'Who Gets the Vote? An inclusive electoral franchise for contemporary Australia'. The event is presented in conjunction with the Electoral Regulation Research Network.

  

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6 May 2023

The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla

The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort takes place at Westminster Abbey. Australia is represented at the ceremony by Governor-General David Hurley and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (ALP, Grayndler, NSW).

To mark the occasion, Australia's Federation Guard fire a 21-gun salute from the Parliament House Forecourt. On 9 May the House of Representatives resolves to present an Address of Congratulation to The King. The Senate also extends its congratulations to the King.

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8 May 2023

Celebrating 35 years since the opening of Parliament House

At an event in the Great Hall, the Presiding Officers mark the 35th anniversary of the opening of Parliament House by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As part of the ceremony, they launch a new exhibition, Turning the Key: Opening Australia's Parliament House.

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10 May 2003

Condolence Motion for Yunupingu AM

The House of Representatives pays tribute to Yunupingu AM, who died on 3 April 2023, recording its appreciation for 'his significant leadership and his contribution to the cause of land rights and self-determination for Indigenous Australians'.

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31 May 2023

Senate: Casual vacancy New South Wales

Maria Kovacic (LP, NSW) fills the Senate casual vacancy created by the death of Senator Jim Molan AO, DSC (LP, NSW) on 16 January 2023. Senator Kovacic is sworn in on 13 June and is the first Australian senator to swear allegiance to King Charles III.

  

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15 June 2023

Passage of Bill through all stages without delay

The Home Affairs Bill 2023 is introduced in the House of Representatives after prayers. It passes through all stages on the voices and is read a third time at 9.05am. The Bill is introduced in the Senate at 10.13am, and similarly passes all stages on the voices in the Senate by 10.17am. It receives Royal Assent the same day.

The Act terminates the lease held by the Government of the Russian Federation on a parcel of land adjacent to Parliament House to protect Australia's national security interests.

  

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Footnotes

[1] Unless otherwise specified, biographical links are to entries in the online Parliamentary Handbook (www.handbook.aph.gov.au).

[2] 'New Year's Day, 1901', The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 January 1901, 14.

[3] 'The Commonwealth of Australia', The Argus, 10 May 1901, 5.

[4] The Australian Constitution, s. 31, Australian Parliament website.

[5] Ibid., s. 125.

[6] Greg Wood, The Community that Was, (Canberra: ACT Chief Minister's Department, 2009), 16. An Agreement of Surrender is signed by NSW Premier Charles Wade and Prime Minister Alfred Deakin. This is ratified when the Commonwealth Parliament passes the Seat of Government Acceptance Act 1909 (Cth) and the NSW Parliament passes the Seat of Government Surrender Act 1909 (NSW) enabling the Commonwealth to formally acquire the territory for the new capital from NSW. The territory is known as the Federal Capital Territory until 1938, when it is renamed the Australian Capital Territory by the Seat of Government Acceptance Act 1938 (Cth).

[7] Quoted in Department of Home Affairs, 'Information, Conditions and Particulars for Guidance in the Preparation of Competitive Designs for the Federal Capital City of the Commonwealth of Australia – Invitation to Competitors', National Archives of Australia, A1818, 12.

[8] Ibid., and 9.

[9] Canberra – Capital City of the Commonwealth of Australia (Laying the Foundation Stones of the Commencement Column and Naming the Federal City: 12 March 1913), (Victoria: Government Printer, 1913), 23, 31.

[10] Gay Hogan, Parliament House Canberra, 1927, Records relating to the design, construction and opening of the provisional Parliament House, (Canberra: National Archives of Australia, Research Guide No. 6, 2003), 9‒10.

[11] Percy Stewart, Federal Capital: Provisional Parliament House, House of Representatives, Debates, 26 July 1923, 1668–69.

[12] Museum of Australian Democracy, 'The Building: Design and Construction'; DI McDonald, 'Murdoch, John Smith (1862–1945)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, published first in hardcopy 1986.

[13] Museum of Australian Democracy, op. cit.

[14] Gavin Souter, Acts of Parliament, (Carlton, Vic: Melbourne University Press, 1989), 219.

[15] 'Parliament House Opened', The Canberra Times, 13 May 1927, 1.

[16] 'By Radio', The Canberra Times, 20 May 1927, 12.

[17] 'Parliament House Opened', op. cit.

[18] Gavin Souter, op. cit., 222.

[19] 'Parliament House Opened', op. cit.

[20] 'The King's forethought', The Register, 9 May 1927, 12; 'Parliament: First Canberra Session', The Canberra Times, 13 May 1927, 3.

[21] New and Permanent Parliament House, House of Representatives, Debates, 8 April 1970, 817; New and Permanent Parliament House: Report of Joint Select Committee, Senate, Debates, 8 April 1970, 583.

[22] New and Permanent Parliament House: Appointment of Joint Select Committee, House of Representatives, Debates, 3 December 1965, 3589; New and Permanent Parliament House: Appointment of Joint Select Committee, Senate, Debates, 7 December 1965, 2042; New and Permanent Parliament House, Senate, Debates, 8 December 1965, 2113.

[23] Parliament House Construction Authority, Project Parliament: the management experience, Parliament House Construction Authority, (Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service, 1990), 3.

[24] Museum of Australian Democracy, 'Old Parliament House'; Scott Bennett, Parliament House and the Australian people, Research paper series 2007–08, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 7 May 2008), 1.

[25] Walter Burley Griffin, quoted in John W Reps, Canberra 1912, (Melbourne: Melbourne University Press, 1997), 144.

[26] Andrew Hutson, 'Square Peg in a Square Hole: Australia's Parliament House', Papers on Parliament, 55, (Canberra: Department of the Senate, February 2011).

[27] See Joy McCann, Anna Hough and Dianne Heriot, 'The 30th anniversary of Australia's Parliament House: locating the permanent building 1954–1974', (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, May 2018).

[28] Joint Standing Committee on the New and Permanent Parliament House, House of Representatives, Debates, 5 June 1975, 3465; Proposed Joint Standing Committee on the New and Permanent Parliament House, Senate, Debates, 5 June 1975, 2343.

[29] Parliament of Australia, Joint Standing Committee on the New and Permanent Parliament House, The new and permanent Parliament House, Canberra: Report, (Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981).

[30] Ibid., 1977.

[31] Malcolm Fraser, New and Permanent Parliament House, House of Representatives, Debates, 22 November 1978, 3192.

[32] Robert Ellicott, New and Permanent Parliament House, House of Representatives, Debates, 5 April 1979, 1631, New and Permanent Parliament House, Senate, Debates, 5 April 1979, 1378.

[33] 'Announcement of design competition and invitation to register', The Canberra Times, 7 April 1979, 14.

[34] Parliament House Construction Authority, Vol. Two (Stage One), 'Parliament House Canberra: Conditions for a Two-state competition', (Canberra: National Capital Development Commission, April 1979), 6, 15.

[35] Parliament House Construction Authority, Project Parliament, op. cit., 14.

[36] Committee of Assessors, 'Parliament House Canberra: Two Stage Design Competition: Assessors' Final Report', Parliamentary Paper, No. 203/1980, June 1980, 12.

[37] Parliament House Construction Authority, Vol. Four (Stage Two), 'Design Issues: Elements: Appendices', Parliament House Canberra: Conditions for a Two-stage Competition', (Canberra: National Capital Development Commission, November 1979), DI/7.

[38] Parliament House Construction Authority, Project Parliament, op. cit., 15.

[39] Ibid.

[40] 'Parliament House Canberra: Two Stage Design Competition: Assessor's Final Report', June 1980, 5.

[41] Romaldo Giurgola, 'Canberra's History: Parliament House', National Capital Authority.

[42] Romaldo Giurgola, Submission to Senate Standing Committees on Finance and Public Administration, Inquiry into the performance of the Department of Parliamentary Services, [Submission no. 7], 27 July 2011.

[43] Design and Construction of Parliament House, House of Representatives, Debates, 28 August 1980, 959.

[44] Parliament House Construction Authority, Project Parliament, op. cit.

[45] 'Bulldozing PM loses union membership', The Canberra Times, 22 January 1981, 3.

[46] 'History of Parliament House', Parliament of Australia.

[47] Michael Hodgman, New Parliament House – schematic design report: Ministerial Statement, House of Representatives, Debates, 18 August 1981, 25.

[48] 'Million visitors expected annually at House site', The Canberra Times, 22 October 1981, 7.

[49] Malcolm Fraser (Prime Minister), 'Ceremony to mark the first pouring of concrete for the New Parliament House, Canberra', 12 November 1981.

[50] Parliament House Construction Authority, Project Parliament, op. cit., 25–36.

[51] Parliament House Construction Authority, 'Ring the Bells', transcript, 31 August 1990.

[52] M Pamille Berg, Interwoven: the commissioned art and craft for Parliament House, Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia, 2018), 42–49.

[53] Parliament House Construction Authority, Project Parliament, op. cit., 39.

[54] Parliament House Construction Authority, 'New Parliament House site to be open to public Monday 31 January', media release.

[55] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Foundation Stone Ceremony', 4 October 1983.

[56] Bernard Wright, ed., House of Representatives Practice, sixth edn., (Canberra: Department of the House of Representatives, 2012), 87.

[57] Parliament of Australia, 'Frequently asked questions about the Art Collection'.

[58] Parliament House Construction Authority, Project Parliament, op. cit.

[59] Joint Standing Committee on the New Parliament House, Report on the future use of the provisional Parliament House, (Canberra: Commonwealth Government Printing Service, May 1984), paragraph 4.13.

[60] Construction of prefabricated modular building in House of Representatives' gardens, House of Representatives, Debates, 7 June 1984, 3175; Provisional Parliament House: temporary work proposals extensions, Senate, Debates, 12 June 1984, 2847. See also Joint Standing Committee on the New Parliament House, 'Report relating to proposed work in the Parliamentary Zone [electronic resource]: Provisional Parliament House, temporary extensions', 1 June 1984.

[61] Commonwealth of Australia, Old Parliament House and curtilage: Heritage management plan 2008‒13, (Canberra: Old Parliament House, 2008), 290.

[62] John Button, 'Federal Parliament: Decision making in a bizarre working environment', in Henry Mayer and Helen Nelson, eds., Australian politics: a fifth reader, (Melbourne: Longman Cheshire Pty Ltd, 1980), 223‒24; edited version of a paper delivered at the 48th ANZAAS Congress, 2 September 1977.

[63] Parliament House Construction Authority, Vol. Two (Stage One), op. cit., 7.

[64] Parliament of Australia, 'Great Hall Tapestry'.

[65] 'Prince and Princess of Wales visit the Parliament House site', ABC News, updated 8 May 2008; 'Busy Canberra itinerary outlined for Royal couple', The Canberra Times, 6 November 1985, 3.

[66] Berg, op. cit.

[67] Ibid, 47.

[68] Commonwealth of Australia, Joint Standing Committee on the New Parliament House, New Parliament House project – statement on cost savings, (Canberra: Commonwealth Government Publishing Service, 26 February 1987.

[69] Estimates Committee E, Estimates, Official Committee Hansard, 20 October 1988; Joint Standing Committee on the New Parliament House, Report on certain aspects of the new Parliament House project, (Canberra: Commonwealth Government Publishing Service, 25 November 1986), 3, 4, 7‒10.

[70] Joan Child, Speaker's Chair, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 October 1987, 754‒55.

[71] Parliament House Construction Authority, Project Parliament, op. cit., 72–73.

[72] Alan Browning, 'Opening and Occupation of Australia's New Parliament House', The Table, 57, 1989, 50–52.

[73] Joint Standing Committee on the New Parliament House, Report relating to proposed works in the Parliamentary zone: Commencement Column Monument, (Canberra: Commonwealth Government Publishing Service, 30 October 1987).

[74] Bernard Wright, op. cit., 129.

[75] Browning, op. cit., 49.

[76] The opening of Parliament, Senate Brief No. 2, May 2011.

[77] Jeanne Zakharov, 'Well-behaved throng waited for that flash', The Canberra Times, 10 May 1988, 17; Tony Wright, 'Queen opens Australia's permanent Parliament building', The Canberra Times, 10 May 1988, 1.

[78] Kathryn Whitfield, 'Aborigines find little to cheer', The Canberra Times, 10 May 1988, 14. See also Karen Middleton, 'Silent protest turns noisy as Queen's car arrives', The Canberra Times, 10 May 1988, 14.

[79] 'Opening of the new Parliament House: A day of ceremony and spectacle', The Canberra Times, 9 May 1988, 3.

[80] Queen Elizabeth II, 'A speech by the Queen to mark Australia's bicentenary', 9 May 1988, Royal Family.

[81] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Speech at the opening of the new Parliament House', 9 May 1988.

[82] Romaldo Giurgola, untitled essay, in [Parliament of Australia], The Opening of Australia's Parliament House by Her Majesty The Queen 9 May 1988, 9 May 1988, 19.

[83] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'For media', media release, 22 April 1988.

[84] Valedictory, Senate, Debates, 2 June 1988, 3541, 3544.

[85] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), Former and Present members and staff, House of Representatives, Debates, 3 June 1988, 3274–75.

[86] John Howard, Ibid., 3276–77.

[87] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Visit by King and Queen of Spain', media release, 11 May 1988; 'Parliamentary catering passes the taste test', The Canberra Times, 17 June 1988, 7.

[88] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Parliamentary luncheon for the Prime Minister of Japan', 4 July 1988.

[89] Keith Scott, 'Australians "will find a friend in Ireland"', The Canberra Times, 14 July 1988, 7.

[90] Mark Metherell, 'PM forgets the past and hails Thatcher visit', The Age, 29 June 1988.

[91] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'President Hammer DeRoburt of the Republic of Nauru to visit Australia', media release, 28 July 1988.

[92] Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, 'Resignation of the Governor-General and Appointment of His Successor', media release, 17 August 1988.

[93] Parliamentary Library, 'Ministers in the Hawke Ministry (3rd) from 24.07.1987 to 04.04.1990', Parliamentary Handbook.

[94] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Parliamentary luncheon in Honour of the Prime Minister of New Zealand', 18 August 1988.

[95] Alan Browning, 'Opening and Occupation of Australia's New Parliament House', The Table, 57, (1989), 49.

[96] Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 August 1988, 137–52.

[97] Bob Hawke, Immigration Policy, House of Representatives, Debates, 25 August 1988, 402.

[98] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Speech by the Prime Minister: Parliamentary Luncheon in honour of the Prime Minister of Western Samoa, Tofilau Eti Alesana Canberra – 30 August 1988', 30 August 1988.

[99] Australian Electoral Commission, 'Referendum dates and results'.

[100] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Luncheon in honour of the Prime Minister Alebua of the Solomon Islands', 5 September 1988.

[101] 'Royals in Canberra', The Canberra Times, 8 September 1988, 3.

[102] Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, 'Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference Australia', media release, 16 September 1988.

[103] 'Kohl begins visit today', The Canberra Times, 3 October 1988, 1; Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Parliamentary dinner in Honour of Chancellor Kohl Parliament House Canberra', 4 October 1988.

[104] Parliamentary Library, 'Oxley, Qld, By-election 1988', Parliamentary Handbook.

[105] Senate, 'Distinguished Visitor', Journals, 96, 1987–88, 11 October 1988, 977.

[106] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Parliamentary dinner given in Honour of President Haglelgam of the Federated States of Micronesia', 13 October 1988.

[107] Bob Hawke, 'Speech by the Prime Minister parliamentary luncheon for her Majesty Queen Beatrix', Dutch Australian Weekly, 14 November 1988, 3.

[108] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'President Roh Tae Woo of the Republic of Korea to visit, 5–8 November', media release, 26 October 1988; Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Speech: Parliamentary luncheon in Honour of President Roh Tae Woo of Korea', 8 November 1988.

[109] Kathryn Whitfield, 'Politicians jump on to their own wavelength', The Canberra Times, 14 November 1988, 26.

[110] Rosemary Laing, ed., Odgers' Australian Senate Practice: as revised by Harry Evans, (Canberra: Department of the Senate, 14th edition, 2016), 463; Joint Committee on the Broadcasting of Parliamentary Proceedings, Radio and television broadcasting of parliamentary proceedings, (Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service, May 1995), 15.

[111] 'Radio and television broadcasting of parliamentary proceedings', ibid., 14.

[112] 'Lee arrives for week-long visit', The Canberra Times, 11 November 1988, 2; Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Speech: Parliamentary luncheon for Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, Canberra, 16 November 1988.

[113] Gerard Henderson, 'The unrepentant Mr Lee Kuan Yew', The Australian, 18 November 1988.

[114] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Speech at the Parliamentary dinner for Premier Li Peng', 17 November 1988.

[115] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Speech by the Prime Minister: Lunch for the President of the Hellenic Republic: Canberra 23 November 1988, 23 November 1988; Malcolm Booker, 'Ugly face of multiculturalism', The Canberra Times, 29 November 1988, 8.

[116] Department of Immigration, Local Government and Ethnic Affairs, 'Governor-General salutes first ever Australian citizens', media release, 31 January 1989.

[117] Bob Hawke, Death of Mr LF Rees AC, CMG, House of Representatives, Debates, 28 February 1989, 1.

[118] 'In memory of AIDS deaths', The Canberra Times, 9 March 1989, 1.

[119] Scott Bennett, op. cit., 18.

[120] Parliamentary Library, 'Gwydir, NSW, By-election 1989', Parliamentary Handbook.

[121] Alex Morokoff, (Chairman, Parliament House Construction Authority), 'Chairman's speech [Mr AL Morokoff] – the Formal Gardens Ceremony', 19 April 1989.

[122] Andrew Peacock (Leader of the Opposition), 'Transcript of press conference', 9 May 1989.

[123] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Statement by the Prime Minister', media release, 19 May 1989.

[124] Scott Bennett, op. cit., 8; Greg Callaghan, 'Remembering Tiananmen', Weekend Australian, 16 May 2009, 18.

[125] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Visit by Prime Minister of France', media release, 14 August 1989.

[126] Leo McLeay, Presentation to Governor-General, House of Representatives, Debates, 29 August 1989, 475.

[127] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Parliamentary luncheon for the Prime Minister of Thailand General Chatichai', 31 August 1989.

[128] Lionel Bowen (Deputy Prime Minister), 'Vanuatu President to Visit Australia', media release, 19 October 1989.

[129] Kerry Sibraa, Death of Professor Gordon Stanley Reid AC, Senate, Debates, 30 October 1989, 2483.

[130] Neal Blewett, AIDS: a time to care, a time to act, House of Representatives, Debates, 22 February 1989, 2940.

[131] Senate, Legislation Procedures–Select Committee–Recommendations, Journals, 212, 1987–89, 5 December

1989, 2303–05.

[132] Rosemary Laing, ed., Odgers Australian Senate Practice, op. cit., 446‒47.

[133] Department of the Senate, Women in the Senate, Senate Brief No. 3, January 2023, 8.

[134] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Speech: Parliamentary Dinner for P.M. Ryzhkov', 14 February 1990; Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Transcript of Statements by P.M. Hawke and P.M. Ryzhkov', 14 February 1990.

[135] Parliamentary Library, 'Federal Election 1990', Parliamentary Handbook.

[136] Bill Hayden, Governor-General's Speech, Senate, Debates, 8 May 1990, 2.

[137] Leo McLeay, Mr JM Campbell, Principal Parliamentary Reporter: Retirement, House of Representatives, Debates, 17 May 1990, 801.

[138] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Mexican president Carlos Salinas de Gortari to visit Australia', media release, 13 June 1990; Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Speech at Luncheon in honour of His Excellency Mr Carlos Salinas de Gortari, President of the United Mexican States, Canberra', 22 June 1990.

[139] Tom Connors, 'Integration with NZ, but not monetary union: PMs', The Canberra Times, 3 July 1990, 2; Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Parliamentary dinner for New Zealand Prime Minister, Mr Geoffrey Palmer', 2 July 1990.

[140] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Parliamentary luncheon for the Prime Minister of Malta', 15 August 1990.

[141] Bob Hawke, Middle East: Ministerial Statement, House of Representatives, Debates, 21 August 1990, 1118.

[142] Senate, 'Senate Proceedings–Television Broadcasting', Journals, 17, 1990, 31 May 1990, 192.

[143] Senate, 'Procedure–Standing Committee–First Report of 1990', Journals, 21, 1990, 23 August 1990, 237.

[144] John Button, Election of the President, Senate, Debates, 21 August 1990, 1787.

[145] Neal Blewett, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: Ministerial Statement, House of Representatives, Debates, 29 August 1989, 492.

[146] Department of Community Services and Health, 'National HIV/AIDS strategy: a policy information paper', (Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service, 1989).

[147] Helen Seidel, 'Loggers protest outside House', The Canberra Times, 8 September 1990, 3; Lenore Taylor, 'Logging in Estate forests extended', The Australian, 15 September 1990.

