Parliiament History
Parliiament History
Parliiament History
ISSN 1834-9854
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers should exercise caution when viewing this publication as it may
contain images of deceased persons.
The Parliamentary Library wishes to acknowledge the generous assistance of the following institutions in
providing access to their collections for the preparation of this chronology.
Contents
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Introduction................................................................................................. 4
Indigenous country and European settlement, pre 1788‒1900 ....................... 6
Federation and the Seat of Government debate, 1900‒1911 ......................... 8
Creating the national capital, 1912‒1953 .................................................... 16
Locating the permanent building, 1954‒1974 .............................................. 26
Planning the building, 1975‒1978 ............................................................... 35
The design competition, 1979‒1981............................................................ 37
Construction of Parliament House, 1981‒1988 ............................................ 41
The official opening, 1988........................................................................... 48
The first decade, 1988‒1998 ....................................................................... 55
The second decade, 1998‒2008 .................................................................. 73
The third decade, 2008‒18 ......................................................................... 93
2014 ........................................................................................................ 123
2015 ........................................................................................................ 133
2016 ........................................................................................................ 143
2017 ........................................................................................................ 161
2018 (to March) ....................................................................................... 190
Appendix 1: Facts and statistics ................................................................ 194
Appendix 2: Addresses to joint meetings of the Australian Parliament
since 1988................................................................................................ 195
Appendix 3: Presiding Officers since 1988 ................................................. 197
Appendix 4: Key sources and further reading ............................................ 198
Appendix 5: Key Commonwealth Acts passed since 1988 ........................... 201
Appendix 6: Acknowledgements and credits ............................................. 215
Introduction
Australia's Parliament House turns 30 on 9 May 2018. This chronology celebrates milestones in the Parliament,
as well as significant events in the evolution of the building and its landscape setting. Originally issued in 2013 to
mark the 25th anniversary of Parliament House, this chronology is now updated and reissued to mark the 30th
anniversary, with additional content from subsequent chronologies that have continued the story over 2014–
2018.
Since 1988, Parliament House has been the meeting place of the Parliament of Australia and the symbolic heart
of parliamentary democracy in Australia. It provides the setting for ceremonial functions, for hosting state and
visiting dignitaries, and for a variety of political, community and social events, many of which are broadcast
Australia-wide. It also houses historic documents and artworks of significance to the nation, and it has welcomed
more than 30 million Australian and international visitors since it opened on 9 May 1988. It is one of the most
visited and visible buildings in Australia, and its integration of art and architecture is internationally recognised.
Parliament House has also become a symbolically significant location for Australians and their elected
representatives to promote their views on matters of importance to the nation. According to the Parliamentary
Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories in 1997:
By protesting in the national capital in front of the national Parliament, people symbolically are delivering the
1
message directly to their elected representatives.
Parliament House is also a workplace where over 5,000 people are accommodated during parliamentary sittings.
The Parliamentary departments, under the direction of the Presiding Officers, have stewardship of Parliament
House, its precincts, artworks and crafts, and most of its furniture on behalf of the Parliament and Australian
people. A noticeable aspect of this stewardship of Parliament House has been the progressive upgrading of
security measures since 1988, with the most obvious changes being those on the outside of the building such as
the construction of perimeter fencing.
At its opening in 1988, the Prime Minister the Hon. Bob Hawke described Parliament House as 'an enduring
statement of our nation's profound commitment to the principles and practices of democratic government':
It is a building for the entire Australian community, a workplace for the community's elected representatives and a
free and open forum for resolving the community's concerns….the symbolic and practical importance of the
building, as well as the very high standard of excellence of its construction and finish will be a great source of pride
2
to all Australians now and in the future.
Over the last 30 years Parliament House has seen: eleven parliaments; seven prime ministers (including
Australia’s first female Prime Minister); three changes of government; and the first Indigenous Member of the
House of Representatives, the first female Indigenous parliamentarian, and the first Indigenous minister. The
building has also seen numerous visits and addresses by foreign leaders from around the world including
Norway, Vietnam, Japan, China, the United Kingdom, India, France, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, New Zealand, Malaysia,
the United States, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Lebanon, Jordan, Zimbabwe, the Solomon Islands, Singapore, and
Timor-Leste.
The following milestones represent defining events and turning points in this history. They are necessarily
selective, and make no claim to being comprehensive or complete. They provide the historical context for the
selection of the site and the design of the building, including the ongoing significance of Parliament House and
its landscape setting for Indigenous Australians. They examine the history of the planning and building of
Parliament House. They illustrate the national implications of events taking place in the Parliament since 1988,
as well as the heritage significance of the arts and crafts and the various collections that are housed in the
building. They depict the relationship between Parliament House and the people of Australia, the ways in which
parliamentarians, staff, and visitors perceive it, and how it continues to evolve in response to changing needs
and circumstances.
1. The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories , A right to
protest, AGPS, Canberra, 1997, pp. xx, 13.
2. Prime Minister the Hon. Bob Hawke, Speech at the opening of the new Parliament House , Canberra, 9 May 1988, accessed 2 October 2012.
3. Prayer and acknowledgement of country, in R Laing, ed, Annotated standing orders of the Australian Senate, Chapter 8, section 50,
Department of the Senate, accessed 12 March 2013; BC Wright, ed, Acknowledgement of country and prayers, House of Representatives
Standing and Sessional Orders, Chapter 6, section 38, Department of the House of Representatives, Canberra, 20 October 2010, accessed 12
March 2013.
4. The spelling of the names varies. Authoritative sources of the Indigenous history of the Canberra region include D Horton, ed, The
encyclopaedia of Aboriginal Australia: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, society and culture, Aboriginal Studies Press for the
Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, 1994, Vol. 2, pp. 789‒90, 1008‒10; A Jackson-Nakano, The Kamberri: a
history from the records of Aboriginal families in the Canberra-Queanbeyan district and surrounds 1820‒1927, and historical overview 1928‒
2001, Weereewaa History Series, Vol. 1, Aboriginal History Monograph 8, Ann Jackson-Nakano and Aboriginal History Inc., 2001; NB Tindale,
Aboriginal tribes of Australia: their terrain, environmental controls, distribution, limits, and proper names, Australian National University
Press, Canberra, 1974, p. 198; J Flood, The moth hunters: Aboriginal prehistory of the Australian Alps, Australian Institute of Aboriginal
Studies, Canberra, 1980.
5. LF Fitzhardinge, ‘Moore, Joshua John (1790‒1864)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, accessed 15 February 2013,
6. Senate, Records of the Australasian Federal Conventions of the 1890s, accessed 1 February 2013.
7. ‘Selecting the federal capital site’, Design 29: creating a capital, National Archives of Australia, accessed 13 June 2013.
1901 Federation
Australia becomes a nation on 1 January 1901 when the six
colonies federate, and the Commonwealth of Australia is
proclaimed in Centennial Park, Sydney.
Lord Hopetoun is appointed as Australia’s first Governor-General.
Edmund Barton (Protectionist, Member for Hunter, NSW, 1901‒
03) is sworn in as Australia’s first Prime Minister.
Street decorations for
Federation celebrations, 1900‒
1901
8. Royal Commission of Assent 9 July 1900 (UK), National Archives of Australia, accessed 9 August 2012.
9. The Constitution, An Act to constitute the Commonwealth of Australia [9th July 1900], section 125, accessed 19 December 2012.
10. Creating a nation, National Archives of Australia; Australian Capital Territory documents, accessed 9 August 2012, Documenting a Democracy,
National Archives of Australia.
11. The opening of Parliament, Senate Brief No. 2, May 2011, accessed 9 August 2012.
12. The Constitution, An Act to constitute the Commonwealth of Australia [9th July 1900], section 125, accessed 19 December 2012.
13. V Isaacs, ‘Parliament in exile: aspects of the Victorian Parliament at the Exhibition Building, 1901 to 1927’, in Australian Parliamentary
Review, Vol. 17, No. 1, Autumn 2002, p. 80.
14. JC Stephens, Proceedings – the Congress of Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, and others interested in the Building of the Federal Capital of
Australia, Melbourne, 1901.
15. The Constitution, An Act to constitute the Commonwealth of Australia [9th July 1900], section 125, accessed 19 December 2012.
16. History of Parliament House, Parliament of Australia, accessed 9 August 2012.
17. National Capital Authority, 'History of the capital', accessed 9 October 2012.
Commonwealth of Australia:
complete summary of
information with regard to
proposed federal capital sites,
19 February 1902
18 Selecting the federal capital site, National Archives of Australia, accessed 11 September 2013.
1904 Seat of Government Act 1904 Read: J Gale, The federal capital:
Dalgety or Canberra, which?,
The second Commonwealth Parliament passes a Seat of Queanbeyan, 24 July 1907
Government Act on 15 August 1904, confirming Dalgety as the
site of the future national capital.
The NSW Government disagrees and refuses to cede the land to
the Commonwealth. The Watson Government loses office two
days later, and successive governments continue to debate
where the new capital should be located. 21
19. History of Seat of Government Acceptance Act 1909, Founding Documents, National Archives of Australia, accessed 9 August 2012.
20. National Capital Authority, ‘History of the capital’, accessed 9 October 2012.
21. Seat of Government Act 1908 (Cth), Documenting a Democracy, National Archives of Australia, accessed 13 August 2012.
22. Seat of Government Act 1908 (Cth), Documenting a Democracy, National Archives of Australia, accessed 13 August 2012.
23. BC Wright, ed, House of Representatives Practice, sixth edn, Chapter 4, p. 105, note 5, accessed 12 January 2013.
24. Seat of Government Acceptance Act 1909 (Cth), accessed 16 October 2012; Seat of Government Surrender Act 1909 (NSW), accessed 16
October 2012.
25 M Healey, Territory Representation in the Commonwealth Parliament, Research Note Number 8, 2000-01, Parliamentary Library, 2000.
26. ‘Chronology of the ACT’, Canberra and District Historical Society, accessed 12 January 2013.
27. G Wood, Canberra maps and makers, ACT Government, 2009, pp. 28‒9.
28. 20008, Surveyor’s Hut, Section 7 Block 1, Capital Hill, Entry to the ACT Heritage Register, ACT Heritage Council, accessed 13 February 2013.
29. The opening of Parliament, Senate Brief No. 2, May 2011, accessed 9 August 2012.
The Hon. King O’Malley, Minister of State for Home Affairs (IND Image courtesy of National
1901, Member for Tas.; ALP 1901‒17, Member for Darwin, Library of Australia
retains authority over the final decision. The three are unable to
agree on the winner and runners up from a shortlist of 46, with
Kirkpatrick and Smith reporting in favour of Griffin’s design but
Coane, chair of the board, preferring a local design. In May 2012,
the board provides O’Malley with majority and minoring reports.
Following consultation with other ministers, O’Malley adjudicates
the result and accepts the majority report. 31
30 ‘Information and materials’, An ideal city?: the 1912 competition to design Canberra, National Archives of Australia, National Capital
Authority and the National Library of Australia, accessed 13 June 2013.
31 ‘A capital competition’, An ideal city?: the 1912 competition to design Canberra, National Archives of Australia, National Capital Authority and
National Library of Australia, accessed 13 June 2013.
32. WB Griffin, ‘Original report’ [1912], reprinted with corrections in Senate, Report from the Select Committee appointed to inquire into and
report upon the development of Canberra, September 1955, Appendix B.
33 ‘Federal Capital: The Winning Plans’, The Argus, 24 May 1912.
34 ‘The City Beautiful, Sydney Morning Herald, 27 May 1912.
35 Board of Officers, November 1912, cited in Federal Capital Administration: Report of the Royal Commission: 1. Issues relating to Mr Griffin,
Melbourne, 15 March 1917, p. 7, accessed 13 June 2013.
36 ‘A capital competition’, An ideal city?: the 1912 competition to design Canberra, National Archives of Australia, National Capital Authority and
National Library of Australia, accessed 13 June 2013.
