Opening of the 45th Parliament

Tuesday, 30 August 2016

An outline of proceedings

Opening of the 44th Parliament
  • Welcome to Country ceremony conducted by local Indigenous people.
  • Arrival of the Deputy of the Governor-General and Justice Kiefel.
  • Proclamation summoning Parliament read by the Clerk of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives in the respective chambers.
  • Deputy introduced by the Usher of the Black Rod to the Senate chamber.
  • Usher of the Black Rod directed to summon the Members of the House of Representatives.
Senators and members of the House of Representatives assembled in the Senate chamber
  • With members assembled in the Senate chamber, commission appointing the deputies read by the Clerk of the Senate.
  • Deputy announces that the Governor-General will, at a later time, declare the cause of calling Parliament together (give the opening speech).
  • Members return to the House.


In the Senate

  • Certificates of election for all senators presented by the Clerk of the Senate.
  • Senators sworn-in by the Deputy.
  • President of the Senate elected.
  • Sitting of the Senate suspended.

In the House of Representatives

  • Returns to the writs presented by the Clerk of the House.
  • Members sworn in by Justice Kiefel.
  • Speaker of the House of Representatives elected.
  • Sitting of the House suspended.


Order of proceedings 

  • Arrival of the Governor-General in the Forecourt and inspection of the Guard.
  • Presentation of the Presiding Officers to the Governor-General in the Members Hall.

Serjeant-at-Arms leading members of the House of Representatives to the Senate chamber
  • Sitting of both Houses resumes at a designated time.
  • Governor-General announced in the Senate chamber.
  • Usher of the Black Rod directed to summon the Members of the House of Representatives.
  • With members assembled, the Governor-General delivers his opening speech.
  • A 19 gun salute is conducted at the conclusion of the speech.

  • Departure of the Governor-General from the Senate chamber.
  • President takes the chair.
  • Sittings suspended.

Photogallery

Photos courtesy of Auspic