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Federation to Provisional Parliament House
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1 January 1901
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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.[1]
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.[2]
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9 May 1901
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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.[3]
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.[4]
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
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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'.[5]
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).[6]
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'.[7]
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![Map of New South Wales showing proposed Federal Capital sites, No. 16 [cartographic material], 1903, National Library of Australia](/-/media/05_About_Parliament/54_Parliamentary_Depts/544_Parliamentary_Library/Research_Papers/2023-24/Chronology/35thAnniversary/003.JPG?la=en&hash=45F13833ADD40B1910E2A97B2A521BB24CE6590E)
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30 April 1911
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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'.[8]
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
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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.[9]
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1914–23
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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.[10]
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.[11]
The three-storey building is designed by Commonwealth
architect John Smith Murdoch and is planned around the two chambers.[12]
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,[13]
it costs £664,600 plus a further £250,000 for furniture and fittings.[14]
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9 May 1927
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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'.[15]
Over one million people listen via radio broadcast, which features Dame
Nellie Melba singing the national anthem.[16]
To 'the accompaniment of thunderous cheers', the Duke unlocks the Parliament's
doors with a golden key.[17]
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.[18]
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.[19]
Further commemorating the occasion is the King's personal gift to Australia:
two despatch boxes, replicas of those in the House of Commons.[20]
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Towards a new and permanent Parliament
House
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8 April 1970
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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.[21]
The Committee was established in December 1965 to inquire
into 'certain aspects of a new and permanent Parliament House'.[22]
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'.[23]
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17 December 1974
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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'.[24]
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'.[25]
However, this intention unravelled when Provisional Parliament House was
constructed at Camp Hill.[26]
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.[27]
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![Competitor number 29, Walter Burley Griffin – Perspective, view from summit of Mount Ainslie [Part B]; National Archives of Australia, A710, 49](/-/media/05_About_Parliament/54_Parliamentary_Depts/544_Parliamentary_Library/Research_Papers/2023-24/Chronology/35thAnniversary/008.jpg?la=en&hash=37E659C7BAC18830A18BFED0A374712BBA192DAB)
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5 June 1975
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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.[28]
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.[29]
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October 1975
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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.[30]
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22 November 1978
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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.[31]
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30 March 1979
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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
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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.[32]
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7 April 1979
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International design competition announced
The Parliament House Construction Authority formally
announces the design competition for new Parliament House and invites
registrations.[33]
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 …[34]
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
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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'.[35]
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.[36]
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November 1979
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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.[37]
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.[38]
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23 May 1980
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Stage Two competition closes
The assessors convene in June 1980 under strict
confidentiality. They are assisted by technical and construction advisers.[39]
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26 June 1980
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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'.[40]
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.[41]
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.[42]
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
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Construction phase approved
The House of Representatives approves the Parliament House
Construction Authority's proposal to construct the new Parliament House on
Capital Hill.[43]
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18 September 1980
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Turning the first sod
Prime Minister Malcolm
Fraser (LP, Wannon, Vic) turns the first sod on the site of
the New Parliament House.[44]
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21 January 1981
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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.[45]
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.[46]
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18 August 1981
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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.[47]
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21 October 1981
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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'.[48]
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12 November 1981
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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.[49]
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.[50]
This puts pressure on the Authority and architects to keep ahead of
construction.[51]
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February 1982
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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.[52]
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July 1982
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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.[53]
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31 January 1983
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Open Days
The Parliament House Construction Authority conducts the
first of nine public Site Open Days.[54]
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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.[55]
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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.[56]
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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.[57]
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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.[58]
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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.[59]
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
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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.[60]
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.[61]
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.[62]
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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 …[63]
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.[64]
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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ch_2.
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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.'[65]
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ch_2.
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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.[66]
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 …[67]
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ch_2.
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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.[68]
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.[69]
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ch_2.
|
|
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.[70]
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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ch_2.
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|
1988 an era ends, a new one begins
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ch_3.
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January 1988
|
Building handed over
Areas of the new building are progressively handed over to
the Parliament.[71]
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.[72]
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ch_3.
|
|
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'.[73]
During the relocation ceremony, three new plaques are added.
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ch_3.
|
|
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 …[74]
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ch_3.
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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.[75]
Millions share the experience through 'live television
broadcasts, video recordings and special colour supplements in major
newspapers'[76]
while approximately 25,000 spectators gather at Parliament House.[77]
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'.[78]
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.[79]
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.[80]
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.[81]
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ch_3.
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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.[82]
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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ch_3.
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|
12 May 1988
|
New Auditor-General appointed
John Taylor commences as the 12th Auditor-General,
replacing John Monaghan.[83]
|
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ch_3.
|
|
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.[84]
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ch_3.
|
|
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.[85]
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.[86]
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ch_3.
|
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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.[87]
|
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ch_3.
|
|
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.[88]
|
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ch_3.
|
|
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'[89]
and presents a Bicentennial gift of digitised convict records to the National
Library.
|
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ch_3.
|
|
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'.[90]
|
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ch_3.
|
|
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.[91]
|
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ch_3.
|
|
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[92]
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.[93]
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ch_3.
|
|
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.[94]
|
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ch_3.
|
|
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.[95]
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ch_3.
|
|
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.[96]
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ch_3.
|
|
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.[97]
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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ch_3.
|
|
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.[98]
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ch_3.
|
|
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.[99]
All of the proposals are defeated.
|
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ch_3.
|
|
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.[100]
|
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ch_3.
|
|
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.[101]
|
|
ch_3.
|
|
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.[102]
|
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ch_3.
|
|
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.[103]
|
|
ch_3.
|
|
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.[104]
|
|
ch_3.
|
|
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.[105]
It is the first state visit of an Italian Head of State in more than 20
years.
|
|
ch_3.
|
|
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.[106]
|
|
ch_3.
|
|
25 October 1988
|
Dutch state visit
Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus of the Netherlands visit
Parliament House during their state visit to Australia.[107]
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.
|
|
ch_3.
|
|
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.[108]
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ch_3.