37 Federal Capital Administration: Report of the Royal Commission: 1. Issues relating to Mr Griffin, Melbourne 1917, p. 7, accessed 13 June 2013.
38. WB Griffin, ‘Original report’ [1912], reprinted with corrections in Senate, Report from the Select Committee appointed to inquire into and
report upon the development of Canberra, September 1955.
39. National Trust Register of Significant Places citation, Commencement Column Monument (Commemoration Stone), Foundation Stones of the
Commencement Column, 13 November 1998.
40. Canberra – Capital City of the Commonwealth of Australia (Laying the Foundation Stones of the Commencement Column and Naming the
Federal City: 12 March 2013), Government Printer, Victoria, p. 31., p. 23, cited in D Headon, Canberra: Crystal Palace to golden trowels,
Canberra, 2009, p. 27, accessed 16 August 2012.
41. G Hogan, Parliament House Canberra, 1927, Records relating to the design, construction and opening of the provisional Parliament House,
National Archives of Australia, Research Guide No. 6, 2003, pp. 9‒10.
42. National Archives of Australia, The design competition, 1914‒24, accessed 13 February 2013,; G McIntosh, As it was in the Beginning
(Parliament House in 1927), Research Paper No. 25, 2000‒01, Parliamentary Library, 27 March 2001, accessed 16 August 2012.
43. House of Representatives, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, Erection of the provisional Parliament House, Canberra, 19
July 1923, Appendix A, p. xxii, accessed 14 February 2013.
44. A.C.T. Self-Government (Consequential Provisions) Act 1988, accessed 5 April 2013.
45 W B Griffin, evidence to the Royal Commission on Federal Capital Administration, quoted in Federal Capital Administration: Report of the
Royal Commission: 1. Issues relating to Mr Griffin, Melbourne, 15 March 1917, p. 4, accessed 13 June 2013.
46 Federal Capital Administration: Report of the Royal Commission: 1. Issues relating to Mr Griffin, Melbourne, 15 March 1917, p. 4, accessed
13 June 2013.
47 Established by the Seat of Government (Administration) Act 1924, accessed 5 April 2013,
48 ‘History of the NCA’, National Capital Authority, accessed 5 April 2013.
49 National Capital Authority, Building Canberra to 1958, NCA Factsheet, accessed 5 April 2013.
50. House of Representatives, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, Erection of the provisional Parliament House, Canberra, 19
July 1923, pp. xi‒xii, accessed 14 February 2013.
51. National Archives of Australia, Record No. A199, FC24/1174, cited in House of Representatives, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public
Works, Erection of the provisional Parliament House, Canberra, 19 July 1923, p. 13, accessed 14 February 2013.
52. LL Gillespie, Aborigines of the Canberra region, Campbell, ACT, 1984, p. 14,
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54. D Marshall, C Burton, A Grinbergs, C Johnston and J Donkin, W Nicholls, B O’Keefe and others, Parliament House Vista Heritage Management
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Authority, An ideal city? The 1912 competition to design Canberra, accessed 2 October 2012.
55. A Gugler, A story of Capital Hill, 2009.
56. House of Representatives, Debates, 9 May 1927, p. 2.
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59. National Capital Authority, Building Canberra to 1958, NCA Factsheet, accessed 5 April 2013.
1954 Senate committee reports on Canberra Read: Report from the Senate
Select Committee appointed to
The Senate appoints a Select Committee in 1954 to inquire inquire into and report upon the
into and report on the development of Canberra. development of Canberra,
The committee report, published in September 1955, notes 28 September 1955
that ‘Canberra as a city is being built to a plan which looks
centuries ahead’. However it notes that, since the Public
Works Committee enquiry of 1923, ‘there seems to have
been very little thought in regard to Capital Hill’:
Burley Griffin’s plan for this area provided for a “Capitol”
on the summit, with residences for the Governor-
General on the one side, and the Prime Minister on the
other. Parliament House was to be on a lower level at
the head of the Government Triangle on the site known
as “Camp Hill”, in direct line with the axis running from
the “Capitol” to the summit of Mt. Ainslie….No
development has taken place in regard to this area,
except for the provision of temporary workmen’s
quarters and the laying of the foundation stones of the
commencement column in 1913, and it appears in the
60
centre of Canberra as a huge vacuum.
60. The Senate, Report from the Select Committee appointed to inquire into and report upon the development of Canberra, Canberra,
September 1955, pp. 30‒31.
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68. House of Representatives, Debates, 15 August 1968, accessed 5 February 2013.
1969 Camp Hill site selected Read: Joint Select Committee on the
new and permanent Parliament
On 30 April 1969, the Joint Select Committee on the New House: special report on the site,
and Permanent Parliament House submits its report on 1 August 1968
the alternative sites of Capital Hill and the Camp Hill area
to Parliament. 73 Read: Joint Select Committee on the
new and permanent Parliament
The report attracts a lengthy debate in both Houses and, House, Report on the alternative sites
in a rare free non-party vote, Senators and Members of Capital Hill and the Camp Hill area
decide against the proposal for a lakeside site and it is for the new and permanent
abandoned. The Joint Select Committee subsequently Parliament House, 30 April 1969
recommends to Parliament that the New and Permanent
Parliament House should be sited at Camp Hill, as
originally recommended by Walter Burley Griffin. 74 The
House of Representatives votes to agree with the
recommendation, whilst the Senate votes to disagree with
it. The Senate also votes against a joint sitting, and the
situation remains unresolved. Prime Minister the Rt Hon.
John Gorton (LP, Senator for Victoria, 1949‒68 and
Member for Higgins, Vic., 1968‒75) makes a ministerial
statement, stating that the position cannot be allowed to
remain unresolved because of the need for planning and
construction to commence. He states:
The Government, therefore, feeling that a decision
must be made, had decided to inform the National
Capital Development Commission that Camp Hill
75
would be the site of the new Parliament House.
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Constitution Alteration
(Referendums) Act 1977 (No. 84
of 1977)
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Bob Hawke speaking at the
Prime Minister the Hon. Bob Hawke (ALP, Member for Wills, opening of the New Parliament
Vic., 1980‒92) gives an official speech to mark the opening of House, Canberra
the New Parliament House:
Video courtesy of DPS
…this building will become for our nation both the forum Broadcasting, Parliament House
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
123
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(2) affirms:
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th
40 anniversary of first
Australian citizenship ceremony
held at Parliament House,
Canberra. Award is presented to
the recipient by Governor
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1992 Address by US President the Hon. George Bush Watch: Address by the President
of the United States of America,
A joint meeting of both Houses is proposed by resolution that the Hon. George Bush
the Senate and the House of Representatives will meet
concurrently in the chamber of the House of Representatives DPS Broadcasting, Parliament
on 2 January 1992 to hear the address of the President of the House
United States, the Hon. George Bush. 161
President Bush is the first foreign head of state to address a
joint meeting of the Commonwealth Parliament. The joint
meeting is the first to be held in the new Parliament House,
and is only the third joint meeting to be held in the history of
the Parliament. Between the opening of the new building in
1988 and its 25th anniversary in 2013, the Australian
Parliament receives addresses from eight foreign leaders. 162
164. House of Representatives, Debates, 2 April 1992, p. 1734, accessed 13 February 2013.
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1996 Address by US President the Hon. Bill Clinton Watch: Address by the President
of the United States, the Hon. Bill
On 20 November 1996 United States President the Hon. Bill Clinton
Clinton addresses a joint meeting of parliament, following his
re-election to a second term of office. He is the second US Video courtesy of DPS
president to do so. 180 Broadcasting, Parliament House
182. S Bennett, Parliament House and the Australian people, Research paper no. 29, Parliamentary Library, 7 May 2008, p. 25, accessed 9 August
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186. The opening of Parliament, Senate Brief No. 2, May 2011, accessed 9 August 2012.
1999 Goods and Services Tax (GST) introduced Watch: Senator Brian
Harradine announcing his
The House of Representatives agrees to Senate amendments and intention to vote against
requests on 29 June 1999 in relation to A New Tax System (Goods the GST, 14 May 1999
and Services Tax) Act 1999 and related bills, and requests that the
bills be read a third time in the Senate. 188 Video courtesy of DPS
Broadcasting, Parliament
The GST is a key element of the Howard Government’s tax reform House
plan, and dominates the Government’s campaign in the lead up to
the 1998 Commonwealth election. On 14 May 1999 Senator Brian
Harradine (Tas. Ind., Senator for Tas., 1975‒2005) announces to
the Senate his intention to vote against the introduction of a GST.
The Australian Democrats, which shares the balance of power in
the Senate, uses its influence to help pass the legislation after
winning concessions from the Howard Government. The move
187. House of Representatives, Debates, 11 March 1999, p. 3787, accessed 8 February 2013.
188. House of Representatives, Debates, 29 June 1999, p. 7769, accessed 8 February 2013.
Let us, as a Senate, stand with our fellow Australians Video courtesy of DPS
in their struggle for justice. Let us translate the Broadcasting, Parliament
compassion that this nation felt on the publication of House
that report into action. 192
189. B Bennett, A New Tax System (Goods and services Tax) Bill 1998, Bills Digest No. 97, 1998–9, 28 January 1999, accessed 13 September 2012;
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September 2012; Senate, Bills debated for longer than 20 hours 1990–2012, op. cit.
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198. B Bennett, Parliamentary Service Bill 1999, Department of the Parliamentary Library, Bill Digest No. 18 1999‒2000, 1 August 1999, accessed
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201. ‘Point of order PM, you’ve got mail’, Australian, 15 August 2000, p. 1.
Watch: Centenary of
Federation historic joint
sitting in the Senate and
the House of
Representatives, Victorian
Parliament, 10 May 2001
202. ‘Point of order PM, you’ve got mail’, Australian, 15 August 2000, p. 30.
203. D McKeown, Codes of conduct in Australian and selected overseas parliaments, Parliamentary Library, Background Note, updated 18
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208. D Elder, ‘The new terrorism—the example of the Commonwealth Parliament, Australasian Parliamentary Review, Spring 2004, Vol. 19, No. 1,
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213. G Curry, ‘Long walk to bring anti-war message to Parliament’, Canberra Times, 6 March 2003, accessed 9 January 2013.
214. The University of Sydney Honorary Awards: Professor Romaldo Giurgola AO, accessed 26 September 2012.
Twelve doves are released to mark the occasion, and the flags
outside Parliament House are lowered to half mast.
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238. R Laing, Annotated standing orders of the Australian Senate, Department of the Senate, 2009, Appendix 1: Chronology of procedural
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2006 UK Prime Minister the Hon. Tony Blair Watch: Address by the
Prime Minister of the
On 27 March 2006 the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the United Kingdom
Hon. Tony Blair, gives an address to the Parliament. 241
Video courtesy of DPS
This is the first address given by a visiting foreign head of state Broadcasting, Parliament
where Senators are invited as guests to a sitting of the House of House
Representatives. According to the House of Representatives
Practice:
The initial practice on such occasions was that the House and
Senate would meet (concurrently rather than in joint session)
in the House of Representatives Chamber to hear the address.
The Senate met in the House Chamber at the House’s
invitation; having agreed that the Speaker would preside and
that the procedures of the House would apply so far as they
were applicable.
239. Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Repeal of Ministerial responsibility for approval of RU486) Act 2006, ComLaw, accessed 6 September 2012,; J
McCann and J Wilson, Representation of women in Australian parliaments, Background Note, Parliamentary Library, 7 March 2012, accessed
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240. D Elder, ‘The new terrorism: the parliamentary response—the example of the Commonwealth Parliament, Australasian Parliamentary
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243. S Bennett, Parliament House and the Australian people, Research paper no. 29, Parliamentary Library, 7 May 2008, p. 17, accessed 9 August
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244. Senate Statistics Unit, Private Senators’ Bills, p. 66, accessed 12 September 2012.
245. H Evans and R Laing, eds, Odgers’ Australian Senate Practice, Thirteenth edn, Department of the Senate, Canberra, 2012, Appendix 10: A
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246. Parliamentary Library, The Kyoto Protocol, Climate change – Background Note, 15 July 2010, accessed 14 January 2013.