[148] Airlines Agreement (Termination) Act 1990 (Cth); Gareth Evans (Minister for Transport and Communications), 'Date fixed to end Airline Agreement', media release, 30 October 1987.

[149] Bob Hawke, Death of Mr PVM White, House of Representatives, Debates, 9 October 1990, 2404.

[150] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Luncheon in honour of Mr Nelson Mandela', 23 October 1990.

[151] 'Singer Jimmy Barnes', The Canberra Times, 21 December 1990, 2; Robert Ray (Minister for Defence), 'Christmas gift of music for Gulf sailors', media release, 20 December 1990.

[152] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Statement by the Prime Minister: the Gulf', media release, 17 January 1991.

[153] Leo McLeay, Deaths of Mr EA Robertson and Mr NJ Parkes, House of Representatives, Debates, 12 February 1991, 315.

[154] Leo McLeay, Answer to Question without Notice: Televising of Parliament, [Questioner: Wal Fife], House of Representatives, Debates, 13 March 1991, 1893.

[155] Leo McLeay, Retirement of Mr AR Browning, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 March 1991, 2041.

[156] John Button, Death of Rt Hon Sir John Kerr AK, GCMG, GCVO, Senate, Debates, 9 April 1991, 2040.

[157] John Button, Death of Rt Hon Viscount de L'Isle VC KG GCMG, GCVO, Senate, Debates, 9 April 1991, 2052; Bob Hawke, Death of The Right Honourable Viscount de L'Isle, VC, KG, GCMG, GCVO, House of Representatives, Debates, 9 April 1991, 2140.

[158] Kerry Sibraa, Distinguished visitors, Senate, Debates, 16 April 1991, 2513; David Sibley, 'A happy escape for Chernobyl's young victims', The Canberra Times, 17 April 1991, 2.

[159] 'PM of Tuvalu in Canberra to meet leaders', The Canberra Times, 30 April 1991, 4.

[160] Robert Tickner, Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody: reports and ministerial statement, House of Representatives, Debates, 9 May 1991, 3411.

[161] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Parliamentary dinner in honour of the President of the Republic of Turkey, Mr Turgut Ozal', 9 May 1991.

[162] Parliamentary Library, 'Menzies, Vic, By-election 1991', Parliamentary Handbook.

[163] Bob Hawke, Death of Emeritus Professor Charles Manning Hope Clark, AC, House of Representatives, Debates, 25 May 1991, 4029; Chris Schacht, Death of Professor Manning Clark', Senate, Debates, 29 May 1991, 3768.

[164] John Button, Death of Mr Rajiv Gandhi, Senate, Debates, 28 May 1991, 3643; Bob Hawke, Death of Mr Rajiv Gandhi, House of Representatives, Debates, 28 May 1991, 4025.

[165] Parliamentary Library, 'Ministers in the Hawke Ministry (4th) from 04.04.1990 to 20.12.1991', Parliamentary Handbook.

[166] Bob Hawke (Prime Minister), 'Parliamentary dinner in honour of the Prime Minister of PNG, the Rt Hon Rabbie Namaliu', 2 September 1991.

[167] 'Hun Sen to visit Aust tomorrow', The Canberra Times, 25 October 1991, 7.

[168] Parliamentary Library, 'Ministers in the Hawke Ministry (4th) from 04.04.1990 to 20.12.1991', Parliamentary Handbook.

[169] Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, 'State visit to Australia by the President of Cyprus, Mr George Vassiliou and Mrs Vassiliou', media release, 1 December 1991.

[170] Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Keating Ministry', media release, 27 December 1991.

[171] George Bush, Address by the President of the United States of America, House of Representatives, Debates, 2 January 1992, 1.

[172] Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, 'Royal visit to Australia 18 to 25 February 1992: Program', 1992.

[173] Ronald Edwards, Parliamentary Librarian: retirement, House of Representatives, Debates, 25 February 1992, 41.

[174] Scott Bennett, op. cit., 23; Katrina Iffland, 'Parliament gets real … sheep and wool', The Canberra Times, 3 April 1992, 1.

[175] Parliamentary Library, 'Wills, Vic, By-election 1992', Parliamentary Handbook.

[176] Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Address at the Coral Sea Reception, Canberra', 4 May 1992.

[177] Paul Keating, Answer to Question in Writing: Dalai Lama's Visit to Australia, [Questioner: John Cobb], Question 1564, House of Representatives, Debates, 27 May 1992, 3025.

[178] Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Address at the reception to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the referendum [enabling the Commonwealth Government to legislate for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders]', 27 May 1992; Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, 'The 1967 Referendum'.

[179] Janet Powell, 'Resignation Statement by Janet Powell', media release, 31 July 1992.

[180] Chris Uhlmann, 'Parliament gatecrasher sparks security scare', The Canberra Times, 13 August 1992, 1.

[181] Australian Capital Television Pty Ltd v The Commonwealth [1992] HCA 45, (1992) 177 CLR 106; Nationwide News Pty Ltd v Wills [1992] HCA 46, (1992) 177 CLR 1.

[182] Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Lunch in honour of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of Fiji', 1 September 1992.

[183] Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, 'State visit by His Highness Sheik Jaber al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of Kuwait', media release, 2 September 1992; Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Visit by Amir of Kuwait', media release, 28 August 1992.

[184] Baden Teague, Adjournment: Death of Sir Harold White, Senate, Debates, 9 September 1992, 665.

[185] Senate, 'Questions', Journals, 186, 1990–92, 14 September 1992, 2745.

[186] Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'State visit by President of Ireland', media release, 12 June 1992.

[187] 'ALP endorses new candidate', The Canberra Times, 10 December 1992, 14.

[188] John Hewson, Want of Confidence Motion, House of Representatives, Debates, 2 April 1992, 1734.

[189] Parliamentary Library, 'Federal Election 1993', Parliamentary Handbook.

[190] Ian McPhedran, 'Miyazawa, Keating to focus on trade', The Canberra Times, 29 April 1993, 3.

[191] Bill Hayden, Governor-General's Speech, Senate, Debates, 4 May 1993, 2.

[192] Paul Keating, Condolences: Hasluck, Rt Hon Sir Paul, KG, GCMG, GCVO, House of Representatives, Debates, 4 May 1993, 39; Gareth Evans, Condolences: RG Hon Sir Paul Meernaa Caedwalla Hasluck KG, GCMG, GCVO, Senate, Debates, 4 May 1993, 38.

[193] Paul Keating, Condolences: His Excellency Turgut Ozal, House of Representatives, Debates, 4 May 1993, 72; Paul Keating, Condolences: His Excellency Ranasinghe Premadasa, House of Representatives, Debates, 4 May 1993, 75; Gareth Evans, Condolences: His Excellency Turgut Ozal, President of the Republic of Turkey, Senate, Debates, 4 May 1993, 46; Gareth Evans, Condolences: His Excellency Ranasinghe Premadasa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Senate, Debates, 4 May 1993, 48.

[194] Gareth Evans, Condolences: Professor Frederick Cossom Hollows AC, Senate, Debates, 4 May 1993, 50; Paul Keating, Condolences: Professor Frederick Cossom Hollows AC, House of Representatives, Debates, 4 May 1993, 53.

[195] Tony Wright and Emma Tom, 'Ire at Vietnam PM's visit', The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 May 1993; Martin Daly, 'High security for Vietnam Leader', The Age, 27 May 1993.

[196] Gareth Evans, Condolences: Hon Sir Condor Louis Laucke KCMG, Senate, Debates, 17 August 1993, 28; Paul Keating, Condolences: Laucke, Sir Condor KCMG, House of Representatives, Debates, 17 August 1993, 12.

[197] Paul Keating, Condolences: Dunlop, Sir Edward, AC, CMG, OBE, House of Representatives, Debates, 17 August 1993, 1; Gareth Evans, Condolences: Sir (Ernest) Edward 'Weary' Dunlop AC, CMG, OBE, Senate, Debates, 17 August 1993, 53.

[198] Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Visit of the President of Germany', media release, 24 August 1993.

[199] 'New stamp issue out today', The Canberra Times, 2 September 1993, 14.

[200] Rachel Hawes and Time Stevens, 'Artist digs up his parliamentary mosaic in Mabo protest', The Australian, 28 September 1993.

[201] Robert Ray, Condolences: Oodgeroo Noonuccal, Senate, Debates, 27 September 1993, 1153; Paul Keating, Condolences: Oodgeroo Noonuccal, House of Representative, Debates, 27 September 1993, 1043.

[202] Cheryl Kernot, Women in Parliament, Senate, Debates, 30 September 1993, 1569.

[203] Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Visit by President of Chile', media release, 1 September 1993.

[204] Paul Keating, Condolences: O'Byrne, Hon Justin Hilary, House of Representatives, Debates, 16 November 1993, 2856; Robert Ray, Condolences: O'Byrne, Hon Justin Hilary, Senate, Debates, 16 November 1993, 2918.

[205] Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Visit by the President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands', media release, 6 December 1993.

[206] 'Laos signing delayed', The Canberra Times, 15 December 1993, 17; Gareth Evans (Minister for Foreign Affairs), 'Visit to Australia by the Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic', media release, 14 December 1993; Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Statement by The Prime Minister, the Hon P J Keating, MP visit by the Prime Minister of Laos', media release, 11 December 1993.

[207] Parliamentary Library, 'Ministers in the Keating Ministry (2nd) from 24.03.1993 to 11.03.1996', Parliamentary Handbook.

[208] Museum of Australian Democracy, Documenting a Democracy, Mabo v Queensland No. 2 1992 (Cth); Scott Bennett, op. cit., 6; John Gardiner-Garden, The Mabo debate: a chronology, Background Paper, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 14 October 1993).

[209] Tony Wright, 'Sandwich shop affair: Griffiths cleared', The Sydney Morning Herald, 22 April 1995.

[210] Ibid.

[211] Parliamentary Library, 'Werriwa, NSW, By-election 1994', Parliamentary Handbook.

[212] David Connolly, New South Wales Bushfires, House of Representatives, Debates, 3 February 1994, 268; Vicki Bourne, Bushfires, Senate, Debates, 2 February 1994, 168.

[213] Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Luncheon for the Prime Minister of New Guinea the Rt Hon Paias Wingti', 9 February 1994.

[214] J McKinnon, 'The 'Sports Rorts' Affair: a case study in record-keeping, accountability and media reporting', New Zealand Archivist, vol. V no. 4, December 1994.

[215] Duncan Kerr, National Crime Authority Bombing, House of Representatives, Debates, 2 March 1994, 1605.

[216] Meagan Dillon, 'Domenic Perre found guilty of 1994 National Crime Authority bombing', ABC News.

[217] Parliamentary Library, 'Fremantle, WA, By-election 1994', Parliamentary Handbook.

[218] Gareth Evans, 'Questions without Notice: Australian Secret Intelligence Service', Senate, Debates, 23 February 1994, 945;

Gareth Evans (Minister for Foreign Affairs), 'Judicial Inquiry into ASIS', media release, 28 February 1994.

[219] Commission of Inquiry into the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, Report on the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, public edition, (Canberra; Australian Government Publishing Service, 1995), iii.

[220] Parliamentary Library, 'Bonython, SA, By-election 1994', Parliamentary Handbook.

[221] Cathy Wilcox, 'Richardson, Graham Frederick (1949–)', The Biographical Dictionary of the Australian Senate Online Edition, Department of the Senate, Parliament of Australia, 2017; Parliamentary Library, 'Ministers in the Keating Ministry (2nd) from 24.03.1993 to 11.03.1996', Parliamentary Handbook.

[222] Parliamentary Library, 'Warringah, NSW, By-election 1994', Parliamentary Handbook; Parliamentary Library, 'Mackellar, NSW, By-election 1994', Parliamentary Handbook.

[223] Ian Campbell, Former President Richard Nixon, Senate, Debates, 4 May 1994, 147.

[224] Royal Commission of Inquiry into the leasing by the Commonwealth of accommodation in Centenary House, 'Report of the Commissioner: The Honourable TR Morling, QC', (Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service, 1994).

[225] Bernard Wright, op. cit., 115; House of Representatives Standing Committee on Procedure, Renaming the Main Committee, (Canberra: House of Representatives, 2004), 2‒3.

[226] Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Lunch in honour of Prime Minister Goh of Singapore', 13 September 1994.

[227] Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Visit to Australia by the Prime Minister of Ireland, Mr Albert Reynolds', media release, 16 September 1994.

[228] Laing, ed., Odgers Australian Senate Practice, op. cit., 248.

[229] Paul Keating, Condolences: Bowen, Sir Nigel Hubert, AC, KBE, House of Representatives, Debates, 10 October 1994, 1547; Gareth Evans, Condolences: Hon Sir Nigel Hubert Bowen AC, KBE, Senate, Debates, 10 October 1994, 1312.

[230] Commission of Inquiry into the relations between the CAA and Seaview Air, Report of the Commissioner: James Henry Staunton AO CBE QC, (Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service, 1996); John Sharp, 'Seaview Commission of Inquiry', House of Representatives, Debates 8 October 1996, 4876.

[231] Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 'Visit To Australia by His Excellency, Mr Qiao Shi, Chairman Of National People's Congress of China and Madame Yu Wen 6–13 November 1994', media release.

[232] Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 'Visit to Australia by the President of the Republic of Korea', media release, 15 November 1994; David Lague, 'Keating hails Kim's key trade role', The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 November 1994, 12.

[233] Parliamentary Library, 'Kooyong, Vic, By-election 1994', Parliamentary Handbook.

[234] 'Tributes for Dr Wilenski', The Canberra Times, 23 November 1994, 2.

[235] Stephen Martin, Condolences: Cormack, Hon Sir Magnus Cameron, KBE, House of Representatives, Debates, 5 December 1994, 3868; Noel Crichton-Browne, Condolences: Sir Magnus Cameron Cormack KBE, Senate, Debates, 28 November 1994, 3319.

[236] Andrew Darby, 'Woodchipping fells a Labor stalwart', The Sydney Morning Herald, 22 December 1994.

[237] Scott Bennett, op. cit., 36; Craig Skehan, 'Greens fury at forests backflip', The Sydney Morning Herald, 4 February 1995, 1.

[238] An incident having occurred in the gallery, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 February 1995, 475, 493.

[239] Scott Bennett, op. cit., 15; Bronwen Gavin, 'Quiet blessing in the furnace of politics', The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 February 1995.

[240] Ron Perry, 'Zakharov, Alice Olive (1929–1995)', The Biographical Dictionary of the Australian Senate Online Edition, Department of the Senate, Parliament of Australia, 2017; Brian Howe, Condolences: Zakharov, Senator Alice Olive, House of Representatives, Debates, 7 March 1995, 1657; Gareth Evans, Condolences: Senator Alice Olive Zakharov, Senate, Debates, 7 March 1995, 1443.

[241] 'The manhandling of secrets', The Age, 10 May 2003.

[242] Questions without notice, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 March 1995, 1579, 1581–82, 1579.

[243] Michael Lavarch, Member for Barker: Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders: Motion of Censure, House of Representatives, Debates, 7 March 1995, 1687.

[244] Parliamentary Library, 'Canberra, ACT, By-election 1995', Parliamentary Handbook.

[245] Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Visit to Australia by the President of the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr Vaclav Havel', media release, 23 March 1995; Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Luncheon in honour of President Vaclav Havel of the Czech Republic, Parliament House, Canberra, 28 March 1995', 28 March 1995.

[246] Robert Macklin, 'All is not what it seems at Parliament', The Canberra Times, 1 April 1995, 1.

[247] Parliamentary Library, 'Wentworth, NSW, By-election 1995', Parliamentary Handbook.

[248] Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Appointment of Auditor-General', media release, 24 April 1995.

[249] Paul Keating, Ministerial Statements: Republic, House of Representatives, Debates, 7 June 1995, 1434.

[250] Paul Filing, Moore pre-selection, House of Representatives, Debates, 26 June 1995, 2290.

[251] Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Luncheon in Honour of Franjo Tudjman, President of Croatia', 20 June 1995.

[252] Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Lunch in honour of Secretary-General of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, His Excellency Mr Do Muoi', 31 July 1995.

[253] 'Allan Rocher resigns from the Liberal Party', PM, ABC Radio, 7 August 1995 (transcript).

[254] Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Transcript of joint press conference with His Excellency Mr Fidel Ramos, President of the Philippines', 22 August 1995.

[255] Harry Phillips, 'Crichton-Browne, Noel Ashley (1944–), The Biographical Dictionary of the Australian Senate Online Edition, Department of the Senate, Parliament of Australia, 2017.

[256] Paul Keating, Condolences: Menzies, Dame Pattie Maie, GBE, House of Representatives, Debates, 18 September 1995, 1097; Richard Alston, Condolences: Dame Pattie Maie Menzies GBE, Senate, Debates, 31 August 1995, 766.

[257] Gareth Evans, Condolences: Mr Yitzhak Rabin, Senate, Debates, 13 November 1995, 2734; Paul Keating, Condolences: Rabin, Mr Yitzhak, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 November 1995, 3681.

[258] Paul Keating (Prime Minister), 'Transcript of doorstop interview with the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Jean Chretien MP', 15 November 1995.

[259] Canadian High Commission, 'Canada–Australia Trade and Economic Cooperation Arrangement', media release, 15 November 1995.

[260] Malcolm Quekett, '"Thugs" blamed as Campbell quits ALP', The West Australian, 5 December 1995.

[261] Joint House Department, 'Parliament catering service – new contracts', media release.

[262] Office of the Governor-General, 'Swearing-in of Governor-General', media release, 16 February 1996.

[263] Parliamentary Library, 'Federal Election 1996', Parliamentary Handbook.

[264] Parliamentary Library, 'Ministers in the Howard Ministry from 11.03.1996 to 21.10.1998', Parliamentary Handbook.

[265] John Howard, 'A Guide on Key Elements of Ministerial Responsibility', 2 April 1996.

[266] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Resignation of Senator Short: appointment of Senator Rod Kemp', media release, 13 October 1996; John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Interview with John Stanley–Radio 2UE', 15 October 1996.

[267] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'New Parliamentary Secretary', media release, 13 February 1997.

[268] Geoff Prosser (Minister for Small Business and Consumer Affairs), 'Statement', media release, 11 July 1997.

[269] Mark Vaile (National Party Whip), 'National Party Briefing Note', media release, 24 September 1997; David Jull, 'Statement', media release, 26 September 1997; Peter McGauran, 'Statement of resignation', media release, 26 September 1997.

[270] William Deane, Governor-General's Speech, Senate, Debates, 30 April 1996, 2.

[271] John Howard, Tasmania: Tragedy At Port Arthur, House of Representatives, Debates, 30 April 1996, 24.

[272] Paul Calvert, Deaths at Port Arthur, Senate, Debates, 30 April 1996, 27.

[273] Paul Calvert, Deaths at Port Arthur, Senate, Debates, 1 May 1996, 86; Gary Nehl, Tasmania: Tragedy at Port Arthur, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 May 1996, 90.

[274] Robert Hill, Condolences: Hon Sir Hubert Ferdinand Opperman OBE, Kt, Senate, Debates, 30 April 1996, 28; John Howard, Condolences: Opperman, Hon Sir Hubert Ferdinand, OBE, House of Representatives, Debates, 30 April 1996, 27.

[275] Sport Australia Hall of Fame, 'Sir Hubert Opperman OBE'.

[276] Tim Fischer, Condolences: Mitterrand, Mr Francois, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 May 1996, 75.

[277] Alexander Downer, Ministerial Statements: Reform of the Treaty Making Process, House of Representatives, Debates, 2 May 1996, 231.

[278] Scott Bennett, op. cit., 16.

[279] Jennifer Norberry, Derek Woolner and Kirsty Magarey, After Port Arthur – issues of gun control in Australia, Research paper series 1995–96, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 1996); Janet Phillips, Malcolm Park and Catherine Lorimer, Firearms in Australia: a guide to electronic resources, Background Notes 2007‒08, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 9 August 2007).

[280] Parliamentary Library, 'Blaxland, NSW, By-election 1996', Parliamentary Handbook.

[281] Robert Hill, Black Hawk Helicopter Accident, Senate, Debates, 17 June 1996, 1600; John Howard, Defence: Black Hawk Helicopter Accident, House of Representatives, Debates, 17 June 1996, 1927.

[282] 'No dancing in this House, MPs told', The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 June 1996.

[283] Harry Evans, 'Constitution, s. 44: Disqualification of Senators: Senator-Elect Jeannie Ferris', advice to Senator Bolkus, tabled, CPD (Senate), 178, 29 May 1996, 1254.

[284] Scott Bennett, op. cit., 29–30; Mike Taylor and Steve Corby, 'Bloody protest', The Canberra Times, 20 August 1996, 1.

[285] Malcolm Saunders and Neil Lloyd, 'Colston, Malcolm Arthur (1938–2003)', The Biographical Dictionary of the Australian Senate Online Edition, Department of the Senate, Parliament of Australia, 2017.

[286] Parliamentary Library, 'Lindsay, NSW, By-election 1996', Parliamentary Handbook.

