Photos courtesy of Auspic
General election
A general election for the House of Representatives and half of the Senate was held on Saturday, 18 May 2019. For information about the general election, visit the Australian Electoral Commission website. For the Senate, the election was for those state senators whose terms expire on 30 June 2019 and territory senators.
On 19 June 2019, a proclamation appointing Tuesday, 2 July 2019 at 10.30 am as the day and time for the Parliament to meet was issued by the Governor-General.
The opening of Parliament - an outline of proceedings
Morning proceedings
| 9.00 am |
Welcome to Country ceremony held in the Great Hall |
| 10.15 am |
The Deputy of the Governor-General arrives on the Forecourt |
| 10.30 am |
Members of the House of Representatives attend the Senate where the Deputy addresses both Houses and opens Parliament |
| 10.50 am (approx) |
Senators sworn-in by the Deputy. Election of the President |
Afternoon proceedings
| 2.00 pm |
The Governor-General arrives in the Forecourt. Royal Salute and inspection of the Guard take place |
| 2.25 pm |
President of the Senate presented to the Governor-General in the Members' Hall |
| 3.00 pm |
The Governor-General attends the Senate
Members of the House of Representatives attend the Senate
The Governor-General address both Houses
(at the conclusion of the speech, a 19 Gun Salute is fired) |
| 4.00 pm |
Afternoon reception for invited guests in the Members' Hall |
| 4.35 pm |
The Governor-General departs Parliament House |
| 5.00 pm |
The Senate proceeds to business |
More information