2007 Message stick tabled in the Senate Watch: Senator Bob Brown
tabling message stick in the
Senator Bob Brown is given leave by the Senate to table a message Senate
stick, plus a translation, in the course of debate on the 2007
Northern Territory emergency response legislation. Video courtesy of DPS
Broadcasting, Parliament
The message stick was presented to the Parliament by Raymattja House
Marika on behalf of the Northern Territory Indigenous peoples, at
the Gulkula meeting at Garma in the Northern Territory on 3 and 4
August 2007. The message stick reads:
Stop the legislation. Sit down and talk. No more
247
dispossession.
2007 Canadian Prime Minister the Rt Hon. Stephen Harper Watch: Address by the
Prime Minister of Canada
On 11 September 2007 the Prime Minister of Canada, the Rt Hon.
Stephen Harper, addresses the Parliament. In accordance with a Video courtesy of DPS
procedure agreed to in 2003, the address is presented in the Broadcasting, Parliament
House and Senators attend as guests of the House. 248 House
253. House of Representatives Votes and Proceedings, 12 February 2008, item 27, pp. 27–8, accessed 26 August 2012.
Parliamentary Handbook
258. Parliament House: 20th anniversary celebrations, House of Representatives Hansard, 13 May 2008, p. 2574, accessed 4 October 2012.
259. G Yunupingu, ‘Tradition, Truth & Tomorrow’, The Monthly, December 2008‒January 2009, cited in ‘Bark petitions: Indigenous art and reform
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260. J Massola, ‘Chamber leaper pleads to “belong”’, Canberra Times, 2 December 2008, p. 4, accessed 16 January 2013.
261. The Speaker, House of Representatives, Debates, 3 December 2008; the Speaker, House of Representatives, Debates, 4 December 2008, p.
12726.
262. Senate, Journals, No. 59, 12 February 2009, accessed 11 February 2013.
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264. A Albanese, ‘Parliamentary zone: approval of proposal’, House of Representatives, Debates, 24 June 2008, p. 5759, accessed 30 January 2013;
M Rodrigues, Children in the parliamentary chambers, Research Paper, No. 9, 19 November 2009, p. 19, accessed 30 January 2013; Australian
Institute of Landscape Architects, Capital Hill Early Childhood Centre and Garden, Parliament House, Canberra, accessed 10 December 2012;
E Macdonald, ‘Parliament to get child-care centre at last’, Canberra Times, 23 June 2006, p. 6, accessed 14 January 2013.
265. Australian Government, Apology to the Forgotten Australians and former child migrants, Department of Families, Housing, Community
Services and Indigenous Affairs, accessed 4 September 2012.
266. House of Representatives, Debates, 10 March 2010, p. 2136, accessed 15 February 2013.
267. Evans, H and R Laing, eds, Odgers’ Australian Senate Practice, Thirteenth edn, Department of the Senate, Canberra, 2012, Appendix 10: A
chronology of the Senate 1901‒2008, accessed 8 February 2013. A Albanese, ‘Standing and Sessional Orders’, House of Representatives,
Debates, 23 June 2010.
2010 First woman Prime Minister Watch: The Hon. Julia Gillard
th
sworn in as Australia’s 27 Prime
On 24 June 2010 the Hon. Julia Gillard (ALP, Member for Minister
Lalor, Vic., 1998‒2013) becomes the 27th Prime Minister of
Australia, and the first woman to hold that position having Source: Ten News
previously served as Australia’s first female Deputy Prime
Minister. 268As a Welsh-born migrant, she is also the first
Australian Prime Minister to be born overseas since the Rt
Hon. WM (Billy) Hughes.
and the Australian Greens giving it the necessary support to Parliament of Australia, 28
form a minority Government. 271 The hung parliament, and September 2010, Part 1 and Part
the resulting Agreement for a better Parliament: 2
Parliamentary Reform, have a major impact on the work and Video courtesy of DPS
practices of the 43rd Parliament including the introduction of Broadcasting, Parliament House
time limits on questions and answers, extra sitting hours, and
greatly increased opportunities for private Members including
a significant increase in the number of private members’ bills
—more than in any year since Federation in 1901. 272
268. J McCann and J Wilson, Representation of women in Australian parliaments, Background Note, Parliamentary Library, 7 March 2012, p. 3,
accessed 6 September 2012.
269. C Vernon, ‘Lines that speak’, Architecture Australia, Vol. 100, No. 2, March 2011, accessed 3 October 2012.
270. Senate, Debates, 28 September 2010, p. 2, accessed 15 February 2013.
271. Politics and Public Administration Section, The hung Commonwealth Parliament: the first year, Background Note, Parliamentary Library, 7
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272. Clerk’s review, House of Representatives, Annual Report 2011‒12, accessed 5 December 2012.
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Wyatt Roy MP
278. House of Representatives, Debates, 26 October 2010, p. 1600, accessed 14 February 2013.
279. Senate Committees and Responsible Government: Proceedings of the Conference to mark the twentieth anniversary of Senate Legislative and
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280. S Hannaford, ‘Parliament “wrong site” for war room’, Canberra Times, 21 December 2009, p. 12.
281. Australian Government, Mongolia country brief, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, accessed 3 September 2012.
282. Prime Minister of Australia, Speech to the luncheon in honour of the PM of Malaysia, 3 March 2011, accessed 3 September 2012.
2011 Address by New Zealand Prime Minister Watch: Address by the Prime
Minister of New Zealand
On 20 June 2011 the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt
Hon. John Key, becomes the first New Zealand head of state Video courtesy of DPS
to address the Parliament. In accordance with a procedure Broadcasting, Parliament House
agreed to in 2003, the address is presented in the House and
Senators attend as guests of the House. 285
283. H Jenkins, ‘Questions without Notice: Carbon Pricing’, House of Representatives, Debates, 31 May 2011, pp. 5283–84.
284. Central Tibetan Administration, ‘Top Australian leaders meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Parliament House’, 14 June 2011, accessed
18 December 2012.
285. House of Representatives, Debates, 20 June 2011, p. 6450, accessed 15 February 2013.
286. Parliament of Australia, Solar panels pilot project, accessed 12 September 2012.
290. House of Representatives, Debates, 17 November 2011, p. 12846, accessed 15 February 2013.
291. BC Wright, ed, House of Representatives Practice (sixth edn), Chapter 4: Parliament House and access to proceedings, p. 242, accessed 12
January 2013.
292. S Fernandes, ‘Addresses to joint meetings of the Australian Parliament’, FlagPost, 11 November 2011, accessed 3 October 2012.
293. C Madden, ‘Speaker’s resignation’, FlagPost, 10 October 2012, accessed 12 January 2013.
294. House of Representatives Standing Committee on Procedure, Renaming the Main Committee, Canberra, June 2004, accessed 27 September
2012; S Fernandes, ‘Renaming of the Main Committee’, Flagpost, 7 February 2012, accessed 27 September 2012.
295. Clerk’s review, House of Representatives, Annual Report 2011‒12, accessed 5 December 2012.
296. C Madden, ‘Speaker’s resignation’, FlagPost, 10 October 2012, accessed 12 January 2013.
297. Mr Romaldo Giurgola, Committee Hansard, 16 November 2011, p. 1; Mr Romaldo Giurgola, Submission 7, pp. 1–2; cited in Senate Standing
Committees on Finance and Public Administration, Interim Report: The performance of the Department of Parliamentary Services, 27 June
2012, Chapter 3, accessed 25 September 2012.
298. Parliament of Australia, Parliamentary Budget Office, accessed 4 December 2012.
2012 Visit by Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Watch: Visit by the Prime
Minister of the Solomon Islands
On 22 August 2012 the Prime Minister of the Solomon
Islands, Gordon Darcy Lilo, attends a luncheon at Parliament Video courtesy of DPS
House during his State Visit to Australia. Broadcasting, Parliament House
2012 Apology to victims of sexual abuse in the Australian Defence Watch: Apology to victims of
sexual abuse in the Australian
299. C Madden, ‘Speaker’s resignation’, FlagPost, 10 October 2012, accessed 12 January 2013.
300. Parliament of Australia, Rules for media related activity in Parliament House and its precincts, issued by the Presiding Officers, November
2012, accessed 13 December 2012.
301 House of Representatives, Debates, 13 February 2013, p. 6, accessed 26 February 2013.
2013 National Apology for forced adoptions Watch: National Apology for
forced adoptions
On 21 March 2013, in a ceremony in the Great Hall at
Parliament House, the Prime Minister the Hon. Julia Gillard Video courtesy of DPS
(ALP, Member for Lalor, Vic, 1998‒2013) and Leader of the Broadcasting, Parliament House
Opposition the Hon. Tony Abbott (LP, Member for Warringah,
NSW, 1994‒) apologise on behalf of the nation to those
affected by forced adoption policies. Speaking at the event,
the Prime Minister says in part:
No collection of words alone can undo all this damage. Or
make whole the lives and families fractured by forced
adoption. Or give back childhoods that were robbed of joy
and laughter. Or make amends for the Birthdays and
Christmases and Mother’s or Father’s Days that only brought
a fresh wave of grief and loss. But by saying sorry we can
correct the historical record.
After the event, motions of apology are moved in the House
of Representatives and in the Senate. The Government also
tables in the Senate the Government’s response to the Senate
Community Affairs Reference Committee report
Commonwealth Contribution to Former Forced Adoption
Policies and Practices. The response includes funding for
practical measures to assist those affected by forced adoption
practices.
Between 2010-12 governments of all states and the
Australian Capital Territory issued apologies to those affected
by forced adoption. 303
302 Statement by the Speaker, ‘Disruption in the Galleries, use of Twitter’, House of Representatives, Debates, 13 March 2013, p. 1934, accessed
13 June 2013.
303. See ‘State and territory government apologies’, Attorney-General’s Department, accessed 20 June 2013.The NT Government announced on
24 January 2013 that it would issue an apology to victims of forced adoption. However the Minister for Children and Families, Alison
Anderson, issued a press release on 21 March stating: ‘We offer our heartfelt sympathy to all those Territory families, past and present, who
were separated by an adoption that was forced upon them. These policies and practices did not continue after the Territory became self
governing in 1978. Therefore the Government decided against making a separate apology, it is our view that it would be inappropriate and
indeed disingenuous. ‘Support for adoption apology on behalf of the nation’, Northern Territory Government, accessed 25 March 2013.
304 Second reading speech, National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012, House of Representatives, Debates, 29 November 2012, p. 13877,
accessed 13 June 2013.
305 J Gillard (Prime Minister) and J Macklin (Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Minister for Disability
Reform), National Disability Insurance Scheme to launch in 2013, media release, 30 April 2012, accessed 23 January 2013; J Gillard (Prime
Minister) and J Macklin (Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Minister for Disability Reform),
Budget 2012: funding the first stage of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, media release, 8 May 2012, accessed 23 January 2013.
306 BC Wright, ed, House of Representatives Practice (sixth edn), Chapter 15: Questions, p. 551, accessed 9 July 2013.
307 S Fernandes, ‘Question Time: Questions directed to non-government members’, FlagPost, 29 May 2013, accessed 9 July 2013.
308 Statement by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Debates, 24 June 2013, p. 1, accessed 8 July 2013.
309 R Lundie, ‘Constitutional Alteration (Local Government) 2013’, Bills Digest, No. 147, 2012‒13, Parliamentary Library, 19 June 2013, accessed 9
July 2013.