[287] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Reception for Peter Doherty – Nobel Laureate', 7 November 1996.

[288] 'Peter C. Doherty – Facts', NobelPrize.org, Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2023.

[289] Address by the President of the United States of America, House of Representatives, Debates, 20 November 1996, 841.

[290] 'Australia's Prime Ministers: John Howard: During Office', National Archives of Australia.

[291] 'Selling off Telstra: the story so far', The Age, 16 August 2005; Grahame O'Leary, Telstra Sale: Background and Chronology, Research paper series 2003–04, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, September 2003).

[292] Parliamentary Library, 'Fraser, ACT, By-election 1997', Parliamentary Handbook.

[293] Robert Hill, Condolences: Senator John Horace Panizza, Senate, Debates, 4 February 1997, 1; John Howard, Condolences: Panizza, Senator John Horace, House of Representatives, Debates, 4 February 1997, 1.

[294] Senate, 'Death of Edna Ryan', Journals, 77, 1996–97, 12 February 1997, 1424.

[295] John Howard, Condolences: Deng Xiaoping, House of Representatives, Debates, 24 February 1997, 1051.

[296] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Visit by the Prime Minister of Japan, Mr Ryutaro Hashimoto', media release, 17 April 1997; John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Transcript of the Prime Minister the Hon John Howard MP and His Excellency Mr Ryutaro Hashimoto – joint press conference', 29 April 1997.

[297] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Transcript of the Prime Minister the Hon John Howard MP and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, His Excellency Dr Helmut Kohl – Joint press conference', 5 May 1997.

[298] Letter to all Members, 6 May 1997.

[299] John Howard, 'Condolences: Aston, Sir William KCMG', House of Representatives, Debates, 26 May 1997, 3949; Robert Hill, 'Condolences: Sir William John Aston KCMG', Senate, Debates, 26 May 1997, 3556.

[300] John Howard, Motion of Reconciliation, House of Representatives, Debates, 26 August 1999, 9205.

[301] Coral Dow, Sorry: the unfinished business of the Bringing Them Home report, Background Note, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 4 February 2008).

[302] Peter Cole-Adams, 'House 'referee' retires from political field', The Canberra Times, 26 July 1997.

[303] John Howard, Condolences: Barwick, Rt Hon Garfield Edward John, AK, GCMG, House of Representatives, Debates, 25 August 1997, 6694; Robert Hill, Condolences: Rt Hon Sir Garfield Edward John Barwick AK, GCMG, Senate, Debates, 25 August 1997, 5557.

[304] John Howard, Thredbo landslide, House of Representatives, Debates, 25 August 1997, 6686; Sue West, Thredbo landslide, Senate, Debates, 25 August 1997, 5557.

[305] Peter Reith, Committees: Use of electronic communications devices, House of Representatives, Debates, 27 August 1997, 702.

[306] John Howard, Condolences: Diana, Princess of Wales, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 September 1997, 7405; Robert Hill, Condolences: Diana, Princess of Wales, Senate, Debates, 1 September 1997, 6030.

[307] John Howard, Condolences: Mother Teresa of Calcutta, House of Representatives, Debates, 22 September 1997, 7994; Robert Hill, Condolences: Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Senate, Debates, 22 September 1997, 6568.

[308] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Address at the official launch of Centrelink (Commonwealth Services Delivery Agency) The Great Hall, Parliament House', 24 September 1997.

[309] Scott Bennett, op. cit., 25.

[310] Robert Wainwright, 'Zammit quits Liberals, lets fly at PM over plane noise', The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 February 1998.

[311] Grant Tambling, Katherine floods, Senate, Debates, 4 March 1998, 367.

[312] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Visit by the President of the Argentine Republic H.E. Dr Carlos Saul Menem', media release, 13 March 1998; John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Address at dinner in honour of His Excellency Dr Carlos Menem, President of the Argentine Republic', 31 March 1998.

[313] Peter Waterman, 'Birthday Whispers', The Sun Herald, 10 May 1998.

[314] Norma Allen, 'A slice of parliamentary action', The Sunday Canberra Times, 10 May 1998, 3.

[315] John Howard, HMAS Westralia, House of Representatives, Debates, 12 May 1998, 2973; Margaret Reid, HMAS Westralia, Senate, Debates, 12 May 1998, 2511.

[316] Tony Smith, Adjournment: Member for Dickson, House of Representatives, Debates, 26 May 1998, 3763.

[317] 'Art treasures see the light of day', The Canberra Times, 7 July 1998.

[318] Senate, 'Native Title Amendment Bill 1997 [No. 2]', Journals, 194, 1996–98, 8 July 1998, 4262.

[319] Parliament of Australia, Bills debated for more than 20 hours.

[320] 'Nats try to steal Lib minister's seat', The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 July 1998, 4.

[321] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Official visit by the Hon Bill Skate CMG MP, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea', media release, 21 July 1998.

[322] Frank Cassidy, 'Young suicides: 2500 in the past five years', The Canberra Times, 11 August 1998, 1; Kerry Taylor, 'Crusaders meet on an urgent quest – to save young Australians without hope for the future', The Age, 11 August 1998, 4.

[323] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Visit by the President of Ireland [Mary McAleese]', media release, 26 August 1998; John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Address at state lunch in honour of the President of Ireland', 7 September 2022.

[324] Parliamentary Library, 'Federal Election 1998', Parliamentary Handbook.

[325] Praise Corroboree, 'Aboriginal Leaders pray for the nation', media release, 6 November 1998.

[326] William Deane, Governor-General's Speech, Senate, Debates, 10 November 1998, 2.

[327] John Howard, Firefighting tragedy: Victoria, House of Representatives, Debates, 3 December 1998, 1342; Kay Patterson, Adjournment: Firefighting tragedy, Senate, Debates, 3 December 1998, 1269.

[328] Desmond O'Grady, 'Strife-torn president arrives in Australia for state visit', The Sydney Morning Herald, 5 December 1998, 24; John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Mr Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, President of the Republic of Italy: transcript of address at luncheon in honour of his Excellency', 8 December 1998.

[329] John Howard, Condolences: Cope, the Hon James Francis, CMG, Hansard, Debates, 8 February 1999, 2026; Robert Hill, Condolences: Cope, Hon James Francis, Senate, Debates, 15 February 1999, 1860.

[330] John Howard, Condolences: Bonner, Mr Neville Thomas AO, House of Representatives, Debates, 8 February 1999, 2032; Robert Hill, Condolences: Bonner, Mr Neville Thomas, AO, Senate, Debates, 15 February 1999, 1837.

[331] David Kennedy (ALP, Bendigo, Vic) was first elected at a by-election in 1969. However, Kennedy's Indigenous heritage was unknown when he entered parliament, nor did he self-identify as Indigenous at that time. For these reasons Neville Bonner is recorded as the first Indigenous parliamentarian.

[332] John Howard, Condolences: His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal of Jordan, House of Representatives, Debates, 8 February 1999, 2035.

[333] John Howard, Condolences: Dunstan, Hon. Donald, AC, House of Representatives, Debates, 8 February 1999, 2037; Natasha Stott Despoja, Adjournment: Dunstan, Hon. Donald Allan, AC, Senate, Debates, 15 February 1999, 1926.

[334] Graham Cooke, 'ACTION man – Hungarian president catches bus to embassy', The Canberra Times 17 February 1999, 2; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 'Visit to Australia by the President of Hungary', media release, 10 February 1999.

[335] Neil Andrew, Members of Parliament: dress code, House of Representatives, Debates, 11 March 1999, 3787.

[336] Naomi Mapstone, 'Protesters urge 'too diplomatic' Australia to push rights', The Canberra Times, 2 April 1999, 3.

[337] Paul Calvert, Boyd, Mr Arthur, AC, OBE, Senate, Debates, 28 April 1999, 4474.

[338] John Woodley, Notices: National Sorry Day, Senate, Debates, 26 May 1999, 5475.

[339] John Woodley, Matters of Public Importance: Aboriginal Reconciliation, Senate, Debates, 26 May 1999, 5476.

[340] 'Arthur Boyd is honoured', The Canberra Times, 15 June 1999.

[341] Grahame O'Leary, Telstra Sale: Background and Chronology, Research paper series 2003–04, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, September 2003).

[342] Peter Reith, A New Tax System Legislation, House of Representatives, Debates, 29 June 1999, 7711.

[343] Parliament of Australia, Bills debated for more than 20 hours.

[344] Jackie Dent, 'Man bombed Parliament "to keep the bastards honest"', The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 July 1999, 3; Janine MacDonald, 'Protester admits Parliament petrol bomb attack', The Age, 13 July 1999, 9.

[345] John Howard, Interlaken Tragedy, House of Representatives, Debates, 9 August 1999, 8089; Margaret Reid, Interlaken Tragedy, Senate, Debates, 9 August 1999, 7002.

[346] Sharples v O'Shea & Ors, Supreme Court of Queensland, SC99/190, 3–4.

[347] John Howard, Motion of Reconciliation, House of Representatives, Debates, 26 August 1999, 9205; Robert Hill, Motion of Reconciliation, Senate, Debates, 26 August 1999, 7824; Coral Dow, Sorry: the unfinished business of the Bringing Them Home report, Background Note, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 4 February 2008).

[348] Senate, 'Senate Proceedings–Publication on the Internet', Journals, 65, 1998–99, 31 August 1999, 1606.

[349] John Howard, Care Australia Workers, House of Representatives, Debates, 2 September 1999.

[350] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Luncheon in honour of His Excellency Mr Jiang Zemin, President of the People's Republic of China', 8 September 1999.

[351] David McLennan, 'Activists fined for Parliament graffiti protest', The Canberra Times, 13 April 2000.

[352] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Luncheon in honour of the President of the Republic of Korea', 17 September 1999.

[353] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Luncheon in honour of Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh', 20 October 1999.

[354] Kathy Sullivan (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs), 'Governments of Bangladesh and Australia sign Memorandum of Understanding on Australian aid program in Bangladesh', media release, 20 October 1999.

[355] Australian Electoral Commission, '1999 Referendum report'.

[356] Bob Bennett, Parliamentary Service Bill 1999, Bills Digest, 18, 1999‒2000, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 1 August 1999).

[357] Ian Holland, Changes in the Australian Public Service 1975‒2003, Research paper series 2002‒03, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 2 June 2003).

[358] Scott Bennett, op. cit.

[359] Steve Hutchins, Glenbrook Train Disaster, Senate, Debates, 7 December 1999, 11309; Kerry Bartlett, Statements by Members: Glenbrook Rail Tragedy, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 December 1999, 12803

[360] Scott Bennett, Parliament House and the Australian people, Research paper series 2007–08, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 2008), 9.

[361] Senate, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs – Censure, Journals, 110, 1998–2000, 10 April 2000, 2584.

[362] Kirstin Lawson, 'Theophanous resigns from ALP', The Canberra Times, 19 April 2000.

[363] John Howard, Condolences: Wilton, Mr Gregory Stuart, House of Representatives, Debates, 19 June 2000, 17549; Rosemary Crowley, Adjournment: Wilton, Mr Gregory Stuart, Senate, Debates, 19 June 2000, 15186.

[364] Parliamentary Library, 'Isaacs, Vic, By-election 2000', Parliamentary Handbook.

[365] Neil Andrew, Use of laptops in the Chamber, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 August 2000, 18852.

[366] Mike Seccombe, 'PM and the Press, cheek to cheek', The Sydney Morning Herald, 19 August 2000.

[367] John Howard, Olympic Games, House of Representatives, Debates, 3 October 2000, 20566.

[368] Kim Beazley, Minister for Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business: Motion of Censure, House of Representatives, Debates, 13 April 2023, 21594.

[369] John Anderson, Condolences: Bradman, Sir Donald George, AC, House of Representatives, Debates, 26 February 2001, 24339.

[370] Parliamentary Library, 'Ryan, Qld, By-election 2001', Parliamentary Handbook.

[371] Melissa Fyfe, 'Fire protest victim dies', The Age, 29 May 2001.

[372] Michael Macklin (National President), 'Results of Australian Democrats leadership ballot', media release, 7 April 2001.

[373] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Address at lunch in Honour of the President of Germany', media release, 3 May 2001.

[374] John Howard, Centenary of the First Meetings of the Houses of the Commonwealth Parliament, House of Representatives, Debates, 10 May 2001, 26653.

[375] John Howard, Condolences: Nugent, Mr Peter Edward, House of Representatives, Debates, 22 May 2001, 26667; Robert Hill, Adjournment: Nugent, Mr Peter Edward, Senate, Debates, 22 May 2001, 24022.

[376] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Visit of President Wahid', media release, 26 June 2001.

[377] House of Representatives, 'Leader of the Opposition: Resolution of censure', Votes and proceedings, HVP 197, 28 June 2001, 2424.

[378] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Press conference', 29 June 2001.

[379] Parliamentary Library, 'Aston, Vic, By-election 2001', Parliamentary Handbook.

[380] House of Representatives, 'Minister for Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business–Motion of Censure', Votes and proceedings, HVP 201, 9 August 2001, 2490.

[381] House of Representatives, 'Leader of the Opposition–Motion of censure', Votes and proceedings, HVP 204, 22 August 2001, 2517.

[382] John Howard, Answer to Question without Notice: Illegal Immigration: MV Tampa [Questioner: Teresa Gambaro], House of Representatives, Debates, 27 August 2001, 30234.

[383] The Treasury, 'The HIH Claims Support Scheme'.

[384] The Treasury, op. cit.; Royal Commission into the failure of HIH Insurance: Report by the Royal Commissioner the Honourable Justice Owen, 3 vols., (Canberra: Department of Communications, Information, Technology and the Arts, 2003).

[385] Royal Commission into the Building and Construction Industry, Final report of the Royal Commission into the building and construction industry: Royal Commissioner the Honourable Terence Rhoderic Hudson Cole RFD QC, (Canberra: 2003), 23 volumes.

[386] 'Explosive devices posted to MPs', The Canberra Times, 4 September 2001.

[387] David Elder, 'The new terrorism – the example of the Commonwealth Parliament', Australasian Parliamentary Review, 19, no. 1, 2004, 151.

[388] Mike Seccombe, 'Senator goes solo as ALP gets the chop', The Sydney Morning Herald, 3 October 2001.

[389] Parliamentary Library, 'Federal Election 2001', Parliamentary Handbook.

[390] Simon Crean (Leader of the Opposition), 'Federal Parliamentary Labor Party – Election of Parliamentary Leaders and Shadow Ministry', media release, 22 November 2001.

[391] Parliamentary Library, 'Ministers in the Howard Ministry (3rd) from 26.11.2001 to 26.10.2004', Parliamentary Handbook.

[392] 'Peoplescape honours figures from our history', The Canberra Times, 26 November 2001.

[393] Peter Hollingworth, Governor-General's Speech, Senate, Debates, 12 February 2002, 2.

[394] John Anderson, Answer to Question without notice: National Rail Corporation: Sale, [Questioner: John Cobb], House of Representatives, Debates, 14 February 2002, 250.

[395] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference with the Right Hon Helen Clark MP, Prime Minister of New Zealand', 15 February 2002.

[396] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Address at luncheon for His Excellency Chief Olusegun Obasanjo', 28 February 2002.

[397] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'His Excellency the President of the Portuguese Republic Mr Jorge Sampaio', 24 May 2002.

[398] John Howard, Condolences, Gorton, Rt Hon. Sir John Grey, GCMG, AC, CH, House of Representatives, Debates, 27 May 2002, 2429; Robert Hill, Condolences, Gorton, Rt Hon. Sir John Grey, GCMG, AC, CH, Senate, Debates, 17 June 2002, 1855.

[399] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference with His Excellency Dr Thaskin Shinawatra – Prime Minister of Thailand', 30 May 2002.

[400] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference with His Excellency Mr Constantinos Stephanopoulos President of the Hellenic Republic', 6 June 2002.

[401] Lincoln Wright, 'Greenpeace protest hits great heights', The Canberra Times, 21 August 2002.

[402] Brendan Nicholson, 'Democrats pass baton to Bartlett', The Sunday Age, 6 October 2002; Samantha Maiden, 'It's war as Democrats shoot their mouths off', The Advertiser, 24 August 2002.

[403] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference with Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase of Fiji', 15 October 2002.

[404] Simon Crean, Monash University: Shooting, House of Representatives, Debates, 21 October 2002, 8098.

[405] Ross Peake, 'Water garden tribute for House memorial', The Canberra Times, 24 October 2002.

[406] John Howard, New South Wales: Bushfires, House of Representatives, Debates, 5 December 2002, 9745.

[407] John Howard, Bushfires, House of Representatives, Debates, Monday 4 February 2003, 10634–36.

[408] Senate, Foreign Affairs–Iraq–Government Policy–Ministerial Statement–Censure, Journals, 62, 5 February 2003, 1447.

[409] An incident having occurred in the Gallery, House of Representatives, Debates, 24 March 2003, 13292; Duncan Kerr, Parliament House Security: questions to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Debates, 24 March 2003, 13302.

[410] Georgia Curry, 'Long walk to bring anti-war message to Parliament', The Canberra Times, 6 March 2003, 13.

[411] 'Mr Professor Romaldo Giurgola AO', The University of Sydney.

[412] Meg Lees, 'Lees announces new progressive 'Centre' Party', media release, 27 April 2003.

[413] Department of the Senate, Standing orders and other orders of the Senate, October 2022, 95.

[414] Governor-General, Senate, Debates, 15 May 2003, 11178.

[415] House of Representatives, 'Questions', Votes and Proceedings, HVP 94, 29 May 2003, 913.

[416] 'How they voted', The Sydney Morning Herald, 17 June 2003.

[417] Bob Brown, Iraq: Censure motion, Senate, Debates, 7 October 2003, 15732.

[418] John Anderson (Deputy Prime Minister), 'Transcript of speech at the Nationals Federal Conference', 11 October 2003.

[419] Don Woolford, 'Victims "never be forgotten"', The Canberra Times, 17 October 2003, 4.

[420] George W Bush, Address by the President of the United States of America, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 October 2003, 21689.

[421] John Howard, Address by the President of the People's Republic of China, House of Representatives, Debates, 24 October 2003, 21695.

[422] Timothy Kendall, Within China's orbit? China through the eyes of the Australian Parliament, 2007 Australian Parliamentary Fellow, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, August 2008).

[423] Meg Lees, Parliament House: Bogong Moths, Senate, Debates, 29 October 2003, 17067.

[424] Bill McCormick, Bogong moths and Parliament House, Research paper series, 2006–07, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 2006).

[425] Senate, 'Administration: Department of Parliamentary Services: Statement by President', Journals, 119, 27 November 2003, 2747.

[426] Mark Latham (Leader of the Opposition), 'Transcript of press conference', 2 December 2003.

[427] Mark Vaile (Minister for Trade), 'Free trade agreement with the United States', media release, 8 February 2004.

[428] 'Man fined for jumping from public gallery', The Canberra Times, 28 May 2004, 3.

[429] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Press conference with the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands', 1 March 2004.

[430] Senate, 'Australian Federal Police Commissioner–Statement–Order for Production of Documents–Statement by Leave–Leader of the Government in the Senate–Censure', Journals, 141, 30 March 2004, 3276.

[431] Steve Lewis, 'Cabinet leak has PM's office in deep water', The Australian, 19 April 2004.

[432] Paul Calvert (President of the Senate), '20 millionth visitor to Parliament House', media release, 12 May 2004.

[433] Philip Ruddock (Attorney-General), 'Inquiry to examine Centenary House lease', media release, 20 June 2004.

[434] David Hunt, Centenary House Royal Commission on Inquiry into the Centenary House Lease Report, 3 December 2004.

[435] Senate, 'Minister for Defence–Censure', Journals, 151, 21 June 2004, 3574.

[436] Australian Government, Commonwealth Heritage List.

[437] John Howard, Condolences: Jenkins, the Hon. Dr Henry Alfred, AM, House of Representatives, Debates, 3 August 2004, 31793; Robert Hill, Condolences: Jenkins, Hon. Dr Henry Alfred, AM, Senate, Debates, 3 August 2004, 25369.

[438] Parliamentary Library, 'Federal Election 2004', Parliamentary Handbook.

[439] Parliamentary Library, 'Ministers in the Howard Ministry (4th) from 26.10.2004 to 03.12.2007', Parliamentary Handbook.

[440] Andrew Bartlett (Leader of the Australian Democrats), 'Party leadership ballot', media release, 3 November 2004.

[441] Michael Jeffery, Governor-General's Speech, Senate, Debates, 16 November 2004, 2.

[442] David Hawker, Browning, Mr Alan Robert, House of Representatives, Debates, 9 December 2004, 68.

[443] Karen Percy, 'Beazley 'proud and excited' over Party leader', The World Today, 28 January 2005; Jenny Macklin (ALP Acting Leader), 'Mark Latham's resignation', media release, 18 January 2005.