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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.[109]
Its eight transmitters enable broadcasts to be heard in all capital cities
and Newcastle.[110]
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.[111]
|
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 |
ch_3.
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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.[112]
Mr Lee controversially criticises Coalition comments on immigration during a
subsequent interview.[113]
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ch_3.
|
|
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.[114]
|
|
ch_3.
|
|
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.[115]
|
|
ch_3.
|
|
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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ch_3.
|
|
1989
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[116]
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ch_4.
|
|
16 February 1989
|
Swearing-in of Governor-General
Bill
Hayden is sworn in as Australia's 21st Governor-General,
succeeding Sir Ninian
Stephen.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[117]
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ch_4.
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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.[118]
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ch_4.
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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.[119]
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ch_4.
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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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ch_4.
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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.[120]
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ch_4.
|
|
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.[121]
|
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ch_4.
|
|
9 May 1989
|
New Opposition leader and leader of the Nationals
Party room challenges see a leadership change in both
Coalition partners.[122]
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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ch_4.
|
|
24 May 1989
|
Prime Minister of PNG visits
Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Rabbie Namaliu visits
Parliament House during his visit to Australia.[123]
|
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ch_4.
|
|
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.[124]
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ch_4.
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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.[125]
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ch_4.
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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).[126]
|
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ch_4.
|
|
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.[127]
|
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ch_4.
|
|
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.[128]
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ch_4.
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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).[129]
|
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ch_4.
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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'.[130]
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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ch_4.
|
|
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.[131]
This significantly refines the modern parliamentary
committee system (established in 1970) and gives Senate committees a greater
role in considering legislation.[132]
|
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ch_4.
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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.[133]
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ch_4.
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|
1990
|
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ch_4.
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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.[134]
|
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ch_4.
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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.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[135]
Twenty-seven of 223 parliamentarians are women. Only 12
are overseas-born.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[136]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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).
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[137]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[138]
During the visit an extradition treaty is signed by the Australian and
Mexican Foreign Ministers.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[139]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[140]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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'.[141]
Australia joins a 17-nation naval force intercepting merchant ships sailing
to or from Iraq.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
21 August 1990
|
Senate Question Time televised
Senate proceedings are televised for the first time, 34
years after the introduction of television in Australia.[142]
Two days later the Senate authorises its committees to
also broadcast their public proceedings.[143]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
21 August 1990
|
Hansard computerised
Following processing, Hansard material is transmitted
electronically to the Government Printer for the first time.[144]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
29 August 1990
|
Ministerial Statement on AIDS
The Minister for Community Services and Heath, Neal Blewett (ALP, Bonython, SA) addresses
Parliament on AIDS,[145]
tabling a paper on the Government's national HIV/AIDS strategy.[146]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[147]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[148]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[149]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[150]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[151]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
|
1991
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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'.[152]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[153]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
13 March 1991
|
House of Representatives proceedings televised
House of Representatives Question Time is televised live
for the first time.[154]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[155]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[156]
Kerr is most often remembered for his dismissal of the Whitlam Government in
1975.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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).[157]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[158]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[159]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[160]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[161]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[162]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[163]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[164]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[165]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[166]
During the visit the two countries sign an Agreed Statement on Security
Cooperation. It is Mr Namaliu's second official visit as Prime Minister.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[167]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
9 December 1991
|
Ministerial reshuffle
John
Kerin (ALP, Werriwa, NSW) is replaced as Treasurer by Ralph Willis (ALP, Gellibrand, Vic).[168]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[169]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[170]
Bob Hawke resigns from Parliament the same day.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
|
1992
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[171]
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.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[172]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[173]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[174]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[175]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[176]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
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.[177]
|
|
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.[178]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
31 July 1992
|
Change of Party representation
Senator Janet
Powell (Ind, Vic) resigns from the Australian Democrats to
sit as an Independent.[179]
|
|
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.[180]
|
|
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.[181]
|
|
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.[182]
|
|
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.[183]
|
|
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.[184]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
14 September 1992
|
Time limits in Senate
The Senate starts adopting time limits on Questions
without Notice and Answers during Question Time.[185]
|
|
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.[186]
|
|
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.[187]
|
|
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.[188]
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%).[189]
|
|
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.[190]
|
|
ch_4.
|
|
4 May 1993
|
37th Parliament opened
The Governor-General Bill
Hayden, opens the 37th Parliament.[191]
|
|
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.[192]
|
|
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.[193]
|
|
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.[194]
|
|
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.[195]
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.[196]
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.[197]
|
|
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.[198]
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.[199]
|
|
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.[200]
|
|
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.[201]
|
|
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.[202]
|
|
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.[203]
|
|
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.[204]
|
|
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.[205]
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.[206]
|
|
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.[207]
|
|
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.[208]
|
|
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.[209]
|
|
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.[210]
|
|
ch_5.
|
|
1 February 1994
|
New President of the Senate
Senator Michael
Beahan (ALP, WA) is elected Senate President, succeeding Kerry Sibraa (ALP, NSW).[211]
|
|
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.[212]
|
|
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.[213]
|
|
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.[214]
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.[215]
Domenic Perre is later convicted of murder and attempted
murder.[216]
|
|
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.[217]
|
|
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,[218]
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'.[219]
|
|
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.[220]
|
|
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.[221]
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.[222]
|
|
ch_5.
