Key Terms
- Listen to an explanation of the definition of Parliament
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- Parliamentary Democracy
- Representative Government
- Responsible Government
- Westminster System
- The difference between the Parliament and the Government
General Information
- An Overview of the Federal Parliament
- History of Changes in Federal Parliament
- Honourable Members – What To Call Politicians
- Some Definitions, Explanations and Quotes About Parliament
- Parliamentary Sitting Days In Australia 2001
Opening Parliament
One of the main ceremonial duties of the Governor-General is to open the proceedings of the Commonwealth Parliament following each election. The Governor-General summons members of the House of Representatives to the Senate chamber and delivers a speech prepared by the government.
Archived Items
- Jul 07, 2014: Senators Sworn In; New Balance Of Power As 2013 Federal Election Finally Complete
- Nov 12, 2013: Governor-General Quentin Bryce Opens 44th Parliament
- Nov 16, 2004: Governor-General’s Address Opening The 41st Parliament
- Feb 12, 2002: Governor-General’s Speech Opening The 40th Parliament
- May 08, 1990: Governor-General Bill Hayden Opens The 36th Parliament
- Sep 14, 1987: Governor-General’s Speech Opening Parliament: 1987
- Apr 21, 1983: Governor-General’s Speech Opening Parliament: 1983
Members of Parliament
Archived Posts
- Oct 02, 2014: Senate President Announces Decision On Covered Visitors To Parliament House
- Sep 19, 2014: Abbott Says Federal Police Now Handling External And Internal Security At Parliament House
- Dec 11, 2013: That’s It, You’re Out: Disorderly Conduct In The House Of Representatives
- Nov 04, 2013: Governor-General’s Proclamation Summoning Parliament
- Oct 14, 2013: Current Federal Parliamentary Leaders
- Jun 27, 2013: Current Federal Parliamentary Leaders
- Feb 04, 2013: Current Federal Parliamentary Leaders
- Nov 01, 2012: Current Federal Parliamentary Party Leaders
- Sep 17, 2007: Current Federal Parliamentary Party Leaders
- Sep 14, 2002: Western Australian Government To Toughen MPs Disclosure Laws
- Apr 29, 2002: ALP Women Continue Fight For Equal Representation
- May 01, 2001: Longest Currently Serving Members Of Federal Parliament