[444] John Howard, South Australia: Bushfires, House of Representatives, Debates, 8 February 2005, 3.

[445] John Howard, Indian Ocean Tsunami, House of Representatives, Debates, 8 February 2005, 18; Robert Hill, Indian Ocean Tsunami, Senate, Debates, 8 February 2005, 46.

[446] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Prime Minister and HM the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam', 15 February 2005.

[447] Paul Calvert (President of the Senate), 'Special Tasmanian Gift from Senate President to Crown Princess Mary of Denmark', media release, 9 March 2005.

[448] Bob Baldwin, Committees: Public Accounts and Audit Committee, House of Representatives, Debates, 10 March 2005, 57.

[449] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference with the Norwegian Prime Minister', 17 March 2005.

[450] Parliamentary Library, 'Werriwa, NSW, By-election 2005', Parliamentary Handbook.

[451] Rosemary Laing, Annotated standing orders of the Australian Senate, (Canberra: Department of the Senate, 2009), 577; Parliamentary Service Amendment Act 2005 (Cth).

[452] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Prime Minister's Joint Press Conference with His Excellency Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of Indonesia', 4 April 2005.

[453] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference with Honourable Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Prime Minister of Malaysia', 7 April 2005.

[454] Joseph Kerr, 'Candles, tears mark lives lost doing good', The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 April 2005, 5.

[455] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference with the Vietnamese Prime Minister', 5 May 2005.

[456] Australian Government, Commonwealth Heritage List.

[457] David Hawker, White Powder Incidents, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 June 2005, 1.

[458] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference with the President of Pakistan', 15 June 2005.

[459] John Anderson (Leader of the Nationals), 'Statement by John Anderson', media release, 23 June 2005.

[460] Luke Hartsuyker, 'Hartsuyker welcomes Mark Vaile's election as leader of the Nationals', media release, 23 June 2005.

[461] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Transcript of Joint Press Conference with the President of the Republic of Chile, his Excellency Ricardo Escobar', media release, 14 July 2005.

[462] John Howard, London Terrorist Attacks, House of Representatives, Debates, 9 August 2005, 6.

[463] David Elder, 'The new terrorism – the example of the Commonwealth Parliament', op. cit., 149–55.

[464] John Howard, Hurricane Katrina, House of Representatives, Debates, 5 September 2005, 24.

[465] Paul Calvert (President of the Senate) and David Hawker (Speaker of the House of Representatives), 'Appointment of Parliamentary Librarian', media release, 5 October 2005.

[466] Indonesia, Terrorist attacks, House of Representatives, Debates, 10 October 2005, 25; Indonesia: Terrorist attacks, Senate, Debates, 10 October 2005, 23.

[467] Philip Ruddock (Attorney-General), 'Commission of Inquiry with Royal Commission powers, to be headed by former NSW Supreme Court Judge of Appeal, Terrence Cole', media release, 15 November 2005.

[468] Bob Brown (Leader of the Australian Greens), 'Greens establish party room, formalise leadership', media release, 29 November 2005.

[469] Bruce Baird, Private Members' Business: Death Penalty, House of Representatives, Debates, 22 May 2006, 17.

[470] Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Repeal of Ministerial responsibility for approval of RU486) Act 2006; Rosemary Laing, ed., Odgers' Australian Senate Practice, 861.

[471] Julian McGauran, 'Party Membership', media release, 23 January 2006.

[472] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark', 8 February 2006.

[473] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Address to the dinner in Honour of Her Majesty The Queen', 14 March 2006.

[474] Tony Blair, Address by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, House of Representatives, Debates, 27 March 2006, 3.

[475] David Elder, House of Representatives Practice (seventh edn.), (Canberra: Department of the House of Representatives, 2018), 246.

[476] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference with His Excellency Mr Wen Jiabao, Premier of the State Council, People's Republic of China', media release, 3 April 2006.

[477] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference with The Honourable Dr Jan Peter Balkenende, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands', 4 April 2006.

[478] AAP, 'Rescue party rocks Great Hall', The Mercury, 30 May 2005; 'PM praises rescue', The Age, 29 May 2006, 8.

[479] Paul Calvert, Condolences: Mr Roy Edward Bullock OBE, Senate, Debates, 13 June 2006, 1.

[480] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference with HE Mr Lee Hsein Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore', 14 June 2006.

[481] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference with the Hon Laisenia Qarase, Prime Minister of the Republic of the Fiji Islands', 7 September 2006.

[482] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference with Jose Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of East Timor', 12 October 2006.

[483] Rosemary Laing ed., Odgers' Australian Senate Practice, op. cit.

[484] Nick Minchin (Minister for Finance and Administration), 'T3 raises $15.5 billion following strong investor demand', media release, 19 November 2006.

[485] Nick Minchin, Condolences: Hon. Sir Harold William Young, KCMG, Senate, Debates, 27 November 2006, 43; John Howard, Condolences: Sir Harold Young KCMG, House of Representatives, Debates, 27 November 2006, 23.

[486] Chris Evans (Leader of the Opposition in the Senate), 'New Labor Leadership Team', media release, 4 December 2006.

[487] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference with His Excellency Mr Roh Moo-Hyun, President of the Republic of Korea', 6 December 2006.

[488] Marise Payne, Committees: Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee – Report, Senate, Debates, 7 December 2006, 33–39.

[489] Annabel Stafford, 'Obituary: Senator Ferris fighter who gave voice to silent killer'. The Age, 11 April 2007, 5.

[490] John Howard, Condolences: Senator Jeannie Margaret Ferris, House of Representatives, Debates, 8 May 2007, 1; Nick Minchin, Condolences: Senator Jeannie Margaret Ferris, Senate, Debates, 8 May 2007, 2.

[491] Paul Calvert, Condolences: Mr Alan Ritchie Cumming Thom, Senate, Debates, 9 May 2007, 81.

[492] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference with Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo', 31 May 2007.

[493] John Howard, Kerang Rail Accident; New South Wales Flood, House of Representatives, Debates, 12 June 2007, 1.

[494] Bob Brown, Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Welfare Payment Reform) Bill 2007: second reading, Senate, Debates, 13 August 2007, 86.

[495] 'Rebel MP Harry Quick thrown out of ALP', The Age, 21 August 2007.

[496] John Howard (Prime Minister), 'Equine Influenza', media release, 2 September 2007.

[497] Ian Callinan, 'Equine Influenza Commission of Inquiry into the August 2007 outbreak in Australia: report of the Commissioner', April 2008.

[498] Stephen Harper, Address by the Prime Minister of Canada, House of Representatives, Debates, 11 September 2007, 3.

[499] Dick Adams, Condolences: Mr Harold Weir, House of Representatives, Debates, 11 September 2007, 39.

[500] Parliamentary Library, 'Federal Election 2007', Parliamentary Handbook.

[501] Brendan Nelson (Leader of the Opposition), 'Transcript of joint press conference', 29 November 2007.

[502] Parliamentary Library, 'Ministers in the Rudd Ministry from 03.12.2007 to 24.06.2010', Parliamentary Handbook.

[503] Warren Truss (Leader of the Nationals), 'Truss says Nationals will be the voice for local communities', media release, December 2007.

[504] Scott Bennett, op. cit.

[505] Michael Jeffery, Governor-General's Speech, Senate, Debates, 12 February 2008, 2.

[506] Scott Bennett, op. cit., 25.

[507] House of Representatives, 'Special Provisions for Nursing Mothers', Votes and proceedings, HVP 1, 2008, 12 February 2008, 27–28.

[508] Kevin Rudd, Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples, House of Representatives, Debates, 13 February 2008, 167.

[509] Parliament of Australia, 'Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples', 13 February 2008.

[510] Kevin Rudd (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference', 27 February 2008.

[511] Senate, 'Department of Parliamentary Services: Appointment of Secretary: Statement by President', Journals, 9, 19 March 2008, 286.

[512] Scott Bennett, op. cit., 9.

[513] Harry Jenkins, Parliament House: 20th anniversary celebrations, House of Representatives, Debates, 13 May 2008, 2574.

[514] House of Representatives, 'Prime Minister and Government–Motion of Censure', Votes and proceedings, HVP 22, 2008, 29 May 2008, 301.

[515] Parliamentary Library, 'Gippsland, Vic, By-election 2008', Parliamentary Handbook.

[516] Galarrwuy Yunupingu, 'Tradition, truth and tomorrow', The Monthly, December 2008–January 2009.

[517] Senators Sworn, Senate, Debates, 17 August 2008, 3529.

[518] Kevin Rudd (Prime Minister), 'Address at Reception for the Swearing In of the new Governor-General of Australia', 5 September 2008.

[519] Parliamentary Library, 'Lyne, NSW, By-election 2008', Parliamentary Handbook.

[520] Parliamentary Library, 'Mayo, SA, By-election 2008', Parliamentary Handbook.

[521] Malcolm Turnbull (Leader of the Opposition), 'Transcript of joint press conference', 16 September 2008.

[522] Kevin Rudd, Ministerial Statements: Economy, House of Representatives, Debates, 26 November 2008, 11504.

[523] James Massola, 'Chamber leaper pleads to "belong"', The Canberra Times, 2 December 2008, 4.

[524] Harry Jenkins, Member for Dawson, House of Representatives, Debates, 3 December 2008, 12427; Harry Jenkins, Member for Dawson, House of Representatives, Debates, 4 December 2008, 12726.

[525] Julia Gillard, Condolences: Victorian Bushfire Victims, House of Representatives, Debates, 9 February 2009, 683.

[526] Chris Evans, Victorian Bushfires, Senate, Debates, 9 February 2009, 544.

[527] Senate, 'Appropriation (Nation Building And Jobs) Bill (No. 1) 2008–2009 [No. 2] Appropriation (Nation Building And Jobs) Bill (No. 2) 2008–2009 [No. 2] Household Stimulus Package Bill (No. 2) 2009 Tax Bonus For Working Australians Bill (No. 2) 2009 Tax Bonus For Working Australians (Consequential Amendments) Bill (No. 2) 2009 Commonwealth Inscribed Stock Amendment Bill 2009 [No. 2]', Journals, 59, 2008–09, 13 February 2009, 1618; Senate Economics References Committee, Government's economic stimulus initiatives: report, October 2009.

[528] Kevin Rudd, Ministerial Statements: Indigenous Affairs, House of Representatives, Debates, 26 February 2009, 2027.

[529] Kevin Rudd (Prime Minister), 'Joint Statement on Enhanced Global and Security Cooperation by the Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd and the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Myung-bak', media release, 5 March 2009.

[530] Kevin Rudd (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference', 28 April 2009.

[531] House of Representatives, 'Leader of the Opposition–Resolution of Censure', Votes and proceedings, HVP 103, 2008–09, 22 June 2009, 1149.

[532] Emma Macdonald, 'Parliament to get child-care centre at last', The Canberra Times, 23 June 2006, 6.

[533] Philip Dorling, 'Jakarta blast victim honoured in Great Hall', The Canberra Times, 1 August 2009, 8.

[534] Kevin Rudd, Jakarta Bombing, House of Representatives, Debates, 11 August 2009, 7316; Chris Evans, Condolences: Nathan Verity, Garth McEvoy, Craig Senger, Senate, Debates, 11 August 2009, 4466.

[535] Kevin Rudd (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference', 20 August 2009.

[536] Julia Gillard, Queensland Bushfires, House of Representatives, Debates, 20 October 2009, 10344.

[537] Kevin Rudd (Prime Minister), 'Address at the apology to the Forgotten Australians and former child migrants, Canberra', 16 November 2009.

[538] John Hogg, Valedictory, Senate, Debates, 19 November 2009, 8411; John Hogg, Clerk of the Senate, Senate, Debates, 29 October 2009, 7563.

[539] Tony Abbott (Leader of the Opposition), 'Transcript of press conference', 1 December 2009.

[540] Harry Jenkins, Clerk of the House of Representatives, House of Representatives, Debates, 28 October 2009, 11259.

[541] Parliamentary Library, 'Bradfield, NSW, By-election 2009', Parliamentary Handbook.

[542] Parliamentary Library, 'Higgins, Vic, By-election 2009', Parliamentary Handbook.

[543] Martin Ferguson (Minister for Resources and Energy), 'Maralinga Nuclear Test site reclaimed after half a century', media release, 18 December 2009.

[544] House of Representatives, 'Questions', Votes and proceedings, HVP 145, 2008–10, 22 February 2010, 1626.

[545] Senate, 'Environment–Climate Change Programs–Government Policy–Censure', Journals, 110, 2008–10, 23 February 2010, 3179–80.

[546] Kevin Rudd, Queensland Floods, House of Representatives, Debates, 9 March 2010, 1994.

[547] Kevin Rudd (Prime Minister), 'Joint press conference', 10 March 2010.

[548] 'Michael Johnson expelled from the LNP', ABC News, 21 May 2010.

[549] Kevin Rudd (Prime Minister), 'Visit to Australia by the President of the Maldives', media release, 3 June 2010.

[550] 'Timorese president arrives for visit', The Sydney Morning Herald, 21 June 2010.

[551] Anthony Albanese, Standing and Sessional Orders, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 June 2010, 6276.

[552] Julia Gillard (Prime Minister), 'Transcript of press conference', 24 June 2010.

[553] Parliamentary Library, 'Ministers in the Gillard Ministry from 24.06.2010 to 14.09.2010', Parliamentary Handbook.

[554] Parliamentary Library, 'Federal Election 2010', Parliamentary Handbook.

[555] Christopher Vernon, 'Lines that speak', Architecture Australia, 17 September 2012.

[556] Parliamentary Library, 'Ministers in the Gillard Ministry (2nd) from 14.09.2010 to 27.06.2013', Parliamentary Handbook.

[557] Quentin Bryce, Governor-General's Speech, Senate, Debates, 28 September 2010, 2.

[558] House of Representatives Standing Committee on Procedure, 'Interim report No. 1: Monitoring and review of procedural changes implemented in the 43rd Parliament', (Canberra: House of Representatives, 13 May 2011).

[559] Ken Wyatt, Governor-General's Speech: Address-in-Reply, House of Representatives, Debates, 29 September 2010, 211.

[560] Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee, Estimates, Official Committee Hansard, 21 February 2011, 31.

[561] Scott Hannaford, 'Parliament 'wrong site' for war room', The Canberra Times, 21 December 2009, 12.

[562] Wyatt Roy, Governor-General's Speech: Address-in-Reply, House of Representatives, Debates, 26 October 2010, 1600.

[563] Julia Gillard, Cambodia: Festival disaster, House of Representatives, Debates, 25 November 2010, 3775.

[564] Julia Gillard, Condolences: Australian National Disasters, House of Representatives, Debates, 8 February 2011, 5.

[565] Julia Gillard, Christmas Island, House of Representatives, Debates, 9 February 2011, 190.

[566] Chris Evans (Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations), 'Vocational education ties with Mongolia strengthened', Media Release, 23 February 2011.

[567] Julia Gillard, Speech to the luncheon in honour of the PM of Malaysia, 3 March 2011.

[568] Department of Parliamentary Services, Annual Report 2010–11.

[569] Julia Gillard, Condolences: Japan Natural Disasters, House of Representatives, Debates, 21 March 2011, 2417; Chris Evans, Japan Natural Disasters, Senate, Debates, 21 March 2011, 1283.

[570] Julia Gillard, Condolences: New Zealand Earthquake, House of Representatives, Debates, 21 March 2011, 2419; Chris Evans, New Zealand Earthquake, Senate, Debates, 21 March 2011, 1288.

[571] Julia Gillard (Prime Minister), 'Visit to Australia by His Excellency Mr Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference', media release, 7 April 2011.

[572] Chris Evans (Minister for Tertiary Education), 'Australia and China cement close ties on higher education', media release, 7 April 2011.

[573] Harry Jenkins, Questions without Notice: Carbon Pricing, House of Representatives, Debates, 31 May 2011, 5282.

[574] Department of Parliamentary Services, Annual Report 2010–11, Solar panels pilot project.

[575] Central Tibetan Administration, 'Visit that Wins Hearts and Support of Australian MPs for Tibetan People', 30 June 2011.

[576] Scott Ludlum, 'National Radioactive Waste Management Bill 2010: second reading, Senate, Debates, 14 June 2011, 2619.

[577] John Key, Address by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, House of Representatives, Debates, 20 June 2011, 6450.

[578] 'White powder causes disorder in the house', The Australian, 11 August 2011, 4.

[579] 'Convoy of No Confidence', The Australian, 22 August 2011.

[580] Julia Gillard, Statement on Indulgence: Norway massacre, House of Representatives, Debates, 25 August 2011, 9442.

[581] Australian Electoral Commission, 'Application for registration approved – Katter's Australian Party', 27 September 2011.

[582] Paige Darby, 'The 2011 tax forum and the 1985 tax summit', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, March 23 2011).

[583] House of Representatives, 'Clean Energy Bill 2011', Votes and proceedings, HVP 73, 2010–11, 12 October 2011.

[584] HRH Queen Elizabeth II, 'A Speech by the Queen at Parliament House in Canberra, 2011', 21 October 2011.

[585] Barack Obama, Address by the President of the United States of America, House of Representatives, Debates, 17 November 2011, 12846.

[586] Megan Doherty, 'Prince pushes green ties to fuel future development, trade', The Canberra Times, 23 November 2011, 5.

[587] Cathy Madden, 'Speaker's resignation', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 10 October 2012).

[588] Territories Self-Government Legislation Amendment (Disallowance and Amendment of Laws) Act 2011 (Cth).

[589] Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011 (Cth).

[590] Jessica Wright, 'Aboriginal protesters torch Australian flag outside Parliament', The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 January 2012.

[591] Julia Gillard, Condolences: Cowen, Sir Zelman, AK, GCMG, GCVO, QC, House of Representatives, Debates, 7 February 2012, 1; Chris Evans, Condolences: Cowen, Sir Zelman, AK, GCMG, GCVO, QC, Senate, Debates, 7 February 2012, 57.

[592] National Sorry Day Committee Inc, 'National Sorry Day Letter', 13 February 2012.

[593] ABC News, 'Video: Slipper reinstates the Speaker's procession', 14 February 2012.

[594] House of Representatives Standing Committee on Procedure, Renaming the Main Committee, June 2004; Sophia Fernandes, 'Renaming of the Main Committee', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 7 February 2012).

[595] Julia Gillard, Statements on Indulgence: Australian Floods, House of Representatives, Debates, 13 March 2012, 2611.

[596] 9News 'Lebanon president to visit Australia' 10 April 2012.

[597] Cathy Madden, 'Speaker's resignation', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 10 October 2012).

[598] ABC News, 'Embattled Thomson suspended from Labor Party', 29 April 2012.

[599] Julia Gillard, Condolences: Adams, Senator Judith Anne, House of Representatives, Debates, 8 May 2012; Eric Abetz, Condolences: Adams, Senator Judith Anne, Senate, Debates, 8 May 2012.

[600] Parliamentary Library, 'Parliamentary Office Holders', Parliamentary Handbook.

[601] Julia Gillard, 'Joint communique with the Prime Minister of Thailand', media release, 28 May 2012.

[602] Parliamentary Library, 'Parliamentary Office Holders', Parliamentary Handbook.

[603] Julia Gillard, Statement on Indulgence: 20th Anniversary of the Mabo Native Title Decision, House of Representatives, Debates, 21 May 2012, 6532.

[604] Daniel Flitton, 'End sanctions, says Zimbabwe PM', The Sydney Morning Herald, 23 July 2012.

[605] Parliament of Australia, Parliamentary Budget Office.

[606] Rob Lundie, 'Opposition Leaders suspended from the House of Representatives', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 24 August 2012).

[607] Richard Di Natale, Motions: Norman, Mr Peter, Senate, Debates, 21 August 2012, 5938; Andrew Leigh, Private Members' Business: Norman, Mr Peter, House of Representatives, Debates, 11 October 2012, 12045.

[608] National Library of Australia, 'Visit to Australia by the Honourable Gordon Dacy Lilo', 19–23 August 2012.

[609] Julia Gillard, Motions: Speaker, House of Representatives, Debates, 9 October 2012, 11581–85.

[610] House of Representatives, 'Questions', Votes and proceedings, HVP 136, 2022–23, 9 October 2012, 1838; House of Representatives, 'Speaker–Resignations–Acceptance by Governor-General', Votes and proceedings, HVP 136, 2010–12, 9 October 2012, 1845.

[611] House of Representatives, 'Election of Speaker', Votes and proceedings, HVP 136, 2010–12, 9 October 2012, 1845.

[612] Julia Gillard, 'Prime Minister of Singapore to visit Australia', media release, 5 October 2012.

[613] Quentin Bryce, 'Bali Bombing Commemoration', The Governor-General's Program, 12 October 2012.

[614] Ben Packham, 'Labor extends Governor-General Quentin Bryce's term', The Australian, 24 October 2012.