|
|
4 May 1994
|
Condolence Motion for Richard Nixon
The Senate offers condolences following the death of
former United States President Richard Nixon.[223]
|
|
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.[224]
|
|
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.[225]
|
|
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.[226]
|
|
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.[227]
|
|
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.[228]
|
|
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.[229]
|
|
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.[230]
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.[231]
|
|
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.[232]
|
|
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.[233]
|
|
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.[234]
|
|
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.[235]
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.[236]
|
|
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.[237]
|
|
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.[238]
|
|
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.[239]
|
|
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.[240]
|
|
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.[241]
The documents relate to Ngarrindjeri women's opposition to a proposed bridge
from Goolwa to Hindmarsh Island in South Australia.[242]
(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.[243]
|
|
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%.[244]
|
|
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.[245]
|
|
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.[246]
|
|
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.[247]
|
|
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.[248]
|
|
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.[249]
|
|
ch_5.
|
|
18 June 1995
|
Change of Party representation
Paul
Filing (Ind, Moore, WA) resigns from the Liberal party to
sit as an Independent.[250]
|
|
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.[251]
|
|
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.[252]
|
|
ch_5.
|
|
7 August 1995
|
Change of Party representation
Allan
Rocher (Ind, Curtin, WA) resigns from the Liberal party to sit as
an Independent.[253]
|
|
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.[254]
|
|
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.[255]
|
|
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.[256]
|
|
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.[257]
|
|
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.[258]
During the visit, the two countries sign a Trade and Economic Cooperation
Arrangement.[259]
|
|
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.[260]
|
|
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.[261]
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.[262]
|
|
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.[263]
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.[264]
|
|
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.[265]
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[266]
- Bob
Woods (LP, Lowe, NSW) leaves the ministry in February 1997,
and the Parliament soon after, due to ministerial expense claims
irregularities[267]
- Geoff
Prosser (LP, Forrest, WA) steps down in July 1997 due to a
ministerial conflict of interest,[268]
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.[269]
|
|
ch_5.
|
|
30 April 1996
|
38th Parliament opens
Governor-General Sir William
Deane opens the 38th Parliament.[270]
|
|
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'.[271]
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'.[272]
On 1 May Members of both Houses also stand in a minute's
silence to 'participate in the national mourning'.[273]
|
|
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).[274]
Opperman's achievements as an endurance cyclist in the 1920s and 1930s
brought him international acclaim and made him a sporting legend.[275]
|
|
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.[276]
|
|
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.[277]
|
|
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.[278]
The protest coincides with a special firearms meeting of the Australasian
Police Ministers' Council held in Canberra.[279]
|
|
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.[280]
|
|
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.[281]
|
|
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.[282]
|
|
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.[283]
|
|
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.[284]
|
|
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.[285]
|
|
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.[286]
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,[287]
jointly sharing it with Rolf Zinkernagel for their work in medicine.[288]
|
|
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.[289]
|
|
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.[290]
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.[291]
|
|
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.[292]
|
|
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.[293]
|
|
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.[294]
|
|
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.[295]
|
|
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.[296]
|
|
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.[297]
|
|
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.[298]
|
|
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.[299]
|
|
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.[300]
It subsequently agrees to a formal apology on 13 February 2008.[301]
|
|
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.[302]
|
|
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).[303]
|
|
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.[304]
|
|
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.[305]
|
|
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.[306]
|
|
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.[307]
|
|
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.[308]
|
|
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.[309]
|
|
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.[310]
|
|
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.[311]
|
|
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.[312]
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.[313] A
special birthday celebration is held with 12 school children whose birthday
is 9 May.[314]
|
|
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.[315]
|
|
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.[316]
|
|
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.[317]
|
|
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.[318]
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.[319]
|
|
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.[320]
|
|
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.[321]
|
|
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.[322]
|
|
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.[323]
|
|
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.[324]
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.[325]
|
|
ch_5.
|
|
10 November 1998
|
Opening of the 39th Parliament
Governor-General Sir
William Deane opens the 39th Parliament.[326]
|
|
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.[327]
|
|
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.[328]
|
|
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.[329]
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.[330]
Recorded as the first Indigenous Australian to sit in
Federal Parliament,[331]
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.[332]
|
|
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.[333]
|
|
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.[334]
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'.[335]
|
|
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.[336]
|
|
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.[337]
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'.[338]
The issue of Reconciliation is the subject of a 'Matters of Public Importance'
debate that afternoon.[339]
|
|
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.[340]
|
|
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.[341]
|
|
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.[342] Debate
on the Bill and 26 related Bills lasts a total of 68 hours 54 minutes.[343]
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.[344]
|
|
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.[345]
|
|
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.[346]
|
|
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.[347]
|
|
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.[348]
|
|
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.[349]
|
|
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.[350]
|
|
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.[351]
|
|
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.[352]
|
|
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.[353]
She is the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit Australia.[354]
|
|
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.[355]
|
|
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.[356]
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.[357]
|
|
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.[358]
|
|
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.[359]
|
|
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.[360]
|
|
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'.[361]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
18 April 2000
|
Change of Party representation
Andrew
Theophanous (Ind, Calwell, Vic) resigns from the Labor
Party and sits as an Independent.[362]
|
|
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.[363]
|
|
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.[364]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
14 August 2000
|
Laptops permitted in chamber
Members of the House of Representatives are permitted to
take laptop computers into the chamber.[365]
|
|
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.[366]
|
|
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.[367]
|
|
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.[368]
|
|
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.[369]
|
|
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.[370]
|
|
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.[371]
|
|
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.[372]
|
|
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.[373]
|
|
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.[374]
|
|
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.[375]
|
|
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.[376]
|
|
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'.[377]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
29 June 2001
|
New Governor-General
Peter
Hollingworth is sworn in as Australia's 23rd
Governor-General, replacing Sir William
Deane.[378]
|
|
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).[379]
|
|
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'.[380]
|
|
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.[381]
|
|
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.[382]
|
|
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'.[383]
The Commissioner, the Hon Justice Owen, delivers his report
in April 2003, identifying a litany of failures at HIH which led to its
collapse.[384]
|
|
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.[385]
|
|
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.[386]
|
|
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.[387]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
2 October 2001
|
Change of Party representation
Senator Shayne
Murphy (Ind, Tas) resigns from the ALP and sits as an
Independent.[388]
|
|
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.[389]
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.[390]
|
|
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%).[391]
|
|
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.[392]
|
|
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.[393]
|
|
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.[394]
|
|
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.[395]
|
|
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.[396]
|
|
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.[397]
|
|
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.[398]
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.[399]
|
|
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.[400]
|
|
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).