310. Australian Local Government Association, ALGA constitutional reform campaign website, accessed 21 October 2013.
2013 Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd becomes Prime Minister Watch: Press conference: the
Hon. Julia Gillard MP , 27 June
On 27 June 2013 the former Prime Minister the Hon. Kevin 2013
Rudd (ALP, Member for Griffith, Qld, 1998‒) is sworn in as
Prime Minister by the Governor-General of Australia. He Watch: Press conference: the
replaces the Hon. Julia Gillard (ALP, Member for Lalor, Vic., Hon. Kevin Rudd MP, 28 June
1998‒2013), and is the first former Prime Minister to be 2013
returned to the position for a second term since the Hon. Videos courtesy of DPS
Robert Menzies (UAP, LP from 1944, Member for Kooyong, Broadcasting, Parliament House
Vic, 1934‒66) in 1949. The Hon. Anthony Albanese (ALP,
Member for Grayndler, NSW, 1996‒) is elected as Deputy
Prime Minister. The leadership changes also results in a
number of changes within the Ministry.
The Prime Minister the Hon. Julia Gillard (ALP, Member for
Lalor, Vic., 1998‒2013) had called for a leadership ballot to be
conducted by the Australian Labor Party caucus on 26 June.
This follows continuing speculation about her leadership, and
the circulation of a caucus petition seeking to allow a
challenge to her prime ministership. Her predecessor, the
Hon. Kevin Rudd MP, announced that he will challenge the
Prime Minister. He succeeded in winning the leadership ballot
by 57 votes to 45. The Hon. Kevin Rudd MP had previously
served as Australia’s 26th Prime Minister from 4 December
2006 to 24 June 2010, resigning when challenged for the
311. For further history and related documents, see Yirrkala bark petitions 1963 (Cth), Documenting a Democracy, National Archives of Australia,
accessed 29 August 2012.
Parliament
On 5 August 2013 the Official Secretary to the Governor-
General reads the proclamation on behalf of the Governor- Videos courtesy of DPS
General of Australia that the 43rd Parliament is prorogued Broadcasting, Parliament House
until 7 September 2013, the date set for the 2013 federal
election.
The 43rd Parliament was the first hung Commonwealth
Parliament since 1941. After the election, the Australian
Labor Party negotiated agreement with three Independents
and the Australian Greens giving it the necessary support to
form a minority Government. The hung parliament, and the
resulting Agreement for a better Parliament: Parliamentary
Reform, had a major impact on the work and practices of the
43rd Parliament including the introduction of time limits on
questions and answers, extra sitting hours, and greatly
increased opportunities for private Members including a
significant increase in the number of private members’ bills —
312 ‘Statement on the future of the National Tally Room’, Australian Electoral Commission, Media releases 2013, 2 July 2013, accessed 8 July
2013.
public. The Open Day featured a visit by the principal design Anniversary Open Day 2013
architect, Romaldo Giurgola, as well as artists talking about
Image courtesy of House of
their contributions to the making of the building.
Representatives
313 M Lumb, The 43rd Parliament: traits and trends, Research Paper, Parliamentary Library, 2 October 2013, accessed 21 November 2013; B
Holmes, Hard days and nights: the final 147 days of the Gillard Government, Research Paper, Parliamentary Library, 8 November 2013,
accessed 21 November 2013.
314. Statement from the Prime Minister, Prime Minister of Australia website, 13 October 2013, accessed 21 October 2013.
2013 First Aboriginal woman elected to Commonwealth Watch: First speech by Senator
Parliament Nova Peris
At the opening of the 44th Parliament on 12 November 2013 Read: First speech by Senator
Senator Nova Peris (ALP, Senator for the Northern Territory, Nova Peris
2013 ̶ ) is sworn in, becoming the first Aboriginal woman to be
elected to the Senate and to the Commonwealth Parliament
as a result of the Commonwealth election held on 7
September 2013.
Prior to the swearing-in ceremony, Senator Peris receives a
traditional Indigenous blessing from Aboriginal land owners
who travelled to Parliament House from the Northern
Territory. Senator Peris was the first Aboriginal person to win
an Olympic gold medal as a member of the Australian
women’s hockey team at the 1996 Olympic Games. As the
Senator for the Northern Territory, she takes up her seat at
the commencement of the 44th Parliament, and gives an
emotional first speech to the Parliament on 13 November
2013 still wearing white clay from the Indigenous blessing:
I was born in Darwin in the Northern Territory and I
retain my strong cultural and spiritual ties to my country,
to Mother Earth. I am a member of the oldest
continuous living culture on the earth. I am proud that
this hill that we meet on here today is culturally
significant to the Ngambri people as representing the
womb of the 'Woman' on this Country. It is very
significant to me to be the first Aboriginal woman
315
elected to the federal parliament of Australia.
2013 Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd resigns Watch: Former Prime Minister
Kevin Rudd’s resignation speech
Former Prime Minister, the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP (ALP,
Member for Griffith, Qld, 1998 ̶ ) announces his resignation Read: Former Prime Minister
from the Commonwealth Parliament on 13 November 2013. Kevin Rudd’s resignation speech
During his speech, he states:
To have served as Prime Minister of Australia has been a
great honour afforded to very few in our country's
history. For the future I wish the Prime Minister and his
government well. I do that because I wish Australia well.
The prime ministership of this Commonwealth is not
easy. It is the hardest job in the land. The expectations of
whoever holds the office are infinite, while the resources
316
available are finite.
He formally submits his resignation as Member for Griffith, The Hon. Kevin Rudd MP
Queensland on 22 November 2013, effective immediately. Mr
2014
Milestones Details
High Court declares void the WA half Senate election
18 February
On 15 November 2013, following the loss of 1,370 ballots, the
Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) lodges a petition with
the Court of Disputed Returns seeking an order that the
election of six senators in Western Australia be declared void.
An inquiry commissioned by the AEC and led by former
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty AO
identifies significant and systemic shortfalls and failings in
Senate ballot paper security, storage and handling in Western
Australia. 318
On 18 February 2014, the High Court, sitting as the Court of
Disputed Returns, declares void the 2013 half Senate election
in Western Australia, the first time that this has occurred. 319
On 21 February, the Special Minister for State, Senator
Michael Ronaldson (Lib, Vic.), announces the resignations of
the Electoral Commissioner, Ed Killesteyn, and the Australian
Electoral Officer for Western Australia, Peter Kramer. Tom
Rogers is appointed as Electoral Commissioner on 15
December 2014, having acted in that position since
Killesteyn’s resignation.
317 J Wilson, R Lundie and D McKeown, ‘Zippers: former prime ministers leaving parliament’, FlagPost, 14 November 2013, accessed 21 November
2013.
318 Inquiry into the 2013 WA Senate election, December 2013, Report commissioned by the Australian Electoral Commission and produced by
M J Keelty AO, 2 December 2013.
319 High Court of Australia, ‘The Australian Electoral Commission v Johnston & Ors; Wang v Johnston & Ors; Mead v Johnston& Ors’ [2014], HCA
5 Judgement Summary.
320 A Sinodinos, ‘Australian Water Holdings’, Senate, Debates, 19 March 2014, p. 1487.
321 P Wong, ‘Australian Water Holdings’, Senate, Debates, 19 March 2014, p. 1460.
Watch: Governor-General
swearing-in ceremony, 28 March
2014
322 His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) and Her Excellency Lady Cosgrove, Governor-General of the
Commonwealth of Australia website; ‘Governor-General swearing in ceremony’, Parliament of Australia, Canberra, 28 March 2014.
323 Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia website, ‘The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO and Mr Michael Bryce AM AE’.
The Knight/Dame of the Order of Australia was offered between 1976 and 1986 and between 2014 and 2015.
324 T Burke, ‘Motions: Speaker’, House of Representatives, Debates, 27 March 2014, p. 3404.
325 See Table 6.2: Motions of censure of or no confidence in the Speaker, Acting Speaker or Deputy Speaker, and related motions, ‘Criticism of
Speaker’s actions and conduct’, in B C Wright, ed, House of Representatives Practice, 6th edn, Department of the House of Representatives,
Canberra, 2012.
326 Australian Electoral Commission, Senators for Western Australia have been decided, media release, 29 April 2014.
327 ‘The year in review’, Australian Electoral Commission Annual report 2013 ̶ 14, Commonwealth of Australia, 2014.
328 Australian National Audit Office, The Australian Electoral Commission’s storage and transport of completed ballot papers at the September
2013 federal general election, Audit report no 31, 2013 ̶ 14, Performance audit, 2014; Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, The
2013 federal election: report on the conduct of the 2013 election and matters related thereto, Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters,
Canberra, April 2015.
329 Parliamentary Reception in the presence of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Parliament of Australia, 24 April
2014.
330 B Heffernan, Australian Federal Police, Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee, Estimates, Attorney-General portfolio,
26 May 2014, p. 21.
331 Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee, Answers to Questions on Notice, Parliamentary departments, Department of
Parliamentary Services, Supplementary Budget Estimates, October 2014, Question 185.
332 Standing Committee on Procedure (44th Parliament), Role of the Federation Chamber: celebrating 20 years of operation, Canberra, June
2015.
333 ‘What is the Federation Chamber?’, Infosheet 16: The Federation Chamber, House of Representatives.
334 Ibid.
335 D Farrell, ‘Committees: Standing Committee on Procedure—Report’, House of Representatives, Federation Chamber, Debates, 22 June 2016,
p. 7147.
• 33 Coalition senators
Image source: ParlView, 7 July
• 25 Australian Labor Party senators 2014
336 Senate Standing Committee on Privileges, ‘160th Report: The use of CCTV material in Parliament House’, Parliament of Australia, Canberra,
5 December 2014, p. 1.
337 ‘Documents: Tabling’, Senate, Debates, 2 March 2015, p. 823.
338 Parliamentary Library, Parliamentary Handbook of the Commonwealth of Australia, 44th Parliament, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 2014.
339 Parliamentary Library, ‘Composition of Australian Parliaments by Party and Gender, as at 2 July 2014’, in J McCann, ‘Women in Australian
parliaments’, FlagPost, Parliamentary Library blog, 23 July 2014.
19-22 July Malaysian Airlines MH17 tragedy Watch: Signing of the official
Condolence Book in support and
Prime Minister Tony Abbott MP announces that the
sympathy for those tragically
Australian National Flag will be flown at half-mast on all
killed on Flight MH17
Australian Government establishments in Australia and
overseas, including Parliament House, as a mark of respect to
the Australians who lost their lives on Malaysia Airlines Flight
17. 341 The scheduled international passenger flight from
Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur 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 in the Marble Hall of
Parliament House for the official signing of the Condolence
Book in support and sympathy for those tragically killed on
Flight MH17. 342 A National Day of Mourning and National
Memorial Service for the victims are planned for
7 August 2014.
340 His Excellency Mr Shinzo Abe (Prime Minister of Japan), ‘Address by the Prime Minister of Japan’, House of Representatives, Debates, 8 July
2014, p. 7647.
341 T Abbott (Prime Minister), Flags at half-mast for victims of MH17, media release, 18 July 2014.
342 T Abbott (Prime Minister), Message of condolence, 22 July 2014.
343 T Abbott, ‘Condolences: Ukraine air disaster’, House of Representatives, Debates, 26 August 2014, p. 8549.
22 National security
September
Prime Minister Tony Abbott MP updates the House of
Representatives on challenges to Australia’s national security.
He acknowledges the Opposition’s bi-partisan support for
ensuring the safety of all Australians and outlines three key
messages:
• that the Government will do whatever is possible to keep
people safe
• that Australia’s security measures at home and abroad are
directed against terrorism, not religion, and
344 B Shorten, ‘Condolences: Ukraine air disaster’, House of Representatives, Debates, 26 August 2014, p. 8551.
345 E Abetz, ‘Condolences: Mr Harry Evans’, Senate, Debates, 22 September 2014, p. 6577.
346 T Abbott (Prime Minister), ‘Ministerial statements: National security’, House of Representatives, Debates, 22 September 2014, p. 9957.
347 S Parry (President of the Senate), Security and Parliament House, n.d.
348 T Abbott (Prime Minister), ‘Ministerial statements: National security’, op. cit.
349 B Shorten (Leader of the Opposition), ‘Ministerial statements: National security’, House of Representatives, Debates, 22 September 2014, p.
9960.