[615] Julia Gillard (Prime Minister), 'Remarks at the naming of Queen Elizabeth Terrace', 10 November 2012.

[616] Julia Gillard (Prime Minister), 'Transcript of press conference', 12 November 2012; Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, 'Final report released', media release, 15 December 2017.

[617] Stephen Smith, Ministerial Statements, House of Representatives, Debates, 26 November 2012.

[618] Nicolas Horne, 'New rules for media-related activity in Parliament House and its precincts', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 5 December 2012).

[619] Julia Gillard, Statement on Indulgence: Australian Natural Disasters, House of Representatives, Debates, 5 February 2013, 1.

[620] Julia Gilliard, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Bill 2012, House of Representatives, Debates, 13 February 2013, 1120.

[621] Stephen Conroy, Condolences: Child, Hon Gloria Joan Liles, AO, Senate, Debates, 26 February 2013, 901; Julia Gillard Condolences: Child, Hon. Joan, House of Representatives, Debates, 12 March 2013, 1612.

[622] ABC News, 'Canberra officially marks 100 years', 12 March 2013.

[623] Anna Burke, Statement by the Speaker: Disruption in the Galleries, use of Twitter, House of Representatives, Debates, 13 March 2013, 1934.

[624] Gary Humphries, 'Motions: Canberra Centenary', Senate, Debates, 13 March 2013, 1614.

[625] Julia Gillard, Prime Minister, 'Transcript of joint press conference: Parliament House, Canberra: 18 March 2013: Visit to Australia of the President of Myanmar: Australia–Myanmar relations: media reforms', media release, 18 March 2013.

[626] Mark Dreyfus, Motions: National Apology for Forced Adoptions, House of Representatives, Debates, 21 March 2013, 2947; Stephen Conroy, Motions: National Apology for Forced Adoptions, Senate, Debates, 21 March 2013, 2350.

[627] Stephen Conroy, Committees: Community Affairs References Committee: Government response to report, Senate, Debates, 21 March 2013, 2343; Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs, Commonwealth Contribution to Former Forced Adoption Policies and Practices, 29 February 2012.

[628] See 'National apology for forced adoptions', Attorney-General's Department. The NT Government announced on 24 January 2013 that it would issue an apology to victims of forced adoption. However, the Minister for Children and Families, Alison Anderson, issued a press release on 21 March stating: 'We offer our heartfelt sympathy to all those Territory families, past and present, who were separated by an adoption that was forced upon them. These policies and practices did not continue after the Territory became self-governing in 1978. Therefore, the Government decided against making a separate apology, it is our view that it would be inappropriate and indeed disingenuous'. 'Support for adoption apology on behalf of the nation' – See Ruby Jones, 'Government considers backflip on adoption apology', ABC News, 25 March 2013.

[629] House of Representatives, 'Message from the Senate–National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2013', Votes and proceedings, HVP 160, 2010–13, 21 March 2013, 2198.

[630] Australian Capital Territory (Self Government) Amendment Act 2013

[631] Julia Gillard, Motions: Parliament House: 25th anniversary, House of Representatives, Debates, 24 June 2013, 6659.

[632] Royal Australian Mint, 'Australia's first triangular coin marks Parliament House's quarter of a century', media release, 9 May 2013.

[633] Tony Abbott, Condolences: Thatcher, Baroness Margaret, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 May 2013, 3070; Helen Kroger, Motions: Thatcher, Baroness Margaret, Senate, Debates, 16 May 2013, 2742.

[634] Bernard Wright, op. cit., 551.

[635] Sophia Fernandes, 'Question Time: Questions directed to non-government members', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 29 May 2013).

[636] Senate, 'Constitution Alteration (Local Government) 2013', Journals, 151, 2010–13, 24 June 2013, 4157–59.

[637] Australian Local Government Association, ALGA constitutional reform campaign website.

[638] Julia Gillard, Statements on Indulgence: Yirrkala Bark Petitions, House of Representatives, Debates, 26 June 2013, 7129; Tony Abbott, ibid., 7130.

[639] 'Yirrkala Bark Petitions 1963 (Cth)', Documenting a Democracy website.

[640] For further history and related documents, see Yirrkala bark petitions 1963 (Cth), Documenting a Democracy, National Archives of Australia.

[641] Brenton Holmes, Rudd redux: victory and defeat, Research paper series, 2013–14, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 9 January 2014).

[642] Migration Amendment (Temporary Sponsored Visas) Act 2013 (Cth).

[643] Australian Electoral Commission, 'Application for registration approved – Nick Xenophon Group', 13 May 2013.

[644] Parliamentary Library, 'Ministers in the Rudd Ministry (2nd) from 27.06.2013 to 18.09.2013', Parliamentary Handbook.

[645] Sara Everingham, 'East Timor push for Commonwealth membership', ABC News, 9 July 2013.

[646] Quentin Bryce (Governor-General), 'Proclamation: Prorogue of the Parliament and dissolution of the House of Representatives', 4 August 2013.

[647] Department of Parliamentary Services, Annual Report 2013–14, 7.

[648] Parliamentary Library, '2013 Federal Election', Parliamentary Handbook.

[649] Parliamentary Library, 'Ministers in the Abbott Ministry from 18.09.2013 to 15.09.2015', Parliamentary Handbook.

[650] Tony Abbott (Prime Minister), 'Transcript of joint press conference', media release, 2 October 2013.

[651] Tony Abbott (Prime Minister), 'Statement from the Prime Minister', media release, 13 October 2013.

[652] Parliamentary Library, 'Shadow Ministers in the Shorten Shadow Ministry from 13.10.2013 to 27.05.2019', Parliamentary Handbook.

[653] Janet Wilson, Rob Lundie and Deirdre McKeown, 'Zippers: former prime ministers leaving parliament', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 14 November 2013).

[654] House of Representatives, 'Election of Speaker', Votes and proceedings, HVP 1, 2013, 12 November 2013, 6–7.

[655] Nova Peris, 'First Speech', Senate, Debates, 13 November 2013, 253.

[656] Tony Abbott (Prime Minister), 'Transcript of joint press conference with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi', media release, 28 November 2013.

[657] Eric Abetz, Condolences: Mandela, Mr Rolihlahla (Nelson) Dalibhunga, AC, Senate, Debates, 9 December 2013, 1144; Warren Truss, Condolences: Mandela, Mr Rolihlahla (Nelson) Dalibhunga, AC, House of Representatives, Debates, 9 December 2013, 1923.

[658] George Brandis (Attorney-General) and Greg Hunt (Minister for the Environment), 'Government establishes Royal Commission into Home Insulation Program, media release, 12 December 2013.

[659] Ian Hanger, 'Report of the Royal Commission into the Home Insulation Program', 29 August 2014.

[660] Bronwyn Bishop, Statement by the Speaker: Wright, Mr Bernard, House of Representatives, Debates, 12 December 2013, 2649; Tony Abbott, Motions: Wright, Mr Bernard, House of Representatives, Debates, 12 December 2013, 2650; John Hogg, Statement by the President: Valedictory, Senate, Debates, 12 December 2013, 1718.

[661] Parliamentary Library, 'Griffith, Qld, By-election 2014', Parliamentary Handbook.

[662] Tony Abbott, Statements on Indulgence: Baird, Corporal Cameron Stewart, VC, MG, House of Representatives, Debates, 13 February 2014, 354.

[663] High Court of Australia, 'The Australian Electoral Commission v Johnston & Ors; Wang v Johnston & Ors; Mead v Johnston & Ors' [2014], HCA 5 Judgement Summary.

[664] Mick Keelty, 'Inquiry into the 2013 WA Senate election, December 2013', 2 December 2013.

[665] Judith Ireland and Hames Massola, 'Electoral Commissioner Ed Killesteyn resigns after bungled WA Senate vote', The Sydney Morning Herald, 21 February 2014; Tony Smith, Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 July 2014, 7660.

[666] Penny Wong, Motions: Assistant Minister for Health: Censure, Senate, Debates, 5 March 2014, 864.

[667] Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption, Final Report, 6 vols, (Canberra, 2015). Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), George Brandis (Attorney-General), Michaelia Cash (Minister for Employment), 'Royal Commission into Trade Union governance and corruption: final report released', joint media release, 30 December 2015.

[668] Arthur Sinodinos, Australian Water Holdings, Senate, Debates, 19 March 2014, 1487; Penny Wong, Australian Water Holdings, Senate, Debates, 19 March 2014, 1460.

[669] 'Sinodinos cleared in corruption report', SBS News, 2 August 2017.

[670] Tony Burke, Motions: Speaker, House of Representatives, Debates, 27 March 2014, 3404.

[671] Daniel Hurst, 'WA election: AEC admits security breach', The Guardian (Australia), 3 April 2014.

[672] Australian Electoral Commission, 'Senators for Western Australia have been decided', media release, 29 April 2014.

[673] 'Royal visit: Prince William and Catherine visit Parliament in Canberra tour', ABC News, 24 April 2014.

[674] Bill Heffernan, Australian Federal Police, Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, Estimates, Attorney-General portfolio, 26 May 2014, 21.

[675] Catherine McGrath, 'Pacific nations urge climate change action, ask Australia for help', ABC News, 27 May 2014.

[676] Standing Committee on Procedure (44th Parliament), Role of the Federation Chamber: celebrating 20 years of operation, Canberra, June 2015.

[677] Don Randall, Committees: Standing Committee on Procedure–Report, House of Representatives, Debates, 22 June 2016, 7147.

[678] Senate Standing Committee of Privileges, The use of CCTV material in Parliament House: 160th report, (Canberra: The Senate, December 2014); Documents: Tabling, Senate, Debates, 2 March 2015, 823.

[679] Parliamentary Library, 'Federal Election 2013', Parliamentary Handbook.

[680] Senate, 'Election of President', Journals, 38, 2013–14, 7 July 2014, 1048.

[681] Shinzo Abe, Address by the Prime Minister of Japan, House of Representatives, Debates, 8 July 2014, 7647.

[682] Tony Abbott, Statements on Indulgence: Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, House of Representatives, Debates, 17 July 2014, 8473.

[683] Tony Abbott (Prime Minister), 'Flags at half-mast for victims of MH17', media release, 18 July 2014.

[684] Tony Abbott (Prime Minister), Condolence book in support and sympathy of those tragically killed on flight MH17, media release, 22 July 2014.

[685] Tony Abbott, Condolences: Ukraine air disaster, House of Representatives, Debates, 26 August 2014, 8549.

[686] John Madigan, Statements: Democratic Labour Party, Senate, Debates, 4 September 2014, 6425.

[687] Eric Abetz, Condolences: Mr Harry Evans, Senate, Debates, 22 September 2014, 6577.

[688] Tony Abbott (Prime Minister), 'National terrorism public alert level raised to high', 9 September 2014.

[689] Tony Abbott, Ministerial statements: National security, House of Representatives, Debates, 22 September 2014, 9957.

[690] Bill Shorten, ibid., 9960.

[691] Parliament of Australia, Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Bill 2014.

[692] Ibid.

[693] House of Representatives Standing Committee on Procedure, Use of electronic devices in the Chamber and Federation Chamber, House of Representatives, Canberra, September 2014.

[694] The Right Honourable John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, Guest of Parliament lecture, 30 September 2014.

[695] Stephen Parry, Questions to the President: Parliament House: Security, Senate, Debates, 2 October 2014, 7659; Latika Bourke, James Massola, 'Burqa crackdown: 'Facial coverings' restricted in Parliament House public galleries', The Canberra Times, 2 October 2014.

[696] Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee, Official Committee Hansard, 20 October 2014, 9; Bronwyn Bishop, Questions to the Speaker: Parliament House Security, House of Representatives, Debates, 20 October 2014, 11338; Latika Bourke, James Massola, 'Controversial Parliament House burqa ban dumped', The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 October 2014.

[697] Tony Abbott, Condolences: Whitlam, Hon. Edward Gough, AC, QC, House of Representatives, Debates, 21 October 2014, 11517; Eric Abetz, Condolences: Whitlam, Hon. Edward Gough, AC, QC, Senate, Debates, 27 October 2014, 7757.

[698] Tony Abbott, Statements: Ottawa: Attack, House of Representatives, Debates, 30 October 2014, 11812.

[699] Bronwyn Bishop, 'Statement by the Speaker: Ottawa: Attack, Parliament House: Security', House of Representatives, Debates, 23 October 2014, 11743.

[700] Tony Abbott (Prime Minister), 'Transcript of joint press conference with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte', 6 November 2014.

[701] David Cameron, Address by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 November 2014, 12710; Narendra Modi, Address by the Prime Minister of the Republic India, House of Representatives, Debates, 18 November 2014, 12730; Xi Jinping, 'Address by the President of the People's Republic of China', House of Representatives, Debates, 17 November 2014, 12720; Tony Abbott, Remarks at bilateral meeting with Mr Francois Hollande, President of the French Republic, 19 November 2014.

[702] Jackie Lambie, Statements: Palmer United Party, Senate, Debates, 24 November 2014, 8967.

[703] Stephen Parry, Second reading speech: Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill 2014, Senate, Debates, 26 March 2015, 2576.

[704] Penny Wong, Motions: Minister for Defence: Censure, Senate, Debates, 26 November 2014, 9376.

[705] Tony Abbott, Motions: Sydney – Martin Place Siege, House of Representatives, Debates, 9 February 2015, 21;

Eric Abetz, 'Statements: Sydney – Martin Place Siege', Senate, Debates, 9 February 2015, 25.

[706] Barbara Miller, 'Peter Greste: Australian Al Jazeera journalist says release from prison in Egypt like a "rebirth"', ABC News, 3 February 2015; Jane Prentice, Private Members' Business: Peter Greste's Release, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 February 2015, 829; Rachel Siewert, Motions: Greste, Mr Peter, Senate, Debates, 11 February 2015, 485.

[707] Bronwyn Bishop, 'Statement by the Speaker: Parliament House: Security', House of Representatives, Debates, 10 February 2015, 303.

[708] Julie Bishop, Motions: Death Penalty, House of Representatives, Debates, 12 February 2015, 656; Lisa Singh, Motions: Death Penalty, Senate, Debates, 12 February 2015, 296.

[709] Tom Allard, 'Federal politicians call for mercy for Chan and Sukumaran', The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 February 2015.

[710] The Royal House of Norway, 'State visit to Australia', February 23, 2015.

[711] Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, Estimates, 24 February 2015, Attorney-General's Portfolio, 7; Penny Wong, Attorney-General: Censure, Senate, Debates, 2 March 2015, 719; Attorney-General: Attempted Censure – Division, House of Representatives, Debates, 25 February 2015, 1286.

[712] Glen Lazarus, Statements: Palmer United Party, Senate, Debates, 16 March 2015, 1421.

[713] Tony Abbott (Prime Minister), 'Visit by the Prime Minister of Vietnam', 16 March 2015.

[714] Anne Twomey, 'Power to the princesses: Australia wraps up succession law changes', The Conversation, 26 March 2015.

[715] Eric Abetz, Condolences: Fraser, Rt Hon John Malcolm, AC, CH, Senate, Debates, 23 March 2015, 2051; Tony Abbott, Condolences, Fraser, RT Hon John Malcolm, AC CH, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 March 2015, 3085.

[716] Bronwyn Bishop, Statement by the Speaker: Incident in the Federation Chamber, House of Representatives, Debates, 25 March 2015, 3429; Question on notice number 55, Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee–Budget Estimates Hearing–May 2015.

[717] Bronwyn Bishop, Appropriations and Administration Committee: Report, House of Representatives, Debates, 26 March 2015, 3552.

[718] Christine Milne, 'Statement from Christine Milne', media release, 6 May 2015.

[719] Tony Abbott, Motions: Centenary of Anzac, House of Representatives, Debates, 12 May 2015, 3709.

[720] 'Jacqui Lambie Network: Tasmanian senator registers new political party', ABC News, 31 March 2015; Jacqui Lambie, Statements: Palmer United Party, Senate, Debates, 24 November 2014, 8967.

[721] Bronwyn Bishop, Statement by the Speaker: Legislative Assembly of Norfolk Island: Remonstrance, House of Representatives, Debates, 27 May 2015, 4796; Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Act 2015 (Cth).

[722] The Australian National Audit Office, The Auditor General.

[723] Katy Gallagher, First Speech, Senate, Debates, 17 June 2015, 3785.

[724] Simon Speldewinde, 'First time former opposing state/territory leaders in the same chamber', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 17 June 2015).

[725] Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, 'Final Report', 25 June 2015.

[726] Australian Electoral Commission, 'Notice under s. 133(1A) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918', 10 July 2015; Glenn Lazarus, Statements: Palmer United Party, Senate, Debates, 16 March 2015, 1421.

[727] 9News, 'Memorial recognises MH17 downing a year on', 17 July 2015.

[728] Parliamentary Office Holders, House of Representatives, Debates, 10 August 2015, 7743; Nicholas Horne, 'Resignations of Speakers', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 4 August 2015).

[729] Tony Abbott (Prime Minister), 'An independent entitlements system', media release, 2 August 2015.

[730] Tony Smith, Condolences: Randall, Mr Donald James, House of Representatives, Debates, 10 August 2015, 7748; Stephen Parry, Condolences: Randall, Mr Donald James, Schultz, Mr Albert (Alby) John, Senate, Debates, 10 August 2015, 4691.

[731] Andrew Probyn, Grant Taylor and Andrew Tillett, 'Don Randall's death hits hard', The West Australian, 22 July 2015.

[732] Tony Smith, Parliamentary Office Holders, House of Representatives, Debates, 10 August 2015, 7747.

[733] Australia Post, 'Australia, New Zealand and Singapore acknowledged in new joint stamp issue', 12 August 2015.

[734] Tony Abbott, Statements on Indulgence: Netball World Cup, House of Representatives, Debates, 17 August 2015, 8461.

[735] Michael Sloane, 'Seventy-fifth anniversary of the first broadcast of the Commonwealth Parliament', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, May 7, 2020).

[736] Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), 'Transcript of joint press conference', 16 September 2015.

[737] Parliamentary Library, 'Canning, NSW, By-election 2015', Parliamentary Handbook.

[738] John Kerin, 'Malcom Turnbull's cabinet: Marise Payne first woman Defence Minister', Australian Financial Review, 20 September 2015.

[739] Tony Smith, Development of Electronic Petitions Website and System–Statement by Speaker, House of Representatives,

Debates, 22 October 2015, 12145.

[740] House of Representatives, 'Infosheet 11–Petitions'.

[741] Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), 'Changes to Question Time to Focus on Local Issues', media release, 20 October 2015.

[742] 'Paris attacks: Australia's federal Parliament lights up for France' The Australian, 15 November 2015.

[743] Malcolm Turnbull, Statements on Indulgence: France: Terrorist Attacks, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 November 2015, 13249; Bill Shorten, Statements on Indulgence: France: Terrorist Attacks, ibid., 13251.

[744] Clare Colley, 'Tom Roberts exhibition at National Gallery of Australia to mark new focus', The Canberra Times, 19 August 2015; Clare Colley, 'Tom Roberts' Big Picture moves from Parliament House to National Gallery', The Canberra Times, 24 November 2015.

[745] Department of Parliamentary Services, 'Annual Report 2015–16', 75.

[746] Parliamentary Library, 'North Sydney, NSW, By-election 2015', Parliamentary Handbook.

[747] House of Representatives, Standing Orders, (Canberra: Department of the House of Representatives, 2 August 2022), 101.

[748] Rosie Lewis, 'Why new MP's getting red-carpet treatment', The Australian, 5 February 2016, 4.

[749] Warren Truss (Deputy Prime Minister), Address to the House, Canberra, media release, 11 February 2016; Daniel Hurst, 'Barnaby Joyce elected Nationals leader and Fiona Nash deputy leader', The Guardian (Australia), 11 February 2016.

[750] Janet Wilson and Margaret Healy, That's it–I'm leaving: ministerial departures 1901–2017, Research paper series, 2017–18, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, July 2017), 56; Annika Smethurst, 'Turnbull introduces new-look ministry', Herald Sun, 19 February 2016, 8; Parliamentary Library, Ministers in the Turnbull Ministry from 15.09.2015 to 19.07.2016, Parliamentary Handbook.

[751] Christopher Pyne, Condolences: Halverson, Hon. Robert George (Bob), OBE, House of Representatives, Debates, 11 February 2016, 1424; George Brandis, Condolences: Hon Robert George (Bob), OBE, Senate, Debates, 22 February 2016, 648.

[752] Dan Tehan, Ministerial statements: 25th anniversary of the First Gulf War, House of Representatives, Debates, 29 February 2016, 2380–81; Stephen Conroy, Ministerial statements: 25th anniversary of the first Gulf War, Senate, Debates, 1 March 2016, 1473; Jacqui Lambie, Ministerial statements: 25th anniversary of the first Gulf War, Senate, Debates, 1 March 2016, 1474–75.

[753] Parliament House Canberra Twitter, @Parl HouseCBR, 17 March 2023.