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.[401]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.)[402]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.[403]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.[404]
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.
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.[405]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.[406]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
2003
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.[407]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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'.[408]
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.[409]
Earlier this month four anti-war protesters walk from Melbourne to Canberra's
Parliament House to raise awareness.[410]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.[411]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.[412]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.[413]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.[414]
Hollingworth subsequently resigns on 25 May 2003.
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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'.[415]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
16 June 2003
|
ALP leadership challenge
Kim
Beazley (ALP, Brand, WA) unsuccessfully challenges Simon Crean (ALP, Hotham, Vic) for the ALP
leadership.[416]
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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'.[417]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.[418]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.[419]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.[420]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.[421]
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.[422]
|
|
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.[423]
Parliament House acts as a giant beacon for moths as they
pass through the Canberra area during October and November.[424]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.[425]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
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.[426]
|
|
ch_6.
|
|
2004
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[427]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[428]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[429]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[430]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[431]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
12 May 2004
|
Twenty-millionth visitor
The Parliament's Presiding Officers welcome the 20-millionth
visitor to Parliament House since its 1988 opening.[432]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[433] On 24
June, Governor-General Michael
Jeffery issues the letters patent establishing the
Commission.
Commissioner David Hunt submits his report on 3 December 2004.[434]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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'.[435]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
22 June 2004
|
Parliament House Vista heritage-listed
The Australian Heritage Council adds the Parliament House
Vista to the Commonwealth Heritage List.[436]
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.[437]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[438]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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%).[439]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[440]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
16 November 2004
|
Opening of the 41st Parliament
The Governor-General, Major-General Michael
Jeffery, opens the 41st Parliament.[441]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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).
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[442]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
2005
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[443]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[444]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[445]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[446]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[447]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
10 March 2005
|
New Auditor-General appointed
Ian McPhee is appointed as the 14th Auditor-General,
replacing Patrick Barrett.[448]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[449]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[450]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[451]
The Parliamentary
Service Amendment Act 2005 receives Royal Assent on 1 April
2005.
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[452]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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).[453]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[454]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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).[455]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[456]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[457]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[458]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[459]
Mr Vaile is confirmed as the Nationals new leader on 6 July.[460]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[461]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[462]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[463]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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'.[464]
|
|
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.[465]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[466]
|
|
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.[467]
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.[468]
|
|
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.[469]
|
|
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.[470]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
2006
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[471]
|
|
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.[472]
|
|
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.[473]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
27 March 2006
|
Visit by UK Prime Minister Tony Blair
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair addresses Parliament,[474]
and becomes the first visiting foreign Head of State to speak in the House of
Representatives where senators are invited guests.[475]
|
|
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.[476]
|
|
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.[477]
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[478]
|
|
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.[479]
|
|
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.[480]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[481]
|
|
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.[482]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[483]
|
|
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.[484]
|
|
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.[485]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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).[486]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[487]
|
|
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.[488]
The report recommends that Commonwealth, state and
territory governments establish compensation schemes for affected people.
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
2007
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[489]
The House of Representatives and the Senate move Condolence Motions on 8 May.[490]
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[491]
|
|
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.[492]
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[493]
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[494]
|
|
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.[495]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[496]
The inquiry's final report is tabled on 16 June 2008.[497]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
11 September 2007
|
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper addresses Parliament
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper addresses the
Parliament.[498]
|
|
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.[499]
|
|
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.[500]
|
|
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).[501]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[502]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[503]
|
|
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.[504]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
2008
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
12 February 2008
|
42nd Parliament opened
Governor-General Michael
Jeffery opens the 42nd Parliament.[505]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
12 February 2008
|
First Welcome to Country ceremony
The first Welcome to Country ceremony is held at the
opening of the 42nd Parliament.[506]
Ngambri elder Matilda House-Williams presents Prime
Minister Kevin
Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld) with a message stick.
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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).
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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).[507]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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
…[508]
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.[509]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[510]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[511]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[512]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[513]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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'.[514]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[515]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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'.[516]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
26 August 2008
|
The new Senate sits
New state senators elected in the 2007
election take their seats for the first time.[517]
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).
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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).
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[518]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[519]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[520]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[521]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[522]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[523]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
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.[524]
|
|
ch_7.
|
|
2009
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[525]
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.[526]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[527]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[528]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[529]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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).[530]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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'.[531]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[532]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[533]
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.[534]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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).[535]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[536]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[537]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[538]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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).[539]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[540]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[541]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[542]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[543]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
2010
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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'.[544]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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'.[545]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
9 March 2010
|
Queensland floods
Prime Minister Kevin
Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld) speaks about the significant
flooding across Queensland.[546]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[547]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[548]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[549]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[550]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[551]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[552]
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).
