Government & Democracy
The Parliament: Senate and House of Representatives
The federal Parliament is made up of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. A proposed law (a bill) must be passed by both houses and receive Royal Assent before it becomes law.
Key facts
- ◆ The House of Representatives has over 150 members elected from electorates.
- ◆ The Senate has 76 senators, with equal numbers from each state.
- ◆ A bill must pass both houses to become an Act of Parliament.
- ◆ The party with majority support in the House of Representatives forms government.