[754] Nathan Church, Federal Parliament's first, most and more: frequently asked questions, Research paper series, 2022–23, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 9 November 2022).

[755] Senate, 'Commonwealth Electoral Amendment Bill 2016', Journals, 148, 2013–16, 17 March 2016, 3999–4072.

[756] Senate, 'Territories Legislation Amendment Bill 2016', Journals, 148, 2013–16, 17 March 2016, 4073.

[757] Malcolm Turnbull, 'Prorogue of Parliament, request for prorogation to the Governor-General', media release, 21 March 2016.

[758] Damon Muller, 'So you've been prorogued – common questions answered', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 23 March 2016).

[759] Ibid.

[760] Tony Smith, Governor-General's speech, House of Representatives, Debates, 18 April 2016, 3651.

[761] Politics and Public Administration Section, 44th Parliament in review, Research paper series, 2016–17, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 24 November 2016), 8.

[762] Senate, Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Bill 2013 No. 2], Journals, 149, 2013–16, 18 April 2016, 4115; Politics and Public Administration Section, 44th Parliament in review.

[763] Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), 'Transcript of joint doorstop interview', 19 April 2016.

[764] Peter Hendy, First reading: Supply Bill (No. 1) 2016–17, First reading: Supply Bill (No. 2) 2016–17; First reading Supply (Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2016–17, House of Representatives, Debates, 2 May 2016, 3945–47; Malcolm Turnbull, 'Documents relating to the calling of the double dissolution election [Election 2016]', 8 May 2016.

[765] House of Representatives Standing Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests, Report into whether the former member for Dobell, Mr Craig Thomson, in a statement to the House on 21 May 2012 deliberately misled the House, Parl. Paper 84, March 2016.

[766] Peter Cosgrove (Governor-General), 'Proclamation: Dissolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives simultaneously at 9:00am on Monday 9 May 2016', 8 May 2016.

[767] Tony Smith, Statement by the Speaker: Giurgola, Mr Romaldo, AO, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 September 2016, 374.

[768] Hannah Gobbett, Composition of the 45th Parliament: a quick guide, Research paper series, 2016–17, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 29 August 2016); Parliamentary Library, 'Federal Election 2016', Parliamentary Handbook.

[769] Report of the Royal Commission and Board of Inquiry into the protection and detention of children in the Northern Territory, 4 Vols.

[770] Parliamentary Library, 'Ministers in the Turnbull Ministry from 15.09.2015 to 19.07.2016', Parliamentary Handbook.

[771] Parliament of Australia, 'Opening of the 45th Parliament'; Peter Cosgrove, Governor-General's Speech, Senate, Debates, 30 August 2016, 4; House of Representatives, 'Election of Speaker', Votes and proceedings, HVP 1, 2016, 30 August 2016, 6–7; Senate, 'Election of President', Journals, 1, 2016, 30 August 2016, 5.

[772] Rob Lundie, 'Double dissolution election: implications for the Senate', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 29 January 2016); Damon Muller, 'Rotation of Senators – Parliament of Australia', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 9 September 2016).

[773] Linda Burney, Governor-General's speech: Address-in-Reply, House of Representatives, Debates, 31 August 2016, 163–68.

[774] Hannah Gobbett, Indigenous parliamentarians, federal and state: a quick guide, Research paper series, 2017–18, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 11 July 2017), 2.

[775] Malcolm Turnbull, Second reading speech: Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Bill 2013, House of Representatives, Debates, 31 August 2016, 81; Malcolm Turnbull, Second reading speech: Building and Construction Industry (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2013, House of Representatives, Debates, 31 August 2016, 85; Malcolm Turnbull, Second reading speech: Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Amendment Bill 2014, House of Representatives, Debates, 31 August 2016, 85; Scott Morrison, Second reading speech: Budget Savings (Omnibus) Bill 2016, House of Representatives, Debates, 31 August 2016, 91.

[776] Tony Smith, Resolutions of the Senate: Banking and Financial Services, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 September 2016, 382; Simon Speldewinde, 'Government losing votes on the floor of the House', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 5 September 2016).

[777] Australian Parliament House (@Aust_Parliament), 'Hear hear! We're about to see our 30 millionth visitor', 11 September 2016.

[778] Department of Parliamentary Services, Annual report 2015–16, viii.

[779] Tony Smith, Statement by the Speaker: Privilege, Petitions, House of Representatives, Debates, 13 September 2016, 675; Ross Vasta, Petitions: Statements, House of Representatives, Debates, 10 October 2016, 1224.

[780] Senate, 'Plebiscite (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill 2016', Journals, 12, 2016, 7 November 2016, 400–01.

[781] Stephen Parry, Statement by the President: Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry, Senate, Debates, 10 October 2016, 1225.

[782] Francis Keany, 'Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to address Australia's Parliament ahead of defence trade deals', ABC News, 12 October 2016.

[783] Tom McIlroy, 'Embarrassing blunder "a first"', The Age, 13 October 2016, 5; Wright and Fowler, op. cit., 370.

[784] Senate, 'Senate Chamber–Photography–Cessation of Order', Journals, 11, 2016, 13 October 2016, 328; Derryn Hinch, Motions: Photography in the Senate, Senate, Debates, 13 October 2016, 1754.

[785] Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), 'Dutch royal visit to Australia', media release, 2 November 2016.

[786] Senate, 'Qualification of Former Senator Day: reference to Court of Disputed Returns' and 'Qualification of Senator Culleton: documents: proposed reference to Court of Disputed Returns', Journals, 12, 2016, 7 November 2016, 374–76.

[787] Senate, '23 Procedure–Standing Committee–First Report of 2016–Consideration', Senate, Journals, 13, 2016, 8 November 2016, 420.

[788] Senate, 'Customs (Prohibited Imports) Amendment (Shotguns and Shotgun Magazines) Regulation: proposed disallowance', Journals, 16, 2016, 21 November 2016, 498–99; Daniel Meers, 'Nats in the crosshairs', The Daily Telegraph, 22 November 2016, 8.

[789] Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), 'Visit to Australia by the King and Queen of Jordan', media release, 22 November 2016.

[790] Gareth Hutchens, 'Pro-refugee protesters disrupt parliament and shut down question time', The Guardian (Australia), 30 November 2016.

[791] Paul Karp, 'Refugee protesters abseil down Parliament House and dye fountain red', The Guardian (Australia), 1 December 2016.

[792] Tony Smith, Parliamentary Zone, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 December 2016, 5089; Steven Parry, Parliamentary Zone: Approval of Works, Senate, Debates, 1 December 2016, 3943; Tom McIlroy and Michael Koziol, 'Public in dark over new fence', The Canberra Times, 8 December 2016, 8.

[793] Steven Parry, Clerk of the Senate, Senate, Debates, 1 December 2016, 4116.

[794] Michelle Grattan, 'Blame game rages as Culleton quits Pauline Hanson's One Nation', The Conversation, 19 December 2016.

[795] Sussan Ley (Minister for Health, Aged Care and Sport), 'Statement from Sussan Ley', media release, 13 January 2017.

[796] Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), 'Press conference, Sydney, 13 January 2017', 13 January 2017.

[797] Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), Ministerial arrangements, media release, 18 January 2017.

[798] Re Culleton [No 2] [2017] HCA 4 (3 February 2017).

[799] Cory Bernardi, Statement to the Senate, Senate, Debates, 7 February 2017.

[800] Andrew Wilkie, Statements on Indulgence: Tasmania: 50th Anniversary of Black Tuesday Bushfires, House of Representatives, Debates, 7 February 2017, 37; Lisa Singh, 'Motions: Black Tuesday Bushfires', Senate, Debates, 8 February 2017, 326.

[801] Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), 'Transcript of remarks at a reception to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Australia–Sri Lanka diplomatic relations', 14 February 2017.

[802] Parliament of Australia, 'Parliamentary Entitlements Legislation Amendment Bill 2017'; Cathy Madden, 'Parliamentary Entitlements Legislation Amendment Bill 2017', Bills Digest, 62, 2016–17, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 2017), 2.

[803] Stephen Parry, Clerk of the Senate, Senate, Debates, 29 November 2016, 3505.

[804] Malcolm Turnbull, Statements on Indulgence–London: Attacks, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 March 2017, 3028.

[805] Tom McIlroy, 'Beekeeping the buzzword getting political capital', The Age, 20 March 2017, 4.

[806] Re Day [No 2] [2017] HCA 14.

[807] Belinda Merhab, 'Alia milks her moment in the Senate', The Daily Telegraph, 10 May 2017, 3.

[808] Tony Smith, 'Happy 90th to the people's House', The Canberra Times, 6 May 2017, 2.

[809] Malcolm Turnbull, Statements–Manchester: Attacks, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 May 2017, 4826.

[810] 9News, 'Sri Lankan president visits Australia', 24 May 2017.

[811] DPS Annual Report, 'NAIDOC Week 2017 and National Reconciliation week 2018'.

[812] Fergus Hunter, 'A portrait of strength, hope and sadness', The Canberra Times, 30 May 2017, 4.

[813] Jana Black, 'Protesters who allegedly superglued themselves to railings at Parliament House plead not guilty', ABC News, 12 July 2017; 'Superglue protesters not guilty of damage to Parliament House', The Australian, 29 March 2018; 'Pro-refugee protesters plead not guilty to damaging Parliament House', The Guardian (Australia), 12 July 2017.

[814] Australian Electoral Commission, 'Electoral Backgrounder: Constitutional disqualification and intending candidates', 4 April 2019.

[815] Scott Ludlam, 'Statement: Greens' Senator Scott Ludlam', media release, 14 July 2017; Larissa Waters, 'Statement from Senator Larissa Waters', media release, 18 July 2017; Henry Belot, 'Larissa Waters, deputy Greens leader quits in latest citizenship bungle', ABC News, 16 August 2017; Michelle Grattan, 'Greens senator Larissa Waters forced out of parliament', The Conversation, 18 July 2017.

[816] Department of the Senate, For the sitting period 8–17 August 2017, Procedural information bulletin no. 317, 18 August 2017.

[817] Richard Di Natale, 'Leader of the Australian Greens, Dr Richard Di Natale responds to Larissa Waters' resignation', media release, 18 July 2017.

[818] Stephen Parry, Statement by the President: Parliamentary Budget Officer, Senate, Debates, 19 June 2017, 4197; Tony Smith, Statement by the Speaker: Parliament House: Security; Parliamentary Budget Officer, House of Representatives, Debates, 19 June 2017, 6856.

[819] Matt Canavan, 'Statement on Citizenship Status', media release, 25 July 2017.

[820] Antony Green, 'Matt Canavan: the High Court's question after the latest citizenship resignation', ABC News, 16 August 2017.

[821] George Brandis (Attorney-General), Transcript of statements on Senator Canavan's citizenship, Brisbane, 25 July 2017.

[822] Senate, 'Qualification of Senator Canavan–Reference to Court of Disputed Returns', Journals, 49, 2017, 8 August 2017, 1599; 'Qualification of former Senators Ludlam and Waters–References to Court of Disputed Returns', ibid.

[823] Richard Di Natale, Notices: Presentation, Senate, Debates, 8 August 2017, 4962; Amy Remeikis, 'MPs scramble to confirm citizenship' The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 July 2017; Rachel Baxendale, 'Senator refuses to show proof of sole citizenship', The Australian, 22 July 2017; Adam Gartrell, 'One Nation senator under intense pressure', The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 July 2017; Sarah Martin and Nick Evans, 'No Italian ballot papers for Canavan', The West Australian, 28 July 2017; Ben Doherty, 'Malcolm Roberts citizenship explainer: one nation – or more?', The Guardian (Australia), 28 July 2017; Rosie Lewis, 'Roberts's eligibility as MP in "real difficulty"', The Australian, 29 July 2017.

[824] Pauline Hanson, Parliamentary representation: Qualifications of Senators, Senate, Debates, 9 August 2017, 5216.

[825] Malcolm Turnbull, Condolences: Yunupingu, Dr G, House of Representatives, Debates, 8 August 2017, 7643; Bill Shorten, Condolences: Yunupingu, House of Representatives, Debates, 8 August 2017, 7644; Nigel Scullion, Condolences: Lester, Mr Kunmanara OAM, Yunupingu, Dr G, Senate, Debates, 17 August 2017, 6008.

[826] Senate, 'Plebiscite (Same-Sex Marriage Bill) 2016–proposed restoration to Notice Paper', Journals, 50, 2017, 9 August 2017, 1620.

[827] Mathias Cormann (Minister for Finance), 'Next steps for a national plebiscite on same sex marriage', media release, 9 August 2017.

[828] Census and Statistics (Statistical Information) Direction 2017, 9 August 2017. An amended Direction is issued on 16 August 2017, clarifying 'the statistical information to be published and defin[ing] eligibility for participation in the statistical survey as those persons who would be entitled to vote in a federal election'; Census and Statistics (Statistical Information) Amendment Direction 2017, 16 August 2017.

[829] Mary Anne Neilsen, Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017, Bills Digest, 54, 2017–18, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 2017), 6.

[830] Andrew Wilkie, 'Application to stop postal vote lodged with High court', media release, 10 August 2017.

[831] Paul Karp, 'Marriage equality postal vote to be challenged in high court by Andrew Wilkie and advocates', The Guardian

(Australia), 9 August 2017.

[832] Melissa Davey and Paul Karp, 'Same-sex marriage postal survey is lawful, high court finds', The Guardian (Australia), 7 September 2017; Wilkie v The Commonwealth [2017] HCA 40; Elizabeth Byrne, 'SSM survey challenges 'demonstrably without substance', High Court finds', ABC News, 28 September 2017.

[833] Malcolm Turnbull, Ministerial statements: Solomon Islands, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 August 2017, 8233.

[834] Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), 'Solomon Islands: Bilateral security treaty'.

[835] Barnaby Joyce, Parliamentary representation: Deputy Prime Minister, Qualifications of Members', House of Representatives, Debates, 14 August 2017, 8185.

[836] House of Representatives, 'Reference of matter to the Court of Disputed Returns', Votes and proceedings, 68, 14 August 2017, 958.

[837] Katherine Murphy, 'Barnaby Joyce's future under a cloud, constitution experts say' The Guardian (Australia), 14 August, 2017.

[838] Tony Burke, Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Members, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 August 2017, 8240; House of Representatives, 'Questions', Votes and Proceedings, 68, 14 August 2017, 960; House of Representatives, 'Questions', Votes and Proceedings, 71, 17 August 2017, 1008.

[839] Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), 'Visit to Australia by the President of Croatia', media release, 11 August 2017.

[840] Pauline Hanson, Questions without notice: National Security, Senate, Debates, 17 August 2017, 5984.

[841] Fiona Nash, Adjournment: Deputy Leader of the Nationals, ibid., 6054.

[842] Senate, 'Qualification of Senator Nash–Reference to Court of Disputed Returns', Journals, 56, 2017, 4 September 2017, 1788.

[843] Phillip Coorey, 'Refer me to High Court, says Hinch', The Australian Financial Review, 1 September 2017, 5.

[844] Derryn Hinch, Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Senators: Hinch, Sen Derryn, Senate, Debates, 4 September 2017, 6063; Derryn Hinch, 'Hinch S44 citizenship issue cleared by Government and Opposition', media release.

[845] House of Representatives, 'Matter of privilege–Reference to Committee of Privileges and Members' Interests', Votes and proceedings, HVP 72, 4 September 2017, 1018.

[846] Senate, 'Qualification of Senator Xenophon–Reference to Court of Disputed Returns', Journals, 56, 2017, 4 September 2017, 1789.

[847] Amy Remeikis and Adam Gartrell, 'Xenophon gets drawn into ongoing constitutional crisis', The Sydney Morning Herald, 19 August 2017, 4.

[848] Lucy Clark, '6000km for 20 minutes with PM … Clinton Pryor relives his epic walk across Australia', The Guardian (Australia), 9 September 2017.

[849] Tony Smith, Distinguished Visitors, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 September 2017, 9464; Daniella White, 'Coptic Pope Tawadros II visits Canberra congregation', The Canberra Times, 6 September 2017.

[850] Stephen Parry, Parliamentary Zone: Approval of works, Senate, Debates, 1 December 2016, 3943; Tony Smith, Parliamentary Zone, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 December 2016, 5089.

[851] Stephen Parry, Statement by the President: Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry, Senate, Debates, 22 June 2017, 4661; Tony Smith, Statement by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Debates, 22 June 2017, 7423.

[852] Tony Smith, Distinguished Visitors, House of Representatives, Debates, 16 October 2017, 10678; Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), Remarks at the bilateral meeting with His Excellency Mr Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland, 16 October 2016.

[853] Malcolm Turnbull, Condolences: Scott, Dr Evelyn Ruth, AO, House of Representatives, Debates, 16 October 2017, 10639.

[854] High Court of Australia, In The matters of questions referred to the Court of Disputed Returns pursuant to section 376 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 (Cth) concerning Senator the Hon Matthew Canavan, Mr Scott Ludlam, Ms Larissa Waters, Senator Malcolm Roberts, the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP, Senator the Hon Fiona Nash and Senator Nick Xenophon, [2017] HCA 45, judgement summary, 27 October 2017.

[855] Ibid.

[856] Tony Smith (Speaker of the House of Representatives), 'By-election for New England', media release, 27 October 2017.

[857] Malcom Turnbull (Prime Minister), 'Ministerial arrangements; visit to Israel; same-sex marriage legislation', media release, 28 October 2017.

[858] Stephen Parry, 'Statement to Senate Colleagues' and 'Letter from Stephen Parry to the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia resigning from the Office of President of the Senate dated 2 November 2017', tabled in the Senate 13 November 2017.

[859] Rashinda Yosufzai, 'Senate President Stephen Parry signals resignation if he is a dual UK citizen', SBS News, 31 October 2017.

[860] Jane Norman, 'Liberal backbencher John Alexander resigns amid deepening citizenship crisis', ABC News, 11 November 2017; Natalie Wolfe, 'Liberal MP John Alexander quits over dual citizenship', 11 November 2017.

[861] Peter Cosgrove, Parliamentary representation: Senators Sworn, Senate, Debates, 13 November 2017, 8123.

[862] Senate, 'Election of President', Journals, 68, 2017, 13 November 2017, 2163.

[863] Senate, 'Proposed Citizenship Register', ibid., 2179.

[864] House of Representatives, 'Proposed Citizenship Register', Votes and proceedings, HVP 88, 4 December 2017, 1235.

[865] George Brandis, Condolences: Stephen, The Rt Hon. Sir Ninian Martin, KG, AK, GCMG, GCVO, KBE, QC, Senate, Debates, 13 November 2017, 8198; Malcolm Turnbull, Condolences: Stephen, The Rt Hon Sir Ninian Martin, KG, AK, GCMG, GCVO, KBE, QC, House of Representatives, Debates, 4 December 2017, 12370; 'Obituary: Sir Ninian dies at 94', The Australian Financial Review, 30 October 2017.

[866] Jacqui Lambie, Parliamentary Representation: Valedictory, Senate, Debates, 14 November 2017, 8296.

[867] Senate, 'Qualification of Senator Lambie–Reference to Court of Disputed Returns', Journals, 69, 2017, 14 November 2017, 2201.

[868] Re Parry; Re Lamb; Re Kakoschke-Moore [2017] HCATrans 254 (8 December 2017). Australian Electoral Commission, 'AEC to conduct special count for Tasmanian Senate, media release, 8 December 2017.

[869] Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian marriage law postal survey, 2017 cat. no. 1800.0, ABS, Canberra, 15 November 2017.

[870] Mary Anne Neilsen, Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017, Bills Digest, 54, 2017–18, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 2017); Dean Smith, Bills: Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017: Second Reading, Senate, Debates, 16 November 2016, 8615.

[871] Senate, 'Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017', Journals, 74, 2017, 29 November 2017, 2367; House of Representatives, 'Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017', Votes and proceedings, HVP 91, 7 December 2017, 1288.

[872] Paul Karp, 'Skye Kakoschke-Moore: NXT senator resigns over dual citizenship', The Guardian (Australia), 22 November 2017; Skye Kakoschke-Moore, 'Statement on Citizenship', media release, 22 November 2017.

[873] Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, 'Inquiry into matters relating to Section 44 of the Constitution', 28 November 2017.

[874] Australian Government, Budget measures: budget paper no. 2: 2016–17, 133; Tom McIlroy, 'Parliament House roof turned into work site as Skylights are repaired', The Canberra Times, 29 November 2017.

[875] Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), Royal Commission–banks and financial services, media release, 20 November 2017; Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), Transcript of joint press conference, 30 November 2017.

[876] Parliamentary Library, 'New England, NSW, By-election 2017', Parliamentary Handbook.

[877] Emily Hannah, 'What's the buzz about bees?' FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 12 December 2017).

[878] House of Representatives, 'Reference of Matter to Court of Disputed Returns', Votes and Proceedings, HVP 90, 6 December 2017, 1275; David Feeney, Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Members: Feeney, David, MP, House of Representatives, Debates, 5 December 2017, 12731.