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[553]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[554]
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.
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[555]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[556]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
28 September 2010
|
Opening of 43rd Parliament
Governor-General Quentin
Bryce opens the 43rd Parliament.[557]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[558]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[559]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
3 October 2010
|
High-security briefing room
A new Parliament House high-security emergency response
briefing room is declared operational.[560]
It is designed to be a central coordination point during
times of national and international crisis.[561]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
26 October 2010
|
Youngest Parliamentarian
Wyatt
Roy (LP, Longman, Qld), the youngest elected MP, gives his
first speech.[562]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[563]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
2011
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[564]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[565]
The incident becomes the subject of a House Committee report.
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[566]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[567]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[568]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
21 March 2011
|
Japan natural disasters
Parliament expresses its
deep shock at the
earthquake, tsunami and nuclear emergency that has struck Japan.[569]
The government commits $10m to the Australian Red Cross Japan and Pacific
disaster appeal.
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
21 March 2011
|
New Zealand earthquake
Parliament expresses its condolences to the people of New
Zealand after the devastating Christchurch earthquake in February.[570]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[571]
He meets with Prime Minister Julia
Gillard (ALP, Lalor, Vic) and members of her ministry.[572]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[573] But the
Opposition leader immediately moves a motion of confidence in the Speaker, which is agreed to on the
voices.
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[574]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
14 June 2011
|
Visit by Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama visits Parliament House as a guest of the All-Parliamentary
Group for Tibet.[575]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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'.[576]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
20 June 2011
|
Address by New Zealand Prime Minister
John Key becomes the first New
Zealand Prime Minister to address the
Australian Parliament.[577]
|
|
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.[578]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[579]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[580]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
27 September 2011
|
A new Party
Bob
Katter (KAP, Kennedy, Qld) registers Katter's Australian
Party with the Australian Electoral Commission.[581]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
4–5 October 2011
|
Tax summit
The Government holds a two-day tax forum for 200
participants at Parliament House.[582]
|
|
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.[583]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[584]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[585]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[586]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[587]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[588]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[589]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
2012
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[590]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[591]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[592]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[593]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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'.[594]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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).
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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'.[595]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[596]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[597]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[598]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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).
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[599]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[600]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[601]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[602]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[603]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[604]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[605]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[606]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[607]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[608]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[609]
The motion is defeated by one vote (69–70), but later in
the day Mr Slipper resigns.[610]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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).[611]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[612]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[613]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[614]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[615]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[616]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[617]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[618]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
2013
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[619]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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'.[620]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[621]
She served as Speaker from 1986 to 1989.
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[622]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[623]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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'.[624]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[625]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[626]
The Government also tables its response to the Senate Community Affairs Reference
Committee report, Commonwealth Contribution to Former Forced Adoption
Policies and Practices.[627]
Between 2010–12 governments of all states and the
Australian Capital Territory issued apologies to those affected by forced
adoption.[628]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[629]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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).[630]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[631]
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.
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[632]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[633]
|
|
ch_8.
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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.
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[634]
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.[635]
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|
ch_8.
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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.
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[636]
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.[637]
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ch_8.
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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.[638]
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.[639]
Today the Yirrkala Petitions are on public display at
Parliament House.[640]
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ch_8.
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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).[641]
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.
|
|
ch_8.
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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.[642]
|
|
ch_8.
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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.[643]
|
|
ch_8.
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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.[644]
|
|
ch_8.
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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.[645]
|
|
ch_8.
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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.[646]
|
|
ch_8.
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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.[647]
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|
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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).[648]
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|
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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.[649]
|
|
ch_8.
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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.[650]
|
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ch_8.
|
|
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'.[651]
|
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ch_8.
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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.[652]
Kevin
Rudd (ALP, Griffith, Qld), who stood down from the
leadership following the May election, resigns from Parliament on 22 November
2013.[653]
|
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ch_8.
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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.[654]
|
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ch_8.
|
|
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.[655]
|
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ch_8.
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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.
|
|
ch_8.
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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).[656]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[657]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[658]
The Commission's final report, authored by Ian Hanger QC,
is tabled on 29 August 2014.[659]
|
|
ch_8.
|
|
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.[660]
|
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ch_8.
|
|
2014
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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).[661]
|
|
ch_9.
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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).
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[662]
|
|
ch_9.
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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.[663]
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.[664]
The Electoral Commissioner, Ed Killesteyn, and the
Australian Electoral Officer for Western Australia, Peter Kramer, resign
shortly after the Court's decision.[665]
|
|
ch_9.
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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.[666]
|
|
ch_9.
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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.[667]
Commissioner Heydon also submits the report to the Governors of New South
Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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).[668]
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.[669]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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'.[670]
The motion is unsuccessful (83–51).
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[671]
The results are announced by the AEC on 29 April 2014.[672]
|
|
ch_9.
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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.[673]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[674]
|
 ParlView, 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.[675]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
8 June 2014
|
The Federation Chamber turns 20
The Federation Chamber celebrates its 20th anniversary.[676]
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.[677]
|
|
ch_9.
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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.[678]
|
|
ch_9.
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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.[679]
|
|
ch_9.
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|
7 July 2014
|
New President of the Senate
Senator
Stephen Parry (LP, Tas) becomes the 24th President of the
Senate.[680]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[681]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[682]
|
|
ch_9.
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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.[683]
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.[684]
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.[685]
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|
ch_9.
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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.[686]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[687]
|
|
ch_9.
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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.[688]
|
|
ch_9.
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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.[689]
The Opposition leader, Bill
Shorten (ALP, Maribyrnong, Vic), makes a statement in
reply.[690]
|
|
ch_9.
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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.[691]
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.[692]
|
|
ch_9.