350 Parliament of Australia, Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Foreign Fighters) Bill 2014 homepage, Australian Parliament website.
351 Ibid.
352 House of Representatives Standing Committee on Procedure, Use of electronic devices in the Chamber and Federation Chamber, House of
Representatives, Canberra, September 2014.
353 C Pyne (Minister for Education and Training), ‘Motions: Chamber Procedures’, House of Representatives, Debates, 26 March 2015, p. 3553.
354 The Right Honourable John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, Guest of Parliament lecture,
30 September 2014.
355 Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee, Official Committee Hansard, 20 October 2014, p. 9, accessed 1 July 2016,
and B Bishop (Speaker of the House of Representatives), ‘Questions to the Speaker: Parliament House Security ’, House of Representatives,
Debates, 20 October 2014, p. 11,338.
356 B Bishop (Speaker), ‘Statement by the Speaker: Ottawa: Attack, Parliament House: Security’, House of Representatives, Debates,
23 October 2014, p. 11743.
357 D Cameron (Prime Minister of the United Kingdom), ‘Address by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom’, House of Representatives,
Debates, 14 November 2014, p. 12710.
358 Xi Jinping (President of the People’s Republic of China), ‘Address by the President of the People’s Republic of China’, House of
Representatives, Debates, 17 November 2014, p. 12720.
359 N Modi (Prime Minister of the Republic of India), ‘Address by the Prime Minister of the Republic of India’, House of Representatives, Debates,
18 November 2014, p. 12730.
360 Parliament of Australia, ‘State visit to Australia by Mr François Hollande, President of the French Republic: Joint media conference’,
19 November 2014.
2015
Milestones Details
361 B Bishop (Speaker), ‘Bills: Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill 2014: Second Reading’, House of Representatives, Debates, 26 November
2014, p. 13225.
362 S Parry (President of the Senate), ‘Second reaching speech: Parliamentary Service Amendment Bill 2014’, Senate, Debates, 26 March 2015, p.
2576.
363 T Abbott (Prime Minister), ‘Motions: Sydney - Martin Place Siege’, House of Representatives, Debates, 9 February 2015, p. 21.
364 ‘Statements: Sydney – Martin Place Siege’, Senate, Journals, 9 February 2015, p. 25.
365 B Bishop (Speaker), ‘Statement by the Speaker’, House of Representatives, Debates, 10 February 2015, p. 303.
366 ‘Motions: Death Penalty’, House of Representatives, Debates, 12 February 2015 pp. 656ff; L. Singh, ‘Motions: Death Penalty’, Senate,
Debates, 10 February 2015, p. 296.
367 T Allard, ‘Federal politicians call for mercy for Chan and Sukumaran’, Sydney Morning Herald, 10 February 2015.
368 M Coombs, Succession to the Crown Bill 2015, Bills digest, 84, 2014-15, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 2015, p. 2.
369 Ibid.
370 A Twomey, ‘Power to the princesses: Australia wraps up succession law changes’, The Conversation (website), 26 March 2015.
371. B Bishop (Speaker), ‘Appropriations and Administration Committee: Report’, House of Representatives, Debates, 26 March 2015, pp. 3552.
372 N Xenophon, ‘Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee: Reference’, Senate, Debates, 26 March 2015, p. 2559.
373 T Abbott (Prime Minister), ‘Motion: Centenary of Anzac’, House of Representatives, Debates, 12 May 2015, pp. 3709.
374 ‘Legislative Assembly of Norfolk Island—Self Government’, House of Representatives, Debates, 27 May 2015, p. 4796, and ‘Legislative
Assembly of Norfolk Island: Remonstrance — Tabling’, Senate, Debates, 15 June 2015, p. 3403.
Great Hall for a special ‘Magna Carta’ edition of the ABC’s Anniversary Celebration
Q&A program.
The Senate Occassional Lecture
In May the President of the Senate, Senator Stephen Parry, by Her Excellency Mrs Menna
launches the second edition of ‘Australia’s Magna Carta’. Rawlings CMG
375 C Madden, ‘Norfolk Island Legislative Amendment Bill 2015’, Bills Digest, Parliamentary Library, 12 May 2015.
376 T Abbott (Prime Minister), speech at the Magna Carta 800th Anniversary Celebration, ParlView, 15 June 2015.
377 Senate, Journals of the Senate, 2013-15, No. 89, 25 March 2015, p. 2385, no. 90, p. 2431.
378 Ibid.
Andrew Hastie
379 ‘Condolences: Randall, Mr Donald James’, House of Representatives, Debates, 10 August 2015, pp. 7748ff and Senate, Debates 10 August
2015, p. 4691.
380 ‘Parliamentary Office Holders’, House of Representatives, Debates, 10 August 2015, p. 7743.
381 N Horne, ‘Resignations of Speakers’, FlagPost, Parliamentary Library blog, 4 August 2015.
382 Review Committee—An Independent Parliamentary Entitlements System, ‘An Independent Parliamentary Entitlements System: Review’,
23 March 2016, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet webpage.
383 T Smith, ‘Parliamentary Office Holders’, House of Representatives, Debates, 10 August 2015, p. 7747.
384 Australia Post website, ‘Australia, New Zealand and Singapore acknowledged in new joint stamp issue’, 12 August 2015.
385 Parliamentary Education Office website, ‘Latest News: Anniversary of Parliamentary Broadcasting, Sitting period 10—20 August (2015)’.
386 M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Changes to the Ministry’, Media Release 20 September 2015.
387 Ibid.
Mr Turnbull’s statement
Mr Shorten’s statement
388 T Smith (Speaker), ‘Development of Electronic Petitions Website and System—Statement by Speaker’, House of Representatives, Debates, 22
October 2015, p. 12145.
389 M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Statements on Indulgence: Questions without notice’, House of Representatives, Debates, 20 October 2015.
390 M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Changes to Question Time to Focus on Local Issues’, media release, 20 October 2015.
391 M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Statements on Indulgence’, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 November 2015, pp. 13250ff.
392 B Shorten (Leader of the Opposition), ‘Statements on Indulgence’, House of Representatives, Debates, 23 November 2015, pp. 13251.
393 Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS), ‘Annual Report 2015-16’, DPS, Canberra, 2016, p. 75.
394. C Pyne (Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Leader of the House), Family friendly changes to the House of Representatives, media
release, 2 February 2016.
395. ‘Standing and Sessional Orders’, House of Representatives, Debates, 2 February 2016, p. 11.
396. House of Representatives Standing Committee on Procedure, Provisions for a more family-friendly Chamber, Department of the House of
Representatives, Canberra, 2 December 2015.
397. R Lewis, ‘Why new MP’s getting red-carpet treatment’, The Australian, 5 February 2016, p. 4.
398. Ibid.
399. P Ruddock, Statement by the Hon. Philip Ruddock MP, media release, 8 February 2016.
400. S Maher, ‘Father leaves the House’, The Australian, 9 February 2016, p. 11.
401. J Bishop (Minister for Foreign Affairs), Special Envoy for Human Rights, media release, 8 February 2016.
402. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Condolences: Halverson, Hon Robert George (Bob), OBE’, House of Representatives, Debates, 22 February 2016,
p. 1593.
403. M Grattan, ‘Defence white paper: an extra $29.9 billion spending over a decade’, The Conversation, 25 February 2016.
404. Department of Defence, ‘2016 Defence White Paper: capability overview’, Department of Defence website.
405. Department of Defence, ‘2016 Defence White Paper’, Department of Defence website.
406. M Turnbull (Prime Minister) and M Payne (Minister for Defence), 2016 Defence White Paper, joint media release, 25 February 2016.
407. M Grattan, ‘Strategic environment the most challenging Australia has faced in peace time: Turnbull’, The Conversation, 25 February 2016.
408. D Chester (Minister for Infrastructure and Transport), ‘Ministerial statements: Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370’, House of Representatives,
Debates, 3 March 2016, p. 2985.
409. Liow Tiong Lai (Malaysian Minister of Transport), D Chester (Minister for Infrastructure and Transport) and Li Xiaopeng (Chinese Minister of
Transport), ‘MH370 Tripartite Joint Communique’, 17 January 2017.
410. D Chester (Minister for Infrastructure and Transport), ‘Statement: [Malaysia Airlines flight MH370]’, 19 October 2017.
419. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Prorogue of Parliament, request for prorogation to the Governor-General, media release, 21 March 2016.
420. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Press conference, Parliament House, Canberra, 21 March 2016: return of both houses of Parliament on April 18;
federal budget on 3 May 2016; ABCC and Registered Organisations Bills; possible double dissolution election, media release, 21 March 2016.
Further information about the power of the executive government to determine sessions of parliament is set out in Chapter 7 of R Laing (ed),
Odgers’ Australian Senate practice, 14th edn, Department of the Senate, Canberra, 2016, p. 185.
421. D Muller, ‘So you've been prorogued - common questions answered’, FlagPost, Parliamentary Library blog, 23 March 2016.
422. Muller, ‘So you've been prorogued’, op. cit.
423. Ibid.
424. Ibid.
425. Department of the Senate, Procedural Information Bulletin, 303, Occasional note, Prorogation and a new session of Parliament, 23 March
2016.
426. Muller, ‘So you've been prorogued’, op. cit.
427. Ibid.
Malcolm Turnbull
435. D Weight, ‘Supply Bills—a reprise’, FlagPost, Parliamentary Library Blog, 29 April 2016.
436. Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Documents relating to the calling of the double dissolution election [Election 2016]’, 8 May 2016.
437. Parliament of Australia, ‘Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2016–17 homepage’, ‘Appropriation Bill (No. 2) 2016–17 homepage’ and ‘Appropriation
(Parliamentary Departments) Bill (No. 1) 2016–17 homepage’, Australian Parliament website.
438. House of Representatives Standing Committee of Privileges and Members’ Interests, Report into whether the former member for Dobell, Mr
Craig Thomson, in a statement to the House on 21 May 2012 deliberately mislead the House, Parl. Paper 84, March 2016.
439. Ibid.
440. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Press conference: Election 2016: our economic plan, media release, 8 May 2016; Prime Minister's advice
regarding a double dissolution election, media release, 8 May 2016.
441. Muller, ‘(Almost) everything you need to know about double dissolution elections’, op. cit.
442. Muller, ‘(Almost) everything you need to know about double dissolution elections’, op. cit.
443. Department of the Senate, Procedural Information Bulletin, 305, Simultaneous dissolution, 9 May 2016.
444. S Wright, ‘Election signals mass exodus’, The West Australian, 28 March 2016, p. 6.
445. S Parry (President) and T Smith (Speaker), ‘Death of Romaldo Giurgola AO’, joint media release, 17 May 2016.
446. Ibid.
458. H Gobbett, Composition of the 45th Parliament: a quick guide, Research paper series, 2016–17, Parliamentary Library, Canberra
29 August 2016.
459. Ibid.
460. Ibid.
461. Ibid.
462. M Sukkar, ‘Parliamentary office holders: Speaker’, House of Representatives, Debates, 30 August 2016, p. 5.
463. G Brandis, ‘Parliamentary office holders: President’, Senate, Debates, 30 August 2016, p. 2.
464. Australia, House of Representatives, The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Parliament of Australia website, p. 3.
The Senate resolves the issue on its second sitting day. 465 Watch: Motion on the rotation of
Senator Mitch Fifield (Lib., Vic.) moves: Senators
465. D Muller, ‘Rotation of Senators – Parliament of Australia’, FlagPost, Parliamentary Library blog, 9 September 2016.
466. M Fifield (Manager of Government Business in the Senate, Minister for Communications and the Arts), ‘Parliamentary Representation:
Rotation of Senators’, House of Representatives, Debates, 31 August 2016, p. 157.
467. Muller, ‘Rotation of Senators’, op. cit.
468. L Burney, ‘Governor-General’s speech: Address-in-Reply’, House of Representatives, Debates, 31 August 2016, p. 163–168.