[879] Senate, 'Qualification of Senator Gallagher–Reference to Court of Disputed Returns', Journals, 78, 6 December 2017, 2471; Tom McIlroy and Bianca Hall, '"Not Ecuadorian by descent": Labor's Katy Gallagher denies dual citizenship', The Canberra Times, 30 August 2017; 'Labor Senator Katy Gallagher 'is not and has never been' a citizen of Ecuador', The Guardian (Australia), 28 August 2017; Tom McIlroy, 'Labor sought legal advice over Katy Gallagher's citizenship status', The Canberra Times, 4 September 2017; Tom McIlroy, 'Katy Gallagher faces High Court referral over dual citizenship amid cross-party talks', The Canberra Times, 5 December 2017; Katy Gallagher, Parliamentary representation: Qualifications of Senators, Senate, Debates, 4 September 2017, 6063.

[880] Parliament of Australia, 'New inquiry on decisions made by the Court of Disputed Returns', media release, 12 December 2017.

[881] Malcolm Turnbull, Statements on Indulgence: Holt, Hon Harold Edward CH, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 December 2017, 12832.

[882] Tony Smith, Distinguished visitors, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 December 2017, 12831.

[883] Sam Dastyari, 'Statement', media release, 12 December 2017.

[884] Sam Dastyari, Statements: Dastyari, Senator Sam, Senate, Debates, 30 November 2017, 1; Nick McKenzie, James Massola and Richard Baker, 'Dastyari told donor of phone tap', The Sydney Morning Herald, 29 November 2017; Quentin McDermott, 'Sam Dastyari 'tried to pressure' Tanya Plibersek not to meet with Chinese activist', ABC News, 11 December 2017; Katharine Murphy, 'The quest for Sam Dastyari's scalp turned a serious issue into a circus', The Guardian (Australia), 12 December 2017; Michelle Grattan, 'Two Labor frontbenchers urge Sam Dastyari to consider his position', The Conversation, 11 December 2017.

[885] Scott Ryan, Privilege, Senate, Debates, 7 December 2017, 105.

[886] Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, 'Final Report released', media release, 15 December 2017; Julia Gillard, 'Government formally establishes Royal Commission', media release, 11 January 2013.

[887] Parliamentary Library, 'Bennelong, NSW, By-election 2017', Parliamentary Handbook.

[888] Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), 'Ministerial arrangements', media release, 19 December 2017.

[889] Cat Barker and Stephen Fallon, 'What we know so far about the new Home Affairs portfolio: a quick guide', Research paper series, 2017–18, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 2017); Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), 'A strong and secure Australia', media release, 18 July 2017.

[890] Australian Electoral Commission, 'Senate special counts–statements of results: NSW 22 November 2017'; Re Nash [No 2] [2017] HCA 52.

[891] Lucy Gichuhi, Parliamentary Representation, Senate, Debates, 5 February 2018, 3; Lucy Gichuhi, Parliamentary Representation, Senate, Debates, 9 May 2017, 3040.

[892] Fraser Anning, Parliamentary Representation, Senate, Debates, 5 February 2018, 3; Katter's Australian Party, 'KAP welcomes Senator Fraser Anning to the team', media release, 4 June 2018.

[893] Malcolm Turnbull, Statements on Indulgence: Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, House of Representatives, Debates, 8 February 2018, 703; Bill Shorten, Statements on Indulgence: Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, ibid., 704.

[894] Steven Martin, Parliamentary Representation, Senate, Debates, 13 February 2018, 857.

[895] Tony Smith, Distinguished Visitors, House of Representatives, Debates, 13 February 2018, 1191.

[896] Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), 'Transcript: Press Conference, Parliament House, Canberra', 15 February 2018.

[897] Parliamentary Library, Ministers in the Turnbull Ministry (2nd) from 19.07.2016 to 24.08.2018, Parliamentary Handbook.

[898] Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), 'Remarks at the Signing Ceremony with His Excellency Mr Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, 15 March 2018.

[899] Parliamentary Library, 'Batman, Vic, By-election 2018', Parliamentary Handbook; House of Representatives, 'Reference of Matter to Court of Disputed Returns', Votes and proceedings, HVP 90, 2016–2017, 6 December 2017.

[900] Angus Taylor, Committees–Constitutional Recognition Committee: Appointment, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 March 2018, 2351; Connie Fierravanti-Wells, Committees–Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition Relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Senate, Debates, 19 March 2018, 1485.

[901] Paul Karp, 'Malcolm Turnbull encourages Aung San Suu Kyi to resettle Rohingya', The Guardian (Australia), 19 March 2018.

[902] Tim Storer, Parliamentary Representation: South Australia, Senate, Debates, 21 March 2018, 1721; Sheradyn Holderhead, 'Exiled NXT member claims Senate seat', The Advertiser, 17 February 2018, 8.

[903] Scott Ryan, Parliamentary Representation: Queensland, Senate, Debates, 22 March 2018, 1875.

[904] Australian Parliament House, 'It's our 30th Birthday and celebrations last all year'.

[905] Bridget Brennan, 'Indigenous women travel to Canberra to draw attention to family violence', ABC News, 27 March 2018.

[906] Ross Vasta, Motion: Bilson, Mr Bruce: Censure, House of Representatives, Debates, 27 March 2018, 2859.

[907] Privileges and Members' Interests Committee, 'Inquiry concerning the former Member for Dunkley in the 44th Parliament: possible contempts of the House and appropriate conduct of a Member', House of Representatives, Canberra, March 2018.

[908] Nick Xenophon, 'Centre Alliance will be the new name for the Nick Xenophon Team', media release, 10 April 2018.

[909] Scott Ryan, Statement by the President–Parliament House: 30th Anniversary, Senate, Debates, 9 May 2018, 2635; Tony Smith, Statement by the Speaker–Parliament House: 30th Anniversary, House of Representatives, Debates, 9 May 2018, 3377.

[910] Re Gallagher [2018] HCA 17.

[911] Tony Smith, Distinguished Visitors, House of Representatives, Debates, 24 May 2018, 4588.

[912] Michelle Grattan, 'Independent crossbencher Steve Martin joins Nationals, giving the party a Tasmanian presence', The Conversation, 28 May 2018.

[913] Brian Burston, Parliamentary Representation, Senate, Debates, 18 June 2018, 2992.

[914] Committees: Consideration, Senate, Debates, 21 June 2018, 3677.

[915] Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), 'Strengthening Australia's Partnership with Vanuatu', media release, 25 June 2018.

[916] Canberra Museum and Gallery, 'Crafting the house on the hill: art, design and the building of Australian Parliament House'.

[917] Parliamentary Library, 'Braddon, Tas, By-election 2018', Parliamentary Handbook; Parliamentary Library, 'Fremantle, WA, By-election 2018', Parliamentary Handbook; Parliamentary Library, 'Longman, Qld, By-election 2018', Parliamentary Handbook; Parliamentary Library, 'Perth, WA, By-election 2018', Parliamentary Handbook; Parliamentary Library, 'Mayo, SA, By-election 2018', Parliamentary Handbook.

[918] Sherryn Groch, 'Why the bare wall in the Great Hall?', The Canberra Times, 17 August 2018, 17.

[919] Scott Ryan, Statement by the President: Parliamentary Language, Senate, Debates, 13 August 2018, 4438; Richard Di Natale, Motions: Leyonhjelm, Senator David, Senate, Debates, 14 August 2018, 4705.

[920] Anna Hough, 'Two parliamentary milestones for women: 75 years of women in the Commonwealth Parliament and Australia's 100th female senator', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 20 August 2018); Christopher Knaus, 'Mehreen Faruqi to become first female Muslim senator amid Fraser Anning outrage', The Guardian (Australia), 15 August 2018.

[921] AP News, 'Poland's president visits Australian capital and Parliament', 20 August 2018.

[922] Paul Karp, 'Malcolm Turnbull survives Peter Dutton leadership challenge – for now', The Guardian (Australia), 21 August 2018.

[923] Parliamentary Library, Ministers in the Turnbull Ministry (2nd) from 19.07.2016 to 24.08.2018, Parliamentary Handbook.

[924] Anna Hough, op. cit.

[925] Andrew Leigh, Constituency Statements: School Student Activism, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 December 2018, 12936.

[926] Ben Doherty, 'Australia's new PM is Scott Morrison and moderate Malcolm Turnbull is forced out', The Guardian (Australia), 24 August 2018; Ronald Mizen, 'Turnbull formally resigns, forcing byelection in Wentworth', AFR Weekend, 1 September 2018, 4.

[927] Scott Morrison (Prime Minister), 'Ministerial Arrangements', media release, 26 August 2018; Parliamentary Library, Ministers in the Morrison Ministry from 24.08.2018 to 29.05.2019, Parliamentary Handbook.

[928] Damon Muller, 'Casual re-employment: comings and goings due to Senate casual vacancies', FlagPost, Parliamentary Library, 18 September 2018.

[929] Parliamentary Library, 'Wentworth, NSW, By-election 2018', Parliamentary Handbook.

[930] Scott Morrison, National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse, House of Representatives,

Debates, 22 October 2018, 10560; Phoebe Wearne, 'Victims' emotions run high as leaders vow to act', The West Australian, 23 October 2018, 10.

[931] Scott Ryan (President of the Senate) and Tony Smith (Speaker of the House of Representatives), 'Poppies carpet Parliament House Forecourt to mark centenary of armistice', media release, 7 November 2018.

[932] Julia Banks, Statements on Indulgence: Member for Chisholm, House of Representatives, Debates, 27 November 2018, 11571.

[933] Menindee Lakes: Order for the Production of Documents, Senate, Debates, 27 November 2018, 8692; Scott Ryan, Menindee Lakes: Order for the Production of Documents, ibid., 8696.

[934] Scott Ryan, Distinguished Visitors, Senate, Debates, 3 December 2018, 9142; Tony Smith, Distinguished Visitors, House of Representatives, Debates, 3 December 2018, 12224; Jonathan Pearlman, 'Rising seas diplomacy', Australian Foreign Affairs, 5 December 2018.

[935] Scott Morrison (Prime Minister), 'Australia's new Governor-General', media release, 16 December 2018.

[936] Katherine Murphy and Lisa Martin, 'Nationals MP Andrew Broad resigns after allegations of inappropriate conduct', The Guardian (Australia), 17 December 2008; Katherine Murphy, 'Nationals MP Andrew Broad will not contest the next election', The Guardian (Australia), 18 December 2018.

[937] Amy Remeikis, 'Australian security services investigate attempted cyber-attack on parliament', The Guardian (Australia), 8 February 2019; Scott Ryan, Statement by the President: Parliamentary Computing Network, Senate, Debates, 12 February 2019, 4–5; Tony Smith, Statement by the Speaker: Parliamentary Computing Network, House of Representatives, Debates, 12 February 2019, 79–80.

[938] Tony Smith, Bills: Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2018: Consideration of Senate Message, ibid., 86; David Elder, ed., House of Representatives Practice, op. cit., 319–26; David Crowe, 'Historic loss for PM', The Sydney Morning Herald, 13 February 2019, 1.

[939] Scott Morrison, Condolences: Scholes, Hon. Gordon Glen Denton, AO, House of Representatives, Debates, 12 February 2019, 35; Mathias Cormann, Condolences: Scholes, Hon. Gordon Glen Denton, AO, Senate, Debates, 12 February 2019, 55.

[940] Norman Bartie, 'It's NOT Your Fault 4 KIDS', GoFundMe; 'Longest journey in an excavator/digger', Guinness World Records.

[941] 'Hakeem al-Araibi comes to Canberra to say thanks for his freedom after Thai prison release', ABC News, 14 February 2019.

[942] Jordon Steele-John, Motions: Disability Services, Senate, Debates, 14 February 2019, 423.

[943] Scott Morrison, Resolutions of the Senate: Disability Services: Consideration of Senate Message, House of Representatives, Debates, 18 February 2019, 730.

[944] 'Our Terms of Reference', Royal Commission into Violence Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of People with Disability.

[945] Bevan Shields, 'Reynolds promoted as Pyne, Ciobo quit', The Canberra Times, 2 March 2019, 1.

[946] Scott Morrison, Condolences: Christchurch attacks, House of Representatives, Debates, 2 April 2019, 1483; Mathias Cormann, Condolences: Christchurch attacks, Senate, Debates, 2 April 2019, 612.

[947] Mathias Cormann, Motions: Anning, Senator Fraser, Senate, Debates, 3 April 2019, 828.

[948] Tony Smith, Statement by the Speaker: Electronic Division Recording System, House of Representatives, Debates, 2 April 2019, 1451; Tony Smith, Motions: Budget, House of Representatives, Debates, 3 April 2019, 1603.

[949] Mathias Cormann, Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Senators, Senate, Debates, 3 April 2019, 849; Alex Hawke, Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Members, House of Representatives, Debates, 4 April 2019, 1936.

[950] Parliamentary Library, 'Federal Election 2019', Parliamentary Handbook.

[951] Damon Muller, The 2019 federal election, Research paper series, 2019–20, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 29 June 2020), 5; Anna Hough, Composition of Australian parliaments by party and gender: a quick guide, Parliamentary Library, 1 July 2019, 1.

[952] Parliamentary Library, Ministers in the Morrison Ministry (2nd) from 29.05.2019 to 23.05.2022, Parliamentary Handbook; Parliamentary Library, 'Federal Election 2019', Parliamentary Handbook.

[953] Brett Worthington, 'Anthony Albanese to become Labor's new leader unopposed following shock federal election loss', ABC News, 27 May 2019; Anthony Albanese, Richard Marles, Penny Wong, and Kristina Keneally, 'Transcript of joint press conference: Canberra: 30 May 2019: Leadership team of the Australian Labor Party', media release, 30 May 2019.

[954] Megan Doherty, 'An Indigenous experience of our Parliament House', The Canberra Times, 17 June 2019, 5.

[955] Department of the Senate, Procedural Information Bulletin No. 334, 9 July 2019; 'G-G Hurley to be officially sworn in', The Canberra Times, 1 July 2019, 8.

[956] David Hurley, Governor-General's Speech, Senate, Debates, 2 July 2019, 5–17.

[957] Tony Smith, Parliamentary Office Holders: Speaker, House of Representatives, Debates, 2 July 2019, 6; Scott Ryan, Parliamentary Office Holders: President, Senate, Debates, 2 July 2019, 3.

[958] Ella Archibald-Binge, 'Cape York to Canberra: Message stick walk arrives at Federal Parliament House', NITV News, 22 May 2019.

[959] Scott Morrison, Condolences: Hawke, Hon. Robert James Lee (Bob), AC, House of Representatives, Debates, 3 July 2019, 85; Mathias Cormann, Condolences: Hawke, Hon. Robert James Lee (Bob), AC, Senate, Debates, 3 July 2019, 73.

[960] Tony Smith, Statement by the Speaker: Clerk of the House of Representatives, House of Representatives, Debates, 4 July 2019, 345; David Elder, ed., House of Representatives Practice, op. cit., 807. The tally of clerks to date does not include George Jenkins, who acted in the role for several months when the Parliament first met after Federation but was never formally appointed.

[961] Scott Morrison (Prime Minister), 'Joint statement with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea', media release, 22 July 2019.

[962] Gladys Lui, Governor-General's Speech: Address-in-Reply, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 July 2019, 730.

[963] Tony Smith, Statement by the Speaker: Clerk of the House of Representatives, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 August 2019, 1843; Scott Morrison, Motions: Clerk of the House of Representatives, ibid.; Scott Ryan, Statement by the President: Clerk of the House of Representatives, Senate, Debates, 1 August 2019, 1486.

[964] Anna Hough, 'Equal gender representation in the Senate', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 13 September 2019).

[965] Michael Sloane, '100th anniversary of the Parliament's Bible', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 12 September 2019).

[966] Scott Morrison (Prime Minister), 'Remarks, Bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Bainimarama', 16 September 2019.

[967] Scott Ryan, Distinguished Visitors, Senate, Debates, 12 November 2019, 3570.

[968] Statements on Indulgence: Australian Bushfires, House of Representatives, Debates, 25 November 2019, 5562; Scott Morrison, Condolences: Australian Bushfires, House of Representatives, Debates, 4 February 2020, 1; Lisa Richards, Nigel Brew and Lizzie Smith, 2019–20 Australian bushfires–frequently asked questions: a quick guide, Research paper series, 2019–20, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 2020).

[969] Tony Smith, Statement by the Speaker: Asia–Pacific Parliamentary Forum, House of Representatives, Debates, 13 February 2020, 1172.

[970] Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Submission 3 – Attachment 1 to the Senate Select Committee on COVID-19, [Submission no. 3], 12 May 2020, 1; Michaelia Cash, Answer to Question without notice: COVID-19, [Questioner: David Fawcett], Senate, Debates, 26 February 2020, 1497; Biosecurity (Listed Human Diseases) Determination 2016 (Cth).

[971] Jake Evans, 'Canberra's hailstorm followed a horror bushfire season, but it's unlikely they're related', ABC News, 21 January 2020.

[972] Bridget McKenzie, 'Media Statement: Senator Bridget McKenzie', media release, 2 February 2020; Scott Morrison (Prime Minister), 'Transcript of Press Conference', Canberra, 2 February 2020.

[973] Jack Snape, 'Prime Minister seeks probe into Bridget McKenzie's handling of sports grants program', ABC News, 22 January 2020.

[974] 'Matt Canavan offers Cabinet resignation, throws support behind Barnaby Joyce for Nationals leadership', ABC News, 3 February 2020; Lucy Barbour and Brett Worthington, 'Barnaby Joyce says he will challenge Michael McCormack for Nationals leadership if spill declared, ABC News, 3 February 2020.

[975] Sarah Martin, 'Michael McCormack sees off Barnaby Joyce in National party leadership spill', The Guardian (Australia), 4 February 2020; Scott Morrison (Prime Minister), 'Transcript of Press Conference, Parliament House', 6 February 2020.

[976] Australian Greens, 'Australian Greens Senator for Victoria Dr Richard di Natale has resigned as Parliamentary Leader of the Australian Greens', media release, 3 February 2020; Michelle Grattan, 'Richard di Natale quits Greens leadership, as Barnaby Joyce seeks a tilt at Michael McCormack', The Conversation, 3 February 2020.

[977] Scott Morrison, Condolences: Australian Bushfires, House of Representatives, Debates, 4 February 2020, 1; Mathias Cormann, Condolences: Australian Bushfires, Senate, Debates, 4 February 2020, 3.

[978] Lisa Richards, Nigel Brew and Lizzie Smith, '2019–20 Australian bushfires–frequently asked questions: a quick guide', Research Paper Series 2019–20, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 12 March 2020).

[979] ABC News, 'Military honours for US firefighters who died after plane crashed battling NSW fires', 25 January 2020.

[980] Joko Widodo, Address by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, House of Representatives, Debates, 10 February 2020, 599.

[981] Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements, Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements Report, 28 October 2020.

[982] Scott Morrison (Prime Minister), 'Visit to Australia by the President of the State of Israel', media release, 20 February 2020.

[983] Constituency Statements, House of Representatives, Debates, 27 February 2020, 2055; Tony Smith, Statement by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Debates, 2 March 2020, 2111.

[984] Scott Morrison (Prime Minister), 'Press conference with premiers and chief ministers, Parramatta', 13 March 2020.

[985] Scott Morrison (Prime Minister), 'Press conference, Sydney', 15 March 2020; Scott Morrison (Prime Minister), 'Coronavirus measures endorsed by the National Cabinet', media release, 16 March 2020.

[986] Tony Smith (Speaker of the House of Representatives) and Scott Ryan (President of the Senate), 'Temporary and precautionary changes to Parliament House operations', media release, 16 March 2020.

[987] David Hurley (Governor-General), Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) Declaration) 2020, 18 March 2020.

[988] Scott Morrison (Prime Minister) and Josh Frydenberg (Treasurer), 'Transcript of Press Conference: Parliament House, ACT', 20 March 2020. See also Josh Frydenberg and Mathias Cormann (Minister for Finance), '2020–21 Budget announcement', media release, 20 March 2020.

[989] Scott Ryan, Statement by the President: COVID-19, Senate, Debates, 23 March 2020, 1741; Tony Smith, Statement by the Speaker: Parliamentary Arrangements, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 March 2020, 2769, 2271.

[990] Senate, COVID-19 – Select Committee – Appointment, Journals, 46, 8 April 2020, 1580.

[991] Department of Parliamentary Services, Annual Report 2019–20, Canberra, 2020, 3; Australian National Audit Office, Management of the Australian Public Service's Workforce Response to COVID-19, Auditor-General Report no 20, 2020–21, Canberra, 49.

[992] Michael Sloane, 'Seventy-fifth anniversary of the first broadcast of the Commonwealth Parliament', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 7 May 2020); Ben Chifley, War in Europe 'VE Day' Surrender of Germany, House of Representatives, Debates, 8 May 1945, 1450.

