About the House News

Speaker flies the APH flag across the country

Monday, 30 September 2024

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Honourable Milton Dick MP, has officially launched the Australian Parliament House (APH) Flag Roadshow today at Jindalee State School in South-West Brisbane.

Speaker's Lecture 2024 - Niki Savva

Monday, 16 September 2024

Read or watch Niki Savva's 2024 Speaker's Lecture, Survival in the age of mistrust. Challenges for politicians and journalists.

50th Anniversary of the 1974 Joint Sitting

Tuesday, 6 August 2024

50 years ago this week, the 127 members of the House of Representatives and 60 Senators of the 29th Parliament came together in the chamber of the House of Representatives at Old Parliament House for a joint sitting. This was the first and only time a joint sitting has been conducted for the purposes of resolving a legislative deadlock following a double dissolution in accordance with section 57 of the Constitution.

Chamber Procedural

30th anniversary of the Federation Chamber

Saturday, 8 June 2024

8 June 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the inaugural sitting of the Federation Chamber.

2024 House sittings commence

Monday, 5 February 2024

On Tuesday 6 February, the House of Representatives will begin the first sitting week of 2024. Here is a brief overview of what is planned to be debated, and how you can stay up to date during the week.

General interest Chamber

Speaker's Lecture 2023 - Michelle Grattan AO

Friday, 3 November 2023

Read or watch Michelle Grattan's 2023 Speaker's Lecture on the state of the Australian political system.

General interest

National Reconciliation Week 2023

Friday, 26 May 2023

National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June and is a chance for Australians to learn about their shared history and how to work towards achieving reconciliation in Australia. Take a look at the significant dates coming up over the next week and the role that the House of Representatives has played.

General interest

International Women’s Day 2023 - Interview with Claressa Surtees, Clerk of the House of Representatives

Wednesday, 8 March 2023

Claressa Surtees is the current Clerk of the House of Representatives – the 17th in the House’s history and the first woman to hold the position. For International Women’s Day, we asked Claressa about her time as Clerk and her reflections on the role.

General interest

House sittings commence for 2023

Friday, 3 February 2023

On Monday 6 February, the House of Representatives will begin the first sitting week of 2023. Here is a brief overview of what is planned to be debated, and how you can stay up to date during the week.

Parliament Explained: Work of the House

Friday, 6 January 2023

Previous Parliament Explained articles have explored how Australia’s system of government is formed, the House of Representatives and its rules, and the Federation Chamber. This article will examine when the House sits and what happens when it does, House committees, and the petitions system.

Parliament Explained: The House and its rules

Tuesday, 13 December 2022

Previous Parliament Explained articles have explored Australia’s system of government, how it is formed and its responsibilities, as well as the roles of those within the House of Representatives. This article will examine the House of Representatives chamber, its rules and layout, and the lesser-known Federation Chamber.

Parliament Explained: Role of the House

Wednesday, 23 November 2022

Previous Parliament Explained articles have explored Australia’s system of government, how government is formed, the responsibilities and levels of government, and the separation of powers. This article will examine what the House of Representatives does and the various roles and responsibilities of those within the House.

Parliament Explained: Government - Part 2

Monday, 22 August 2022

In our last Parliament Explained article we wrote about our system of government, how government is formed and what the responsibilities of government include. This article will dive deeper into what a responsible government is, the levels of government, the separation of powers and more.

Medium public works template - now accessible online

Thursday, 18 August 2022

The Public Works Committee of the 47th Parliament has published a medium works notification template for all projects seeking Committee approval between $2 and $15 million ($2 – 75 million for Defence purposes).

Parliament Explained: Government

Wednesday, 27 July 2022

A system of government is the structure for how a country is run. Some examples of different systems of government are: democracy, communism, dictatorship, monarchy and republic.

JCPAA publishes report of inquiry into Defence 2022-23 Major Projects Report
Tuesday, 17 December 2024
The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has published its report into the 2022-23 Major Projects Report.
Committee reports on Australia's efforts to advocate for the abolition of the death penalty
Tuesday, 17 December 2024
The Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) has tabled its report titled Inquiry into Australia’s efforts to advocate for the worldwide abolition of the death penalty.
Nuclear power inquiry to visit Western Australia
Monday, 16 December 2024
As part of its inquiry into nuclear power generation in Australia, the House of Representatives Select Committee on Nuclear Energy will conduct public hearings in Collie and Perth in Western Australia on 16 and 17 December 2024.
House Select Committee to visit Muswellbrook, Lithgow and Sydney for nuclear power inquiry
Tuesday, 10 December 2024
As part of its inquiry into nuclear power generation in Australia, the House of Representatives Select Committee on Nuclear Energy will conduct multiple public hearings in New South Wales from 10 to 12 December 2024.