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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.[693]
|
|
ch_9.
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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.[694]
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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.[695]
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'.[696]
|
|
ch_9.
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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.[697]
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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ch_9.
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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.[698]
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|
ch_9.
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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.[699]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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).[700]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[701]
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|
ch_9.
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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.[702]
|
|
ch_9.
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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.[703]
The Bill passes both Houses on 26 March 2015.
|
|
ch_9.
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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'.[704]
|
|
ch_9.
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|
2015
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[705]
|
|
ch_9.
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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.[706]
|
|
ch_9.
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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.[707]
|
|
ch_9.
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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'.[708]
Some 100 parliamentarians also sign a letter to the
Indonesian Ambassador requesting that the sentences be commuted.[709]
Despite all efforts, the two men are executed on 29 April 2015.
|
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ch_9.
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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.[710]
|
|
ch_9.
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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.[711]
|
|
ch_9.
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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.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[712]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[713]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[714]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[715]
Mr Fraser served as Australia's 22nd Prime Minister from
1975 to 1983, taking office after the Whitlam Government's dismissal.
|
|
ch_9.
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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.[716]
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|
ch_9.
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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.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[717]
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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.
|
|
ch_9.
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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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|
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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).[718]
|
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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.[719]
|
|
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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.[720]
|
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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.[721]
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11 June 2015
|
New Commonwealth Auditor-General
Grant Hehir is appointed as the 15th Auditor-General,
replacing Ian McPhee.[722]
|
|
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|
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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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|
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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.[723]
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.[724]
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'.[725]
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|
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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.[726]
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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.[727]
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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.[728]
That same day Prime Minister Tony
Abbott (LP, Warringah, NSW) announces a review into the
parliamentary entitlements system.[729]
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.[730]
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).[731]
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|
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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.[732]
|
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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.[733]
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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.[734]
|
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|
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21 August 2015
|
Anniversary of parliamentary broadcasting
The Senate celebrates the 25th anniversary of its first
televised proceedings.[735]
|
|
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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).[736]
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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).[737]
|
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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%).[738]
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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.[739]
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.[740]
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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.[741]
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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.[742]
When Parliament resumes on 23 November, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW), and
Opposition leader Bill
Shorten (ALP, Maribyrnong, Vic) express their condolences.[743]
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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).[744]
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.[745]
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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.[746]
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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.[747]
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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.[748]
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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.[749]
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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.[750]
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.[751]
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|
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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.[752]
|
 ParlView, 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.[753]
The longest Senate sitting day (with breaks) is 66 hours and 18 minutes from
16–21 December 1993.[754]
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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.[755]
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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.[756]
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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.[757]
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.[759]
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18 April 2016
|
Parliament resumes after prorogation
Governor-General Sir Peter
Cosgrove, opens a new session of the Parliament.[760]
The Senate receives the House of Representatives' message
requesting it resume considering the Building and Construction Industry
Bills.[761]
The Senate complies and the legislation is defeated a second time. This
action sets in motion the 'trigger' for a double dissolution election.[762]
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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.[763]
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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.[764]
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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.[765]
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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.[766]
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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.[767]
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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.[768]
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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.[769]
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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%).[770]
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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.[771]
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.[772]
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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.[773]
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.[774]
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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.[775]
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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.[776]
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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.[777]
In the 2015–16 financial year, 725,992 people visited
Parliament House.[778]
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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.[779]
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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.[780]
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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).[781]
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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.[782]
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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.[783]
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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.[784]
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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.[785]
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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.[786]
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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'.[787]
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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.[788]
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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.[789]
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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.[790]
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.[791]
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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.[792]
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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.[793]
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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.[794]
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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.[795]
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.[796]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[797]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[798]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[799]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[800]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[801]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[802]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
9 March 2017
|
New Clerk of the Senate
Richard Pye commences as Clerk of the Senate following Dr
Rosemary Laing's retirement.[803]
The appointment is for a statutory 10-year term.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[804]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[805]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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)).[806]
The resulting vacancy is to be filled by a special recount
of ballot papers.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
19 April 2017
|
SA Senate vacancy filled
The High Court declares Lucy
Gichuhi (FFP, SA) elected as a Senator for South Australia.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[807]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[808]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[809]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[810]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[811]
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.[812]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[813]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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).[814]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[815]
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',[816]
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'.[817]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
24 July 2017
|
New Parliamentary Budget Officer
Jenny Wilkinson becomes the new Parliamentary Budget
Officer following the retirement of Phil Bowen.[818]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
25 July 2017
|
Senator Canavan resigns from the ministry
Matt
Canavan (NP, Qld) steps down from the ministry due to
possible Italian citizenship.[819]
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.[820]
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'.[821]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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'.[822]
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.[823]
The following day, the Senate refers Senator Roberts to the High Court on the
motion of his party leader, Senator Pauline Hanson (PHON, Qld).[824]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[825]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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,[826]
the Government announces its intention to press 'ahead with a voluntary
