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Public interest articles on the work, people and events of the Senate.

For further information contact the Procedure Office at Research.Sen@aph.gov.au or (02) 6277 3072.

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The Senate’s power to order documents

The Senate’s power to order documents

The power to order documents, both in existence and created for the purpose, is one of the most significant methods of parliamentary inquiry and has deep historical roots. See, for example, orders made by the United Kingdom House of Commons in February 1699 requiring the production of lists of persons collecting taxes on salt, beer, ale and other liquors.

23/08/2024
When governments work together who holds them to account?

When governments work together who holds them to account?

Complex national issues and shared challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic require different levels of government to work together in different ways. This can create challenges for state and federal parliaments and other institutions responsible for holding individual governments to account.

23/08/2024
Altering the Constitution—Parliamentary stage

Altering the Constitution—Parliamentary stage

The rules for altering the Australian Constitution are provided by section 128 of the Constitution. Before a referendum can be held, a proposed law for the alteration of the Constitution must first be passed by the Australian Parliament.

Tags: Explainer
04/07/2023
How do we categorise the Australian system of government?

How do we categorise the Australian system of government?

The Australian system of government is notoriously difficult to categorise. Although based upon the Westminster tradition, the unique role of the Australian Senate means that our parliamentary system cannot be described as purely ‘Westminster’.

03/02/2023
Welcome class of 2022

Welcome class of 2022

The opening of the 47th Parliament on 26 July 2022 saw 11 newly elected senators kickstart their parliamentary careers, and just like any new job, there has been an exciting period of learning and orientation over the past month.

22/08/2022
10 years of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights

10 years of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights

This year marks ten years since the formation of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights (PJCHR), making it an opportune time to ask: what is it that the PJCHR does and what impact has it had in the last ten years?

11/08/2022
Opening of the 47th Parliament

Opening of the 47th Parliament

On 26 July 2022, the two Houses of the Parliament met for the opening of the 47th Parliament. This date was set by the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), who, on advice from the government, issued a proclamation calling the parliament to meet for the first time since the federal election.

27/07/2022
Who's who in the Senate: The Usher of the Black Rod

Who's who in the Senate: The Usher of the Black Rod

As part of the opening of the 47th Parliament on 26 July 2022, the Usher of the Black Rod will be directed by the Governor-General to summon members of the House of Representatives to the Senate where the Governor-General will announce the newly elected government’s program.

18/07/2022
Indigenous representation in the Senate

Indigenous representation in the Senate

The upcoming 47th Parliament is set to include 11 Indigenous parliamentarians. This will bring the total number of Indigenous parliamentarians since Federation to 17 and break the record set by the 46th Parliament.

12/07/2022
Senate committees – where the Senate meets the public

Senate committees – where the Senate meets the public

On 21 May 2022, the voting population of Australia headed to polling stations around the country to cast their vote in the federal election. However, there is another way that any member of the public can participate in our democracy and it doesn't require a three year wait.

22/06/2022

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