469. Ibid.
470. H Gobbett, Indigenous parliamentarians, federal and state: a quick guide, Research paper series, 2017–18, Parliamentary Library, Canberra,
updated 11 July 2017, p. 2.
471. M Turnbull, ‘Second reading speech: Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Bill 2013’, House of Representatives,
Debates, 31 August 2016, p. 81; M Turnbull, ‘Second reading speech: Building and Construction Industry (Consequential and Transitional
Provisions) Bill 2013’, House of Representatives, Debates, 31 August 2016, p. 85; M Turnbull, ‘Second reading speech: Fair Work (Registered
Organisations) Amendment Bill 2014’, House of Representatives, Debates, 31 August 2016, p. 85. S Morrison, ‘Second reading speech: Budget
Savings Omnibus Bill 2016’, House of Representatives, Debates, 31 August 2016, p. 91.
472. Ibid.
473. S Speldewinde, ‘Government losing votes on the floor of the House’, FlagPost, Parliamentary Library blog, 5 September 2016.
474. M Koziol, ‘Ambush in the House’, The Canberra Times, 2 September 2016, p. 1.
475. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Resolutions of the Senate: Banking and Financial Services’, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 September 2016, p. 382.
476. Speldewinde, op. cit.
477. Ibid.
478. Australian Parliament House (@Aust_Parliament), ‘Hear hear! We’re about to see our 30 millionth visitor’, tweet, 11 September 2016,
https://twitter.com/aust_parliament/status/775168584058179584.
479. Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS), Annual report 2015–16, DPS, Canberra, p. viii.
480. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Statement by the Speaker: Privilege, Petitions’, Senate, Debates, 13 September 2016, p. 675.
481. R Vasta, ‘Petitions: Statements’, House of Representatives, Debates, 10 October 2016, p. 1224.
482. M Turnbull, ‘Second reading speech: Plebiscite (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill 2016’, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 September 2016,
pp. 845–48.
483. Australia, Senate, ‘Plebiscite (Same-Sex Marriage) Bill 2016’, Journals, 12, 2016, 7 November 2016, pp. 400–401.
Rosemary Laing
484. L Tingle, ‘Turnbull loving job but others call it quits’, The Australian Financial Review, 17 September 2016, p. 4.
485. S Parry (President of the Senate), ‘Statement by the President: Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry’, Senate, Debates, 10 October 2016, p.
1225.
486. Ibid.
487. Ibid.
488. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Statement by the Speaker: Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry’, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 September 2017,
p. 10411, and S Parry (President of the Senate), ‘Statement by the President: Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry’, Senate, Debates,
14 September 2017, p. 7281.
489. H L Lee (Prime Minister of Singapore), ‘Address by the Prime Minister of Singapore’, House of Representatives, Debates, 12 October 2016,
pp. 1679–82.
490. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Press conference with the Prime Minister of Singapore [Lee Hsien Loong], Parliament House, Canberra’,
transcript, 13 October 2016.
491. Australia, Senate, ‘Senate Chamber–Photography–Cessation of Order’, Journals, 11, 2016, 13 October 2016, p. 328.
492. D Hinch, ‘Motions: Photography in the Senate’, Senate, Debates, 13 October 2016, p. 1754.
493. M Knott, ‘Senate scraps archaic photography ban following 25-year fight for transparency’, The Sydney Morning Herald, (online edition),
13 October 2016.
7 November Senate refers Day and Culleton matters to the High Court Read: Related documents
494. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Dutch royal visit to Australia’, media release, 2 November 2016.
495. Ibid.
496. Australia, Senate, ‘Qualification of Former Senator Day: reference to Court of Disputed Returns’ and ‘Qualification of Senator Culleton:
documents: proposed reference to Court of Disputed Returns’, Journals, 12, 2016, 7 November 2016, pp. 374–376.
497. Senate Procedure Committee, Photography in the chamber; Ministerial statements; Caring for infants, report, 1, The Senate, Canberra,
October 2016.
498. Australia, Senate, ’23 Procedure—Standing Committee—First Report of 2016—Consideration’, Senate, Journals, 13, 2016, 8 November 2016,
p. 420.
Bridget McKenzie
Watch: ParlView
499. Dr R Laing, Annotated standing orders of the Australian Senate, Chapter 29, ‘Visitors’, Department of the Senate, Canberra, 2009.
500. D Meers, ‘Nats in the crosshairs’, The Daily Telegraph, 22 November 2016, p. 8.
501. Ibid.
502. Australia, Senate, ‘Customs (Prohibited Imports) Amendment (Shotguns and Shotgun Magazines) Regulation: proposed disallowance’,
Journals, 16, 2016, 21 November 2016, pp. 498–99.
503. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Visit to Australia by the King and Queen of Jordan’, 22 November 2016.
504. S Parry (President of the Senate), ‘Clerk of the Senate’, Senate, Debates, 29 November 2016, p. 3505.
505. G Hutchens, ‘Pro-refugee protesters disrupt parliament and shut down question time’, The Guardian Australia, 30 November 2016.
506. A Back, ‘Not guilty plea to damaging Commonwealth property’, The Canberra Times, 13 July 2017, p. 10.
507. P Karp, ‘Refugee protesters abseil down Parliament House and dye fountain red’, The Guardian Australia, 1 December 2016.
508. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Parliamentary Zone’, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 December 2016, p. 5089.
509. D Hinch, ‘Parliamentary Zone: Approval of Works’, Senate, Debates, 1 December 2016, p. 3945.
2017
Milestones Details Source Documents
Ken Wyatt
Rodney Culleton
510. T McIlroy and M Koziol, ‘Public in dark over new fence’, The Canberra Times, 8 December 2016, p. 8.
511. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Ministerial arrangements, media release, 18 January 2017.
512. Ibid.
513. Re Culleton [No 2] [2017] HCA 4 (3 February 2017).
514. [Multiple members], ‘Statements on Indulgence: Tasmania: 50th Anniversary of Black Tuesday Bushfires’, House of Representatives, Debates,
7 February 2017, p. 37 and L Singh, ‘Motions: Black Tuesday Bushfires’, Senate, Debates, 8 February 2017, p. 326.
515. A Wilkie, ‘Statements on Indulgence – Tasmania: 50th Anniversary of Black Tuesday Bushfires’, House of Representatives, Debates,
7 February 2017, p. 37.
516. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Transcript of remarks at a reception to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Australia – Sri Lanka diplomatic
relations, Parliament House, Canberra, media release, 14 February 2017.
517. Parliament of Australia, ‘Parliamentary Entitlements Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 homepage’, Australian Parliament website.
518. C Madden, Parliamentary Entitlements Legislation Amendment Bill 2017, Bills digest, 62, 2016–17, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 2017, p.
2.
519. Ibid.
520. Parliament of Australia, ‘Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Bill 2017 homepage’, Australian Parliament website.
521. Explanatory Memorandum, Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Bill 2017, p. 1.
522. C Madden, Parliamentary Business Resources Bills 2017 and Parliamentary Business Resources (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill
2017, Bills digest, 97, 2016–17, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 2017, p. 3.
Source: ParlView
523. D Dingwall, ‘Facelift for forecourt at $29m over three years’, The Canberra Times, 20 March 2017, p. 3.
524. Ibid.
525. Ibid.
526. Ibid.
527. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Visit to Australia by China’s Premier Li Keqiang, media release, 24 March 2017.
528. Ibid.
Bob Day
529. T McIlroy, ‘Beekeeping the buzzword getting political capital’, The Age, 20 March 2017, p. 4.
530. Ibid.
531. Parliamentary Education Office (PEO), ‘In case you missed it’, PEO website; Royal Canberra Show, ‘2018 Horticulture Produce Schedule’,
Royal Canberra Show website.
532. Ibid.
533. P Wong and M Dreyfus, Transcript of joint doorstop interview: China extradition treaty; 18C, Parliament House, Canberra, media release,
28 March 2017.
534. J Bishop (Minister for Foreign Affairs), China extradition treaty, media release, 28 March 2017.
535. Re Day [No 2] [2017] HCA 14.
24–26 May Visit of Sri Lanka’s President, H.E. Hon. Maithripala Sirisena
The President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena, visits
Parliament House for discussions on security and defence—
the first bilateral visit by a Sri Lankan head of State.
To mark the visit, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Sri Lankan
Deputy Foreign Minister Harsha de Silva sign a Joint
Declaration on Enhanced Cooperation. The two governments
President Sirisena greets Prime
also sign an MoU on Chronic Kidney Disease research and a
Minister Malcolm Turnbull at
Letter of Intent on geoscience. 540
Parliament House
536. B Merhab, ‘Alia milks her moment in the Senate’, Daily Telegraph, 10 May 2017, p. 3.
537. Ibid.
538. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Happy 90th to the people’s House’, The Canberra Times, 6 May 2017, p. 2.
539. Ibid.
540. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), ‘President H. E. Hon. Maithripala Sirisena Official Visit to Australia’, DFAT website.
541. Parliament of Australia, ‘Prevailing Voices – Indigenous Australian Parliamentarians’, Parliament of Australia website.
542. F Hunter, ‘A portrait of strength, hope and sadness’, The Canberra Times, 30 May 2017, p. 4.
543. A Hough with D Heriot, ‘Australia's Parliament House in 2016: a chronology of events’, Research paper series 2017–18, Parliamentary Library,
Canberra, 14 December 2017.
544. J Black, ‘Protesters who allegedly superglued themselves to railings at Parliament House plead not guilty’, ABC News (online), 12 July 2017;
AAP, ‘Superglue protesters not guilty of damage to Parliament House’, The Australian, 29 March 2018.
545. AAP, ‘Pro-refugee protesters plead not guilty to damaging Parliament House’, The Guardian, 12 July 2017.
546. S Ludlam, ‘Statement: Green’s Senator Scott Ludlam’, media release, 14 July 2017.
547. S Waters, ‘Statement from Senator Larissa Waters’, media release, 18 July 2017; H Belot, ‘Larissa Waters, deputy Greens leader quits in latest
citizenship bungle’, ABC News (online), 16 August 2017; M Grattan, ‘Greens senator Larissa Waters forced out of parliament’, The
Conversation, 18 July 2017.
548. Department of the Senate, For the sitting period 8–17 August 2017, Procedural information bulletin no. 317, Parliament of Australia,
18 August 2017.
549. R Di Natale, ‘Leader of the Australian Greens, Dr Richard Di Natale responds to Larissa Waters’ resignation’, media release, 18 July 2017.
550. S Parry (President), ‘Statement by the President: Parliamentary Budget Officer’, Senate, Debates, 19 June 2017, p. 4197; T Smith (Speaker),
‘Statement by the Speaker: Parliament House: Security; Parliamentary Budget Officer’, House of Representatives, Debates, 19 June 2017,
p. 6856.
551. M Canavan (Minister for Resources and Northern Australia), ‘Statement on Citizenship Status’, media release, 25 July 2017.
552. A Green, ‘Matt Canavan: the High Court’s question after the latest citizenship resignation’, ABC News (online), 16 August 2017.
553. G Brandis (Attorney-General), Transcript of statements on Senator Canavan’s citizenship, Brisbane, media release, 25 July 2017.
554. Australia, Senate, ‘Vacancies in the representation of Western Australia and Queensland—Qualifications of senators’, Journals, 49 (proof), 8
August 2017, p. 1598.
555. Australia, Senate, ‘Qualification of Senator Canavan—Reference to Court of Disputed Returns’, Journals, 49 (proof), 2017, 8 August 2017, p.
1599; ‘Qualification of former Senators Ludlam and Waters—References to Court of Disputed Returns’, ibid., p. 1599.