postal plebiscite for all Australians' on same-sex marriage.[827]
Treasurer Scott
Morrison (LP, Cook, NSW) directs the ABS to conduct the
survey[828]
and makes available $122 million in funding.[829]
The collection period for the Postal Survey opens on 12
September and continues until 7 November.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[830]
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.[831]
On 7 September, the High Court unanimously dismisses both
challenges as being 'demonstrably without substance', publishing its reasons
on 28 September.[832]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[833]
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'.[834]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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'.[835]
The House refers Mr Joyce to the Court of Disputed Returns
later that day.[836]
The issue of his eligibility is of particular significance given that the
Turnbull Government holds a one-seat majority in the House.[837]
The Opposition criticises Mr Joyce for not stepping down
from the ministry while the issue is resolved.[838]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[839]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[840]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[841]
Senator Nash is referred to the Court of Disputed Returns when Parliament
resumes on 4 September.[842]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[843]
The subsequent legal advice indicates that there is no
breach.[844]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[845]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[846]
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.[847]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[848]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[849]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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,[850]
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.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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'.[851]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
16 October 2017
|
Visit by the Irish President
Irish President Michael Higgins visits Parliament House as
part of his official visit to Australia.[852]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
16 October 2017
|
Condolences for Evelyn Scott AO
Parliament acknowledges the death of Indigenous elder and
advocate Dr Evelyn Scott AO.[853]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[854]
However, it unanimously finds that neither Senator Matt
Canavan (NP, Qld) nor Senator Nick
Xenophon (NXT, SA) was disqualified by this provision.[855]
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.[856]
On 28 October the Prime Minister announces consequent
changes to his Ministry.[857]
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|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[858]
Senator Parry is the eighth parliamentarian to become enmeshed in the 'dual
citizenship saga'.[859]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[860]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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:
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[862]
At 44 years old, he is the youngest Senate President.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[863]
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.[864]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[865]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
14 November 2017
|
Senator Lambie resigns
Senator Jacqui Lambie (JLN, Tas) resigns from the Senate
having received confirmation of her UK citizenship.[866]
Senator Lambie's matter is referred to the Court of
Disputed Returns.[867]
On 8 December, the High Court orders the two Tasmanian Senate vacancies be
filled by a special count of votes.[868]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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'.[869]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[870]
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.[871]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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'.[872]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[873]
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.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[874]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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'.[875]
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.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[876]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[877]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[878]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[879]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[880]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[881]
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.[882]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
12 December 2017
|
Senate resignation
Senator Sam
Dastyari (ALP, NSW) announces his intention to resign from
the Senate.[883]
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.[884]
On 7 December, Attorney-General George
Brandis (LP, Qld) declared his intention to refer Senator
Dastyari to the Senate Privileges Committee.[885]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[886]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[887]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
19 December 2017
|
Major Cabinet reshuffle
Prime Minister Malcolm
Turnbull (LP, Wentworth, NSW) announces a Ministry
reshuffle.[888]
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'.[889]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[890]
She was subsequently elected in 2019.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
2018
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[891]
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.[892]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[893]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[894]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[895]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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'.[896]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[897]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[898]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[899]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[900]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[901]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[902]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[903]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
26 March 2018
|
Launch of Parliament House 30th anniversary program
The Presiding Officers launch the Australian Parliament
House 30th anniversary program.[904]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[905]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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'.[906]
The censure follows an inquiry by the Standing Committee
of Privileges and Members' Interests.[907]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[908]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
9 May 2018
|
Parliament House 30th anniversary
Her Majesty The Queen sends congratulations on the 30th
anniversary of the official opening of Parliament House.[909]
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.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[910]
In the wake of the ruling, four further Members of
Parliament announce their resignations:
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[911]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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).[912]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[913]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[914]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[915]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[916]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[917]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[918]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[919]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[920]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[921]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[922]
He defeats Peter
Dutton (LP, Dickson, Qld) who immediately resigns from
Cabinet. Other ministers resign over following days.[923]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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).[924]
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.[925]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[926]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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%).[927]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[928]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[929]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[930]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[931]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[932]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[933]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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'.[934]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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).[935]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
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.[936]
|
|
ch_9.
|
|
2019
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[937]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[938]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[939]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[940]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[941]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[942]
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.[943]
The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of
People with Disability is established in April 2019.[944]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[945]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[946]
On 3 April Fraser
Anning (KAP, Qld) is censured by the Senate for his
comments about the causes of the terrorist attack.[947]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[948]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[949]
These measures replace existing interim arrangement.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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).
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[950]
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%.[951]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[952]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[953]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[954]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[955]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[956]
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.[957]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[958]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[959]
Mr Hawke remains the third longest-serving Australian
Prime Minister and the longest-serving ALP Prime Minister.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[960]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[961]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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'.[962]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[963]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[964]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[965]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[966]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[967]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[968]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
2020
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[969]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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'.[970]
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[971]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[972]
The resignation comes amid ongoing controversy about the governance and
funding under the Community Sport Infrastructure Program.[973]
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[974]
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.[975]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[976]
Adam
Bandt (AG, Melbourne, Vic) succeeds him as leader
the following day.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
4 February 2020
|
Condolence Motions for 'Black Summer' bushfires
The House of Representatives and Senate debate Condolence
Motions following devastating bushfires.[977]
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'.[978]
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.[979]
After the speeches, both Houses adjourn as a mark of
respect to the victims of the bushfires.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[980]
The President's state visit marks the 70th anniversary of formal diplomatic
relations between Australia and Indonesia.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[981]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
27 February 2020
|
Visit of the President of Israel
Israel's President Ruvi Rivlin, visits Parliament House
during his official visit to Australia.[982]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[983]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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'.[984]
The first meeting of the National Cabinet takes place on 15 March.[985]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[986]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[987]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[988]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[989]
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'.[990]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[991]
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[992]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[993]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[994]
The Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia
tables an Interim Report in December 2020 and a Final Report in October 2021.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[995]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[996]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[997]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[998]
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.[999]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1000]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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'.[1001]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1002]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
23 October 2020
|
A new Parliamentary Budget Officer
Dr Stein Helgeby is announced as the new Parliamentary
Budget Officer.[1003]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1004]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1005]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1006]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1007]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1008]
|
|
ch_10.