[993] Condolences: Taylor, Leading Senior Constable Lynette; King, Senior Constable Kevin; Humphris, Constable Glen; Prestney, Constable Joshua, House of Representatives, Debates, 12 May 2020, 3090; Motions: Taylor, Leading Senior Constable Lynette; King, Senior Constable Kevin; Humphris, Constable Glen; Prestney, Constable Josh, Senate, Debates, 13 May 2020, 2294.

[994] Committees: Northern Australia: Reference, Senate, Debates, 11 June 2020, 2838.

[995] Scott Ryan, Statement by the President: Senate Committees: 50th Anniversary, Senate, Debates, 11 June 2020, 2699.

[996] Parliamentary Library, 'Eden–Monaro, NSW, By-election 2020', Parliamentary Handbook.

[997] Anthony Albanese (Leader of the Opposition), 'Doorstop interview', 18 July 2020.

[998] Senate Standing Committee on Procedure, Routine of business – Remote participation in Senate proceedings, 1, 2020; Scott Ryan, Statement by the President: COVID-19: Parliamentary Procedure, Senate, Debates, 24 August 2020, 3703.

[999] Tony Smith, Statement by Speaker: COVID-19: Parliamentary Procedure, House of Representatives, Debates, 24 August 2020, 5040; House of Representatives, 'Official video facility for members', Votes and proceedings, HVP 63, 2019–20, 24 August 2020, 1029; House of Representatives, 'Agreement for Members to contribute remotely to parliamentary proceedings', 20 August 2020.

[1000] Rex Patrick, Party Office Holders: Independents, Senate, Debates, 24 August 2020, 3707.

[1001] Mathias Cormann, Motions: COVID-19: Parliamentary Procedure, Senate, Debates, 3 September 2020, 4920.

[1002] Penny Wong, Motions: Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians: Censure, Senate, Debates, 3 September 2020, 4918.

[1003] Tony Smith (Speaker of the House of Representatives) and Scott Ryan (President of the Senate), 'Appointment of the Parliamentary Budget Officer – Dr Stein Helgeby', media release, 23 October 2020.

[1004] Scott Morrison (Prime Minister), 'Ministry and Cabinet Arrangements', media statement, 30 October 2020.

[1005] Anne Urquhart, Motions: Senate Chamber: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags, Senate, Debates, 10 November 2020, 5801.

[1006] Parliamentary Library, 'Groom, Qld, By-election 2020', Parliamentary Handbook.

[1007] Christian Porter, Documents: Agreement for Members to Contribute Remotely to Parliamentary Proceedings: Presentation, House of Representatives, Debates, 30 November 2020, 9787.

[1008] Electoral Amendment (Territory Representation) Act 2020 (Cth).

[1009] Department of the Senate, 'Procedural Information Bulletin No. 351', op. cit.

[1010] Scott Morrison, Condolences: Jeffery, Major General Hon. Philip Michael, AC, AO (Mil), CVO, MC (Retd), House of Representatives, Debates, 2 February 2001, 24; Scott Ryan, Condolences: Jeffery, Major General Hon. Philip Michael, AC, AO (Mil.), CVO, MC (Retd), Senate, Debates, 2 February 2001, 64.

[1011] Samantha Maiden, 'Young staffer Brittany Higgins says she was raped at Parliament House', 15 February 2021.

[1012] Scott Morrison (Prime Minister), 'Doorstop interview', 16 February 2021.

[1013] Craig Kelly, Statements on Indulgence: Member for Hughes, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 February 2001, 1673.

[1014] Craig Kelly, 'Craig Kelly appointed leader of the United Australia Party', media release, 23 August 2021.

[1015] Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 (Cth).

[1016] Simon Birmingham (Minister for Finance), Independent review into Commonwealth Parliamentary workplaces, media release, 5 March 2021.

[1017] Sarah Lansdown, 'Women's white hot fury draws thousands to Parliament House', The Canberra Times, 16 March 2021, 1.

[1018] Scott Morrison, Statements on Indulgence: March4Justice, House of Representatives, Debates, 15 March 2021, 2195; Anthony Albanese, ibid., 2197.

[1019] Scott Morrison, Condolences: Somare, Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas, House of Representatives, Debates, 15 March 2021, 2190; Marise Payne, Condolences: Somare, Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas, Senate, Debates 15 March 2021, 1791.

[1020] Statements on Indulgence: Australian Floods, House of Representatives, Debates, 22 March 2021, 2934.

[1021] Scott Morrison (Prime Minister), Press Conference, Australian Parliament House, ACT, 29 March 2021; Parliamentary Library, Ministers in the Morrison Ministry (2nd) from 29.05.2019 to 23.05.2022, Parliamentary Handbook.

[1022] Bevan Shields, 'Queen's 'strength': Philip dies at 99', The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 April 2021, 1; Alex Crowe, 'Duke honoured with 41-gun salute', Sunday Canberra Times, 11 April 2021, 1–3.

[1023] Scott Morrison (Prime Minister), Establishment of a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, media release, 19 April 2021.

[1024] Scott Morrison (Prime Minister), Defence and Veterans Suicide, media release, 8 July 2021.

[1025] Michael Sloane, '120th anniversary of the first sitting of the Commonwealth Parliament', FlagPost, Parliamentary Library blog, 3 May 2021.

[1026] 'Opening of the Commonwealth Parliament', The Argus, 10 May 1901, 7.

[1027] Simon Birmingham (Minister for Finance), Release of the Foster Report, media release, 4 June 2021.

[1028] Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, 'Review of the Parliamentary Workplace: Responding to Serious Incidents', Commonwealth of Australia, 2021, 12–14.

[1029] Nathan Church, 'Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Neville Bonner's appointment to the Senate', FlagPost, Parliamentary Library blog, 11 June 2021. David Kennedy served in both the Federal (1969–72) and Victorian (1982–92) parliaments. However, his Indigenous heritage was not known when he entered both parliaments, nor did he self-identify as Indigenous at that time. For these reasons Neville Bonner is recorded as the first Indigenous federal parliamentarian. See Hannah Gobbett, Indigenous Parliamentarians: a quick guide, Research paper series, 2017–18, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, Canberra 2017).

[1030] Michelle Grattan, 'Barnaby Joyce ousts Michael McCormack to regain Nationals leadership', The Conversation, 21 June 2021; Tony Wright, 'Stopped in his tracks at Deputy Dad's big day out', The Age, 23 June 2021, 4; Scott Morrison (Prime Minister), Ministry, media release, 27 June 2021.

[1031] Alice Workman, 'Strewth: Serve and protect', The Australian, 23 June 2021, 2.

[1032] Tony Smith, Business: Federation Chamber, House of Representatives, Debates, 4 August 2021, 7321.

[1033] Scott Morrison (Prime Minister) and Ken Wyatt (Minister for Indigenous Australians), Stolen Generations redress scheme, media release, 5 August 2021.

[1034] Scott Ryan, Statement by the President: Gallacher, Senator Alexander McEachian (Alex), Senate, Debates, 30 August 2021, 5487.

[1035] Scott Morrison, Condolences: Gallacher, Senator Alexander McEachian (Alex), House of Representatives, Debates, 31 August 2021, 8937; Penny Wong, Condolences: Gallacher, Senator Alexander McEachian (Alex), Debates, 29 November 2021, 6826.

[1036] Scott Morrison, ANZUS Treaty: 70th Anniversary, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 September 2021, 9060.

[1037] Harley Dennett, 'Parliament's chefs cooked more than 45,000 meals for Canberra's in-need during pandemic', The Canberra Times, 5 September 2021.

[1038] Simon Birmingham, 'Launch of Parliamentary Workplace Support Service', media release, 23 September 2021.

[1039] Australian Government, 'Second Morrison Ministry', 8 October 2021.

[1040] Senate, Election of President, Journals, 122, 18 October 2021, 4111.

[1041] Julian Leeser, Parliamentary Office Holders: Speaker, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 November 2021, 10589.

[1042] Tony Smith, Statement by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Debates, 28 October 2021, 10311.

[1043] Kate Jenkins, Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins launches Set the Standard, media release, 30 November 2021.

[1044] Karen Barlow and Finn McHugh, 'Tudge faces abuse claim', The Canberra Times, 3 December 2021.

[1045] Vivienne Thom, 'Independent inquiry into matters raised by Ms Rachelle Miller in her statement of 2 December 2021', 27 January 2022.

[1046] Thomas Morgan, 'McMahon leaving could finish CLP', Sunday Territorian, 30 January 2022.

[1047] Stephanie Gill, 'Can you hear me? Remote participation in the Commonwealth Parliament', FlagPost, Parliamentary Library, 19 July 2022.

[1048] House of Representatives, 'Statement of Acknowledgement: Statement by Speaker', Votes and proceedings, HVP 161, 2019–2022, 8 February 2022, 2415–16.

[1049] House of Representatives, 'Address of congratulations to Her Majesty the Queen–Platinum Jubilee', Votes and proceedings, HVP 161, 2019–22, 8 February 2022, 2418–19; Senate, 'Platinum Jubilee–Address to Her Majesty the Queen', Journals, 134, 2019–22, 8 February 2022, 4461.

[1050] Sarah Lansdown and Lucy Bladen, 'Live updates: Convoy to Canberra anti-vaccination mandate protesters plan rallies at Parliament', The Canberra Times, 12 February 2022.

[1051] Scott Morrison, Condolences: Beahan, Hon. Michael Eamon, AM, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 February 2022, 617; Michaelia Cash, Condolences: Beahan, Hon. Michael Eamon, AM, Senate, Debates, 29 March 2022, 391.

[1052] 'Committee Resolution', Joint Select Committee on Parliamentary Standards; Senate, 'Joint committees–Appointment', Journals, 2, 2022, 27 July 2022, 84.

[1053] Scott Morrison, Statements on Indulgence: Marise Payne, House of Representatives, Debates, 17 February 2022, 1054.

[1054] 'Longest serving members over 20 years', Parliamentary Handbook.

[1055] Shuba Krishnan and Krishani Dhanji, 'Australia ramps up military support to Ukraine', SBS Punjabi, 4 March 2022.

[1056] Senate, 'Death of Senator Kimberley Jane Elizabeth Kitching', Journals, 137, 2019–22, 28 March 2022, 4560; House of Representatives, 'Death of Senator Kimberley Jane Elizabeth Kitching', Votes and proceedings, 168, 2019–22, 29 March 2022, 2520; Federation Chamber, 'Death of Senator Kimberley Jane Elizabeth Kitching', Votes and proceedings, 169, 2019–22, 30 March 2022, 2544.

[1057] Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine: Address to Parliament, House of Representatives, Debates, 31 March 2022, 1506.

[1058] The Parliament has been prorogued and dissolved, but what does this mean?, House of Representatives, Parliament of Australia.

[1059] James Liveris, 'WA Liberal senator Ben Small resigns over dual citizenship with New Zealand', ABC News, 15 April 2022.

[1060] 'Tally Room', Australian Electoral Commission.

[1061] Anna Hough, Gender composition of Australian parliaments by party: a quick guide, Research paper series, 2022–23, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 2022), 1; 'Gender composition in each Parliament', Parliamentary Handbook.

[1062] Georgia Hitch, 'Peter Dutton elected new Liberal Party leader, Sussan Ley becomes deputy leader', ABC News, 30 May 2022.

[1063] Perin Davey, 'Statement from Senator Perin Davey, Deputy Leader of the Nationals', media release, 30 May 2022.

[1064] Anna Hough, 'Women in the ministry and shadow ministry', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 24 June 2022).

[1065] House of Representatives, 'Election of Speaker', Votes and proceedings, HVP 1, 2022, 26 July 2022.

[1066] Senate, 'Election of President', Journals, 1, 2022, 26 July 2022.

[1067] House of Representatives, 'Death of Abe Shinzo', Votes and Proceedings, HVP 1, 2022, 26 July 2022, 31; Senate, 'Death of former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr Abe Shinzo', Journals, 1, 2022, 26 July 2022, 18.

[1068] Senate, 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags–Display in Senate', Journals, 2, 2022, 27 July 2022.

[1069] Patrick Dodson, Statements: Brennan, The Hon Sir Francis Gerard, AC, KBE, GBS, QC, Senate, Debates, 27 July 2022, 75.

[1070] 'Mabo v Queensland (No. 2)' [1992], High Court of Australia, 175 CLR 1.

[1071] Condolences: Roach, Mr Archibald William (Archie), AM, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 August 2022, 295; Condolences: Roach, Mr Archibald William (Archie), AM, Senate, Debates, 2 August 2022, 349–57.

[1072] Robin Denselow, 'Archie Roach Obituary', The Guardian (Australia), 31 July 2022.

[1073] Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister), 'Establishment of the Royal Commission into Robodebt', media release, 25 August 2022.

[1074] David Hurley (Governor-General), 'Robodebt Royal Commission', Letters Patent, 18 August 2022.

[1075] Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister), 'Establishment of the appointment of the Hon Scott Morrison MP to multiple departments', media release, 26 August 2022.

[1076] 'Report of the Inquiry', Inquiry into the Appointment of the Former Prime Minister to Administer Multiple Departments.

[1077] Senate, Condolences: Gorbachev, Mikhail Sergeyevich, Debates, 5 September 2022, 684­–87; House of Representatives, Condolences: Gorbachev, Mikhail Sergeyevich, Debates, 5 September 2022, 797–98.

[1078] '@AlboMP', Twitter.          

[1079] David Hurley (Governor-General), 'Statement on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen', media release, 9 September 2022; Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister), 'The passing of Her Majesty The Queen', media release, 9 September 2022; Peter Dutton (Leader of the Opposition), 'Statement on the death of Queen Elizabeth II', media release, 9 September 2022; Sue Lines (President of the Senate) and Milton Dick (Speaker), 'Joint statement by the Presiding Officers on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II', media release, 9 September 2022.

[1080] @Aust_Parliament', Twitter.

[1081] David Hurley (Governor-General), Proclamation, 11 September 2022.

[1082] Michael Read and Samantha Hutchinson, 'No republic rush with new King', Australian Financial Review, 12 September 2022, 1.

[1083] Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister), 'Commemorating Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II', media release, 11 September 2022.

[1084] Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister), 'National Memorial Service to Honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II', media release, 21 September 2022.      

[1085] Anthony Albanese, Death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Accession of His Majesty King Charles III, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 September 2022, 1305.

[1086] Don Farrell, Death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Accession of His Majesty King Charles III, Senate, Debates, 23 September 2022, 1037.

[1087] Nathan Church, 'Queen Elizabeth II and the Federal Parliament', FlagPost, (Canberra: Parliamentary Library, 9 September 2022).

[1088] Linda Burney, Condolences: Charles, Uncle Jack, House of Representatives, Debates, 28 September 2022, 1727.

[1089] Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister), 'Visit to Australia by the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands', media release, 6 October 2022.

[1090] 'Commemorative services to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2002 Bali bombings', Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

[1091] Motion: Bali Bombing: 20th Anniversary, House of Representatives, Debates, 28 September 2022, 1791–95; Condolences: Bali Bombings: 20th Anniversary, Senate, Debate, 28 September 2022, 1396–1400.

[1092] Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister), 'Visit to Australia by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore', media release, 16 October 2022.

[1093] Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia, Never Again: Inquiry into the destruction of 46,000 year old caves at the Juukan Gorge in the Pilbara region of Western Australia–Interim report, 9 December 2020; Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia, A way forward: Final report into the destruction of Indigenous heritage sites at Juukan Gorge, 18 October 2021.

[1094] Tanya Plibersek, Committees: Northern Australia Joint Standing Committee Government Response to Report, House of Representatives, Debates, 24 November 2022, 3445. 

[1095] 'Report of the Inquiry', Inquiry into the Appointment of the Former Prime Minister to Administer Multiple Departments.

[1096] House of Representatives, 'Parliamentary Standards–Joint Select Committee–Report–Statements by Members—Motion to take note of document–Reference to Federation Chamber', Votes and Proceedings, HVP 28, 29 November 2022, 387.

[1097] House of Representatives, 'Member for Cook–Motion of Censure', Votes and Proceedings, HVP 29, 2022, 30 November 2022, 396–97.

[1098] David Elder, ed., House of Representatives Practice Seventh Edition (Canberra: Department of the House of Representatives, 2018), 323.

[1099] Tony Burke, Business: Days and House of Meeting, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 December 2022, 4116.

[1100] Third Reading: Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022, Senate, Debates, 1 December 2022, 2808.

[1101] Bills: Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 December 2022, 4137.

[1102] Restoring Territory Rights Act 2022 (Cth).

[1103] Australian Parliament House, '120th Anniversary of the Franchise Act: A Parliamentary Library Symposium'.

[1104] Attorney-General's Department, National Anti-Corruption Commission.

[1105] Jake Evans, 'Coal and gas prices to be capped as national cabinet strikes deal', ABC News, 9 December 2022. Bills: Treasury Laws Amendment (Energy Price Relief Plan) Bill 2022, House of Representatives, Debates, 15 December 2022, 4198; Bills: Treasury Laws Amendment (Energy Price Relief Plan) Bill 2022, Senate, Debates, 15 December 2022, 2856.

[1106] Condolences: Arnold, Constable Matthew, Dare, Mr Alan, McCrow, Constable Rachel, House of Representatives, Debates, 15 December 2022, 4198–4216; Statement by the President: Arnold, Constable Matthew, Dare, Mr Alan, McCrow, Constable Rachel, Senate, Debates, 15 December 2022, 2817.

[1107] 'Statement:@AndrewGeeMP', Twitter, 23 December 2022.

[1108] Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, 'Conferences'.

[1109] Senate, 'Death of Senator Andrew James (Jim) Molan AO DSC', Journals, 29, 2022–23, 6 February 2023, 872; House of Representatives, 'Death of Senator Andrew James (Jim) Molan', Votes and proceedings, HVP, 2022–23, 6 February 2023, 438.

[1110] Milton Dick, Statement by the Speaker: Member for Cook, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 February 2023, 88–89.

[1111] Lidia Thorpe, Party Representation: Thorpe, Senator Lidia, Senate, Debates, 7 February 2023, 39.

[1112] Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister), 'Press conference', 7 February 2023.

[1113] Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister), 'Visit to Australia by the Prime Minister of New Zealand', media release, 18 April 2023.

[1114] Milton Dick, Distinguished visitors: Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, House of Representatives, Debates, 8 February 2023, 352.

[1115] Anthony Albanese, Ministerial statement: Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples: 15th Anniversary, House of Representatives, 13 February 2023, 614.

[1116] Senate, Closing the Gap, Journals, 35, 2022–23, 8 March 2023, 1044.

[1117] Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister), 'Joint Statement', media release, 15 February 2023.

[1118] Natassia Chrysanthos and Angus Thompson, 'Parliament House lockdown lifted after police operation', The Sydney Morning Herald, 17 February 2023.

[1119] Milton Dick (Speaker of the House of Representatives) and Sue Lines (President of the Senate), 'Joint Statement by the Presiding Officers on the condition of the Australian flag at Parliament House', media release, 8 March 2023.

[1120] Karen Barlow, 'High-flying flag change at Parliament House a success', The Canberra Times, 12 March 2023, 5.

[1121] Parliamentary Professional Services Network, 'PPSN 2023 Conference (8 to 10 March 2023, APH Canberra)'.

[1122] Anthony Albanese, 'Bilateral meeting: opening remarks', media release, 22 March 2023.

[1123] Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister), 'Next step towards Voice Referendum: Constitutional Alteration Bill', media release, 23 March 2023.

[1124] Milton Dick, Statement by the Speaker: Parliamentary Standards, House of Representatives, Debates, 29 March 2023, 1.

[1125] Senate, Adjournment, Journals, 43, 2022–23, 28 March 2023, 1251.

[1126] Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister), 'Launch of Vietnam Commemorative Medallions', 29 March 2023.

[1127] Mark Dreyfus, Second Reading: Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023, House of Representatives, Debates, 30 March 2023, 1–4.

[1128] Constitution Alteration (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice) 2023.

[1129] Andi Yu, 'Labor's Mary Doyle snatches historic victory in Aston by-election in Melbourne's outer east', ABC News, 1 April 2023.

[1130] Australian Parliament House, 'Who gets the vote? An inclusive electoral franchise for contemporary Australia: A Parliamentary Library symposium'.

[1131] Anthony Albanese, Motions: Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, House of Representatives, Debates, 9 May 2023, 1.

[1132] Sue Lines, Statement by the President: Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, Senate, Debates, 9 May 2003, 1.

[1133] Anthony Albanese, Condolences: Yunupingu, AM, House of Representatives, Debates 10 May 2023, 57.

[1134] Department of the House of Representatives, 'Procedural Bulletin', no. 12, 47th Parliament, 13–22 June 2023, 2; 'Home Affairs Bill 2023', House of Representatives, Debates, 15 June 2023, 1.

[1135] 'Home Affairs Bill 2023', Senate, Debates, 15 June 2023, 11.