|
2021
|
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
2 February 2021
|
Changed procedures in the Senate
The Senate begins recording divisions on tablet devices
and reporting the results online in real time.[1009]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1010]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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,[1011]
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.[1012]
The first review is subsequently incorporated into a
broader independent review of Parliament House's workplace culture by the Sex
Discrimination Commissioner.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1013]
In August he is announced as lead of the United Australia Party [2018].[1014]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1015]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1016]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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'.[1017]
Both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition
make statements in the House regarding the rallies.[1018]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1019]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1020]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1021]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1022]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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'.[1023]
The Royal Commission is formally established on 8 July 2021, and is led by
Nick Kaldas, former Deputy Commissioner of the NSW Police Force.[1024]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1025]
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'.[1026]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
4 June 2021
|
Foster report released
Minister for Finance Simon
Birmingham (LP, SA) announces the public release of the Foster Report.[1027]
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.[1028]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1029]
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1030]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1031]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1032]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1033]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1034]
On 31 August and 29 November 2021, Condolence Motions in
the House of Representatives and Senate respectively, pay tribute to Senator
Gallacher.[1035]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1036]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1037]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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).
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1038]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1039]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1040]
He succeeds Scott
Ryan (LP, Vic) who resigned from Parliament on 13 October.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1041]
He succeeds Tony
Smith (LP, Casey, Vic).[1042]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1043]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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).
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1044]
The review, undertaken by Dr Vivienne Thom, finds 'insufficient evidence' for
a finding that his conduct breached Ministerial Standards.[1045]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
2022
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
28 January 2022
|
Change of Party representation
Senator Sam
McMahon (Ind, NT) resigns from the Country Liberal
Party.[1046]
She unsuccessfully contests the 2023 election as a candidate for the Liberal
Democratic Party.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1047]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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'.[1048]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1049]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1050]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1051]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1052]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1053]
Senator Payne is also the longest-serving female federal parliamentarian to
serve in a single chamber.[1054]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1055]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1056]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
31 March 2022
|
Ukrainian President addresses Parliament
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the
Australian Parliament via video link with English translation.[1057]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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).
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
11 April 2022
|
Election called, 46th Parliament ends
The Governor-General
issues a proclamation proroguing the 46th Parliament and dissolving the House
of Representatives.[1058]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1059]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1060]
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.[1061]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1062]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1063]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1064]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1065]
Senator Sue
Lines (ALP, WA) is elected as the 27th President of the
Senate.[1066]
Senator Lines had been Deputy President since 2016.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1067]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1068]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1069]
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'.[1070]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
1 and 2 August 2022
|
Condolence Motions for Archie Roach
The Parliament pays tribute to Archie Roach,
who died on 30 July.[1071]
Gunditjmara and Bundjalung man and member of the Stolen Generation, Roach was
'one of Australia's most distinctive and celebrated performers'.[1072]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
25 August 2022
|
'Robodebt' Royal Commission established
The Government announces a Royal
Commission into the debt assessment and recovery 'Robodebt' scheme.[1073]
Governor-General David Hurley issues the Letters Patent on 18 August 2022, appointing
Catherine Holmes AC, SC as Royal Commissioner.[1074]
The Commission's three volume report is delivered to the Governor-General on 7
July 2023 and tabled in Parliament the same day.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1075]
She recommends more transparency around Executive Councillors, ministers,
administering departments, holding offices, and acting arrangements.[1076]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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).[1077]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1078]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1079]
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.[1080]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1081]
Large crowds gather on the Parliament House Forecourt to witness the
Proclamation, which is followed by a 21-gun salute.[1082]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1083]
A televised National Memorial Service is held at
Parliament House.[1084]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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,[1085]
and 49 senators speak in the Senate.[1086]
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'.[1087]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1088]
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1089]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1090]
Motions in the House of Representatives and Senate also
acknowledge the anniversary.[1091]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1092]
The three-day visit includes the Australia–Singapore Annual Leaders' Meeting.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1093]
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'.[1094]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1095]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1096] The committee
recommends that the chambers adopt the Behaviour Standards and Codes outlined
in Appendix 1 of the report.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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).[1097]
This is only the third time a private member has been censured in the House
of Representatives.[1098]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1099]
However, the Senate passes the Fair Work
Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 during the evening of 1 December.[1100]
The House of Representatives then sits at 8am on 2 December and passes the
Senate's amendments before adjourning at 8.41am.[1101]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1102]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1103]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1104]
The Commission commences operations on 1 July 2023.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1105]
It receives Royal Assent the following day.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1106]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
23 December 2022
|
Change of Party representation
Andrew
Gee (Ind, Calare, NSW) resigns from the Nationals due
to disagreement over The Voice to Parliament.[1107]
He will now sit as an Independent.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
2023
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
3–6 January 2023
|
Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers conference
Parliament House hosts the 26th Conference of Commonwealth
Speakers and Presiding Officers.[1108]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1109]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1110]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
6 February 2023
|
Change of Party representation
Lidia
Thorpe (Ind, Vic) announces her resignation from the
Australian Greens to sit as an Independent.[1111]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1112]
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.[1113]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1114]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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,[1115]
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.[1116]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1117]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1118]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1119]
On 11 March, industrial climbers complete an eight-hour climb to change the
flag.[1120]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1121]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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).[1122]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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?'[1123]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1124]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1125]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1126]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1127]
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'.[1128]
The Bill passes both Houses on 19 June 2023.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1129]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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'.[1130]
The event is presented in conjunction with the Electoral Regulation Research
Network.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1131]
The Senate also extends its congratulations to the King.[1132]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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'.[1133]
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|
|
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.[1134]
The Bill is introduced in the Senate at 10.13am, and similarly passes all
stages on the voices in the Senate by 10.17am.[1135]
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.
|
|
ch_10.
|