556. Department of the Senate, For the sitting period 8–17 August 2017, Procedural information bulletin no. 317, Parliament of Australia,
18 August 2017.
557. R Di Natale, ‘Notices: Presentation’, Senate, Debates, 8 August 2017 p. 4962.
558. A Remeikis, ‘MPs scramble to confirm citizenship’ The Sydney Morning Herald, 20 July 2017; R Baxendale, ‘Senator refuses to show proof of
sole citizenship’, The Australian, 22 July 2017; A Gartrell, ‘One Nation senator under intense pressure’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 27 July
2017; S Martin and N Evans, ‘No Italian ballot papers for Canavan’, West Australian, 28 July 2017; B Doherty, ‘Malcolm Roberts citizenship
explainer: one nation – or more?’, The Guardian, 28 July 2017; R Lewis, ‘Roberts’s eligibility as MP in ‘real difficulty’’, The Australian, 29 July
2017.
559. P Hanson, ‘Parliamentary representation: Qualifications of Senators’, Senate, Debates, 9 August 2017, p. 5216.
560. [Multiple senators], ‘Condolences: Lester, Mr Kunmanara OAM, Yunupingu, Dr G’, Senate, Debates, 17 August 2017, pp. 6008.
561. Australia, Senate, ‘Plebiscite (Same-Sex Marriage Bill) 2016—proposed restoration to Notice Paper’, Journals, 50 (proof), 2017,
9 August 2017, p. 1620.
562. M Cormann, (Minister for Finance), Next steps for a national plebiscite on same sex marriage, media release, 9 August 2017.
563. Census and Statistics (Statistical Information) Direction 2017, 9 August 2017. An amended Direction is issued on 16 August 2017, clarifying
‘the statistical information to be published and defin[ing] eligibility for participation in the statistical survey as those persons who would be
entitled to vote in a federal election’: Census and Statistics (Statistical Information) Amendment Direction 2017, 16 August 2017.
564. M Neilsen, Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017, Bills digest, 54, 2017–18, Parliamentary Library, Canberra,
2017, p. 6.
565. A Wilkie, Application to stop postal vote lodged with High court, media release, 10 August 2017.
566. P Karp, ‘Marriage equality postal vote to be challenged in high court by Andrew Wilkie and advocates’, The Guardian, 9 August 2017.
567. M Davey and P Karp, ‘Same-sex marriage postal survey is lawful, high court finds’, The Guardian. 7 September 2017; Wilkie v The
Commonwealth [2017] HCA 40; E Byrne, ‘SSM survey challenges “demonstrably without substance”, High Court finds’, ABC News (online),
updated 28 September 2017.
568. C Simpson, ‘The same-sex marriage ruling broke the High Court’s website’, Gizmodo, 7 September 2017.
569. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Ministerial statements: Solomon Islands’, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 August 2017, p. 8233.
570. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), ‘Solomon Islands: Bilateral security treaty’, DFAT website.
571. B Joyce (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources), ‘Parliamentary representation: Deputy Prime Minister,
Qualifications of Members’, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 August 2017 p. 8185.
572. Australia, House of Representatives, ‘Reference of matter to the Court of Disputed Returns’, Votes and proceedings, 68, 14 August 2017,
p. 958.
573. M Grattan, ‘High Court to rule on whether Barnaby Joyce is a New Zealander’, The Conversation,14 August 2017
574. T Burke, ‘Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Members’, House of Representatives, Debates, 14 August 2017, p. 8240; Australia,
House of Representatives, ‘Questions’, Votes and Proceedings, 68, 14 August 2017, p. 960 [Suspension of standing orders moved]; Australia,
House of Representatives, ‘Questions’, Votes and Proceedings, 71, 17 August 2017, p. 1008 [Suspension of standing orders moved].
575 J Bishop (Minister for Foreign Affairs), Transcript of doorstop interview, media release, 15 August 2015; M Grattan, ‘Barnaby Joyce: No, it
wasn't a conspiracy that caused his citizenship problem — it was himself’, ABC News (online), 16 August 2017; A Gartrell, ‘The email that
could bring down our deputy leader’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 August 2017; J Gooding, ‘Paranoia on Aotearoa’, The Interpreter, Lowy
Institute blog, 17 August 2017; P Wong, Transcript of interview with Fran Kelly: ABC Radio National Breakfast, media release, 16 August
2017..
576. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Visit to Australia by the President of Croatia, media release, 11 August 2017.
577. S Parry, ‘Questions without notice: Trade Unions’, Senate, Debates, 17 August 2017, p. 5979; S Dastyari, ‘Questions without Notice: Pauline
Hanson’s One Nation’, Senate, Debates, 17 August 2017, p. 5980; A Remeikis and N Hasham, ‘Bigotry stripped bare’, The Sydney Morning
Herald, 18 August 2017.
578. P Hanson, ‘Questions without notice: National Security’, Senate, Debates, 17 August 2017, p. 5984.
579. F Nash (Minister for Regional Development), ‘Adjournment: Deputy Leader of the Nationals’, Senate, Debates, 17 August 2017, p. 6054.
580. Australia, Senate, ‘Qualification of Senator Nash—Reference to Court of Disputed Returns’, Journals, 56 (proof), 2017, 4 September 2017,
p. 1788.
581. G Brandis (Attorney-General), ‘Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Senators’, Senate, Debates, 4 September 2017, p. 6059.
582. P Wong, ‘Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Senators’, Senate, Debates, 4 September 2017, p. 6060; H Polley, ‘Questions
without notice: Deputy Leader of the Nationals’, Senate, Debates, 4 September 2017, p. 6116; C Moore, ‘Questions without notice: Deputy
Leader of the Nationals’, Senate, Debates, 4 September 2017, p. 6116; [Multiple senators], ‘Questions without notice: Take note of Answers:
Deputy Leader of the Nationals’, Senate, Debates, 4 September 2017, p. 6132.
583. T Smith (Speaker), ‘The opening of the exhibition ‘Meeting Place’ and unveiling of new work ‘The Messenger’’, speech, T Smith MP website,
17 August 2017.
584. P Coorey, ‘Refer me to High Court, says Hinch’, The Australian Financial Review, 1 September 2017, p. 5.
585. D Hinch, ‘Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Senators: Hinch, Sen Derryn’, Senate, Debates, 4 September 2017, p. 6063; D Hinch,
‘Hinch S44 citizenship issue cleared by Government and Opposition’, media release, n.d.
The referral follow media reports that the former Minister for
Small Business had failed to disclose to the House that he was
receiving a salary from the lobby group while still in
parliament. 587
586. Australia, House of Representatives, ‘Matter of privilege—Reference to Committee of Privileges and Members’ Interests’, Votes and
Proceedings, 72, 4 September 2017, p. 1018.
587. P McGrath, ‘Bruce Billson, former Liberal minister, failed to disclose salary from lobby group while in parliament’, ABC News (online),
9 August 2017; M Knott and F Hunter, ‘Former MP insists he was transparent’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 August 2017.
588. Australia, Senate, ‘Qualification of Senator Xenophon—Reference to Court of Disputed Returns’, Journals, 56 (proof), 2017, 4 September
2017, p. 1789; A Remeikis, ‘Xenophon blames political rivals over nationality questions’, The Canberra Times, 18 August 2017, p. 9.
589. A Remeikis and A Gartrell, ‘Xenophon gets drawn into ongoing constitutional crisis’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 19 August 2017, p. 4.
590. N Xenophon, ‘Parliamentary representation: Qualifications of Senators: Xenophon, Sen, Nick’, Senate, Debates, 4 September 2017, p. 6062;
A Smethurst, ‘ Xenophon the Brit on court list’, The Sunday Times, 20 August 2017, p. 2.
591. Welcome to Country, ‘Clinton Pryor walks across Australia, Governor General refuses to step outside’, Welcome to Country website,
30 August 2017; J Robertson, ‘Clinton Pryor has tense meeting with PM after walking across Australia’, The Guardian, 6 September 2017.
592. N Thorpe, ‘Clinton Pryor turns his back on Prime Minister’, NITV News (online), 7 September 2017.
593. R Siewert, ‘Documents: Indigenous Affairs’, Senate, Debates, 5 September 2017, p. 6336.
594. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Distinguished Visitors’, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 September 2017, p. 9464.
595. Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Melbourne and Affiliated Regions, ‘His Holiness Pope Tawadros II: 2017 Australian Papal Visit’, Pope of Hope
website.
596. P Khalil, ‘Statements by Members: His Holiness Pope Tawadros II’, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 September 2017 p. 9463.
597. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2016 Census of Population and Housing.
598. S Parry (President), ‘Parliamentary Zone: Approval of works’, Senate, Debates, 1 December 2016, p. 3943; T Smith (Speaker), ‘Parliamentary
Zone’, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 December 2016, p. 5089.
599. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Parliamentary Zone’, House of Representatives, Debates, 1 December 2016 p. 5089.
September 2014, the first time the threat has been raised
since the system was introduced in 2003. 600
The total cost of the security upgrades is $126.7 million, 601
with works are due to be completed by the end of 2018.
600. S Parry (President of the Senate), Security and Parliament House, n.d.
601. Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee, Official committee Hansard, 22 May 2017, p. 61.
602. S Parry (President), ‘Statement by the President: Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry’, Senate, Debates, 22 June 2017, p. 4661; T Smith
(Speaker), ‘Statement by the Speaker’, House of Representatives, Hansard 22 June 2017, p. 7423.
603. K McClymont and M Whitbourn, ‘A judge and a Swiss bank account’, The Sydney Morning Herald, 15 September 2017; A Lynch, ‘The Lionel
Murphy papers shed more light on a controversial life’, The Conversation, September 14 2017; A Davies, ‘Lionel Murphy papers: the
allegations the inquiry wanted answering’, The Guardian, 14 September 2017; A Clark, ‘The passion of Lionel Murphy’, The Australian
Financial Review 15 September 2017; G Kelly, ‘Opinion: "The air should be cleared", and a star chamber is born’, The Australian, 29
September 2017.
604. B Norington, ‘Murphy’s son slams “unfair” release’, The Australian 14 September 2017.
605. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Distinguished Visitors’, House of Representatives, Debates, 16 October 2017, p. 10678; M Turnbull (Prime Minister),
Remarks at the bilateral meeting with His Excellency Mr Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland, Parliament House, Canberra, media release,
16 October 2016.
606. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Visit to Australia by the President of Ireland, media release, 12 October 2017.
607. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Condolences: Scott, Dr Evelyn Ruth, AO’, House of Representatives, Debates, 16 October 2017.
608. Australian Government, ‘Dr Evelyn Scott AO (1935–2017)’, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website, 6 October 2017.
609. TEN Eyewitness News, ‘Brendan Nottle completes walk for the homeless’, TEN Eyewitness News (online), 16 October 2017.
610. I Royall, ‘Walk prize a win for homeless’, The Herald Sun, 19 October 2017.
611. High Court of Australia, In The matters of questions referred to the Court Of Disputed Returns pursuant to section 376 of the Commonwealth
Electoral Act 1918 (Cth) concerning Senator the Hon Matthew Canavan, Mr Scott Ludlam, Ms Larissa Waters, Senator Malcolm Roberts, the
Hon Barnaby Joyce MP, Senator the Hon Fiona Nash and Senator Nick Xenophon, [2017] HCA 45, judgment summary, 27 October 2017.
612. Ibid.
613. T Smith (Speaker), By-election for New England media release, 27 October 2017.
614. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Transcript of press conference, Sydney, media release, 28 October 2017.
615. S Parry (President of the Senate), ‘Statement to Senate Colleagues’ and ‘Letter from Stephen Parry to the Governor-General of the
Commonwealth of Australia resigning from the Office of President of the Senate dated 2 November 2017’, tabled in the Senate 13 November
2017.
616. R Yosufzai, ‘Senate President Stephen Parry signals resignation if he is a dual UK citizen’, SBS News, 31 October 2017.
617. Australia, Senate, ‘Resignation of President—Vacancy in the representation of Tasmania—Orders of Court of Disputed Returns—Election of
senators’, Journals, 68 (proof), 2017, 13 November 2017, p. 2163.
618. J Norman, ‘Liberal backbencher John Alexander resigns amid deepening citizenship crisis’, ABC News (online), 11 November 2017; N Wolfe,
‘Liberal MP John Alexander quits over dual citizenship’, news.com.au, 11 November 2017.
619. Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), ‘Tally Room: Bennelong, NSW’, AEC website; H Belot, ‘Kristina Keneally: Former NSW Premier to go up
against John Alexander in Bennelong by-election’, ABC News (online), 15 November 2017.
620. AEC, ‘Tally Room: Bennelong, NSW’, AEC website.
621. P Cosgrove (Governor-General), ‘Parliamentary representation: Senators Sworn’, Senate, Debates, 13 November 2017, p. 8123.
622. H Gobbett, S Speldewinde and R Lundie, First, most and more: facts about the Federal Parliament, Research paper series, 2016–17,
Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 2017.
623. Australia, Senate, ‘Election of President’, Journals, 68 (proof), 2017, 13 November 2016, p. 2163.
624. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Ministerial arrangements, media release, 13 November 2017.
625. Australia, Senate, ‘Proposed Citizenship Register’, Journals, 68 (proof), 2017, 13 November 2017, p. 2179.
626. Australia, House of Representatives, ‘Proposed Citizenship Register’, Votes and Proceedings, 88, 4 December 2017, p. 1235.
627. Australian Financial Review, ‘Obituary: Sir Ninian dies at 94’, The Australian Financial Review, 30 October 2017 p.6.
628. High Court of Australia (HCA), ‘Sir Ninian Martin Stephen PC KG AK GCMG CGVO KBE QC’, HCA website; Politics and Public Administration
Section, ‘Sir Ninian Stephen: 15 June 1923 – 29 October 2017’, Biographical information, Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 1 November 2017.
629. P Karp, ‘Jacqui Lambie drawn into citizenship saga after “revealing” father born in Scotland’, The Guardian, 8 November 2017; H Belot, ‘Jacqui
Lambie denies citizenship concerns despite Scottish-born father’, Radio Australia, ABC website, 9 November 2017.
630. J Lambie, ‘Parliamentary Representation: Valedictory’, Senate, Debates, 14 November 2017, p. 8296.
631. Australia, Senate, ‘Qualification of Senator Lambie—Reference to Court of Disputed Returns’, Journals, 69 (proof), 2017, 14 November 2017,
p. 2201.
632. Re Parry; Re Lamb; Re Kakoschke-Moore [2017] HCATrans 254 (8 December 2017). Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), AEC to conduct
special count for Tasmanian Senate, media release, updated 8 December 2017.
633. Re Parry; Re Lambie [2017] HCATrans 258 (13 December 2017).
634. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Australia supports changing the law to allow same-sex couples to marry, media release, 15 November
2017.
635. ABS, Australian marriage law postal survey, 2017 cat. no. 1800.0, ABS, Canberra, 15 November 2017.
636. M Neilsen, Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017, Bills digest, 54, 2017–18, Parliamentary Library, Canberra,
2017.
637. D Smith, ‘Bills: Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017: Second Reading’, Senate, Debates, 16 November 2016,
p. 8615.
638. Australia, Senate, ‘Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017’, Journals, 74 (proof), 2017, 29 November 2017,
p. 2367.
639. Australia, House of Representatives, ‘Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Bill 2017’, Votes and Proceedings, 91,
7 December 2017, p. 1288.
640. J Power and F Dmytryshchak, ‘Australia’s first same-sex couples say “I do”’, The Sunday Age, 17 December 2017; A Dow, ‘Race against time
for Australia’s first same-sex wedding’, The Age, 15 December 2017.
641. C Pyne (Leader of the House), Statement regarding the House of Representatives, media release, 20 November 2017.
642. M Doran, ‘Parliament cancelled or delayed? Major parties trade insults ahead of final sitting weeks’, ABC News (online), 21 November 2017; P
Karp and G Hutchens, ‘Government accused of avoiding revolt as parliamentary sitting week cancelled’, The Guardian, 20 November 2017.
Skye Kakoschke-Moore
Image source: Auspic
643. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Ruddock to examine religious freedom protection in Australia, media release, 22 November 2017, accessed 10
January 2018.
644. P Karp, ‘Skye Kakoschke-Moore: NXT senator resigns over dual citizenship’, The Guardian 22 November 2017; S Kakoschke-Moore,
‘Statement on Citizenship’, Media Release, 22 November 2017.
645. Australia, Senate, ‘Qualification of former Senator Kakoschke-Moore—Reference to Court of Disputed Returns’, Journals, 72 (proof), 2017,
27 November 2017, p. 2275.
646. M Parkinson, ‘2017 Foreign Policy White Paper: advancing Australia’s interests’, DFAT Blog, 22 November 2017.
647. Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, Inquiry into matters relating to section 44 of the Constitution, ‘Terms of Reference’,
Parliament of Australia website.
648. J Steele-John, ‘First Speech: Steele-John, Sen Jordon’, Senate, Debates, 29 November 2017, p. 9256.
649. Ibid., p. 9257.
Malcolm Turnbull
650. S Peatling, ‘House leaks are beyond the pail’, The Canberra Times, 5 August 2017.
651. Australian Government, Budget measures: budget paper no. 2: 2016–17, p. 133; T McIlroy, ‘High price to mopping up years of leaks in
Parliament’, The Canberra Times, 30 November 2017.
652. M Turnbull (Prime Minister) and S Morrison (Treasurer), Royal Commission—banks and financial services, joint media release, 20 November
2017. See also, M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Transcript of joint press conference, Parliament House, Canberra, media release, 30 November
2017.
653. AEC, ‘Tally Room: New England (NSW)’, AEC website.
654. ABC News, ‘Tony Windsor confirms he will not run against Barnaby Joyce in New England by-election’, ABC News (online), 27 October 2017;
M Doran, ‘Tony Windsor demands High Court find political nemesis Barnaby Joyce ineligible for office’, ABC News (online), 3 October 2017.
655. Australia, House of Representatives, ‘Return to Writ—New England Division’, Votes and Proceedings, 90, 6 December 2017, p. 1271.
656. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Parliamentary Representation: Members Sworn’, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 December 2017, p. 12831.
657. D. Feeney, ‘Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Members: Feeney, David, MP’, House of Representatives, Debates, 5 December
2017, p. 12731.
658. Australia, House of Representatives, ‘Reference of Matter to Court of Disputed Returns’, Votes and Proceedings, 90, 6 December 2017,
p. 1275.
659. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Parliamentary Representation: Qualifications of Members’, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 December 2017, p.
12889.
660. Australia, Senate, ‘Qualification of Senator Gallagher—Reference to Court of Disputed Returns’, Journals, 78, 6 December 2017, p. 2471.
661. T McIlroy and B Hall, ‘Gallagher's status as Ecuadorian "fanciful"’, The Canberra Times, 30 August 2017; Australian Associated Press, ‘Labor
senator Katy Gallagher “is not and has never been” a citizen of Ecuador’, The Guardian, 28 August 2017; T McIlroy, ‘Labor sought legal advice
over Katy Gallagher's citizenship status’ The Canberra Times, 5 September 2017; T McIlroy, ‘Gallagher looking likely for her day in the High
Court’, The Canberra Times, 6 December 2017; K Gallagher, ‘Parliamentary representation: Qualifications of Senators’, Senate, Debates, 4
September 2017, p. 6063.
662. K Gallagher, ‘Parliamentary representation: Gallagher, Senator Katy’, Senate, Debates, 6 December 2017, p. 9795.
663. Department of the Senate, For the sitting period 27 November to 7 December 2017, Procedural information bulletin no. 321, Parliament of
Australia, n.d.
664. Ibid.
665. V Dunne (Deputy Speaker), ‘Administration and Procedure—Standing Committee: Proposed referral’, ACT Legislative Assembly, Debates,
30 November 2017, p. 5393.
666
(d) any related matters.
666. Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, Inquiry into matters relating to section 44 of the Constitution, ‘Terms of Reference’,
Parliament of Australia website.
667. Parliament of Australia, New inquiry on decisions made by the Court of Disputed Returns, media release, 12 December 2017.
668. IR Hancock, ‘Holt, Harold Edward (1908–1967)’, Australian Dictionary of Biography, vol. 14, Melbourne University Press, 1996.
669. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Statements on Indulgence: Holt, Hon Harold Edward CH’, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 December 2017,
p. 12832.
670. Ibid.
671. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Distinguished visitors’, House of Representatives, Debates, 6 December 2017, p. 12831.
681. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Ministerial arrangements, media release, 19 December 2017.
682. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Transcript of press conference: Parliament House, Canberra, media release, 18 July 2017; M Turnbull (Prime
Minister), G Brandis (Attorney-General), P Dutton (Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) and M Keenan (Minister for Justice), A
strong and secure Australia, joint media release, 18 July 2017.
683. C Barker and S Fallon, ‘What we know so far about the new Home Affairs portfolio: a quick guide’, Research paper series, 2017–18,
Parliamentary Library, Canberra, 2017.
684. Parliament of Western Australia, ‘Hon Charles Christian (Christian) Porter MLA’, Extract from the Western Australian Parliamentary
Handbook, webpage.
685. J Ireland, ‘Comment: Have yourself a merit little Christmas: Turnbull's reshuffle a logic-free zone’, The Sydney Morning Herald 21 December
2017, accessed 21 December 2017; P. van Onselen, ’Did ‘merit’ prevent promotion of Linda Reynolds, Julia Banks and Sarah Henderson?’, The
Australian 21 December 2017, accessed 21 December 2017.
686. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Media Conference, Sydney: Transcript 19 December 2017’.
687. AEC, ‘Senate special counts—statements of results: NSW 22 November 2017’, AEC webpage.
688. Re Nash [No 2] [2017] HCA 52.
689. Department of the Senate, For the sitting period 27 November to 7 December 2017, Procedural information bulletin no. 321, Parliament of
Australia, 21 December 2017.
690. Australia, Senate, ‘Vacancy in the representation of New South Wales—Election of Jim Molan’, Senate, Journals, 80 (proof), 5 February 2018,
p. 2555.
691. J Molan, ‘First Speech: Molan, Sen Jim’, Senate, Debates, 14 February 2018, p. 1142.
692. D Dingwall, ‘MPs plan to pump lake’, The Canberra Times, 12 January 2018, p. 1.
693. Ibid.
694. Ibid.
695. Ibid.
696. T Smith (Speaker), ‘Distinguished Visitors’, House of Representatives, Debates, 13 February 2018, p. 1191.
697. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), ‘Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples: 10th Anniversary’, House of Representatives, Debates,
13 February 2018, p. 1191.
698. B Shorten (Leader of the Opposition), ‘Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples: 10th Anniversary’, House of Representatives, Debates,
13 February 2018, p. 1193.
699. M Turnbull (Prime Minister), Remarks at Bilateral Meeting with His Excellency Mr Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic
of Vietnam, Parliament House, Canberra, media release, 15 March 2018.
700. Ibid.
701. A Taylor (Minister for Law Enforcement and Cybersecurity), ‘Committees–Constitutional Recognition Committee: Appointment’, House of
Representatives, Debates, 1 March 2018, p. 2351; C Fierravanti-Wells (Minister for International Development and the Pacific), ‘Committees–
Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition Relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’, Senate, Debates, 19 March
2018, p. 1485.
702. A Taylor (Minister for Law Enforcement and Cybersecurity), ‘Committees–Constitutional Recognition Committee: Appointment’, House of
Representatives, Debates, 1 March 2018, p. 2528.
703. M Grattan, ‘Turnbull government say no to Indigenous “Voice to Parliament”’, The Conversation, 26 October 2017.
704. Ibid.
705. P Karp, ‘Malcolm Turnbull encourages Aung San Suu Kyi to resettle Rohingya’, The Guardian, 19 March 2018.
706. Ibid.
707. B Brennan, ‘Indigenous women travel to Canberra to draw attention to family violence’, ABC News (online), 27 March 2018.
708. Ibid.
Parliament House and its landscape setting covers 32 hectares on Capital Hill, Canberra
construction began in 1981 and took seven years—the building was opened on 9 May 1988
the first sitting of Parliament in the permanent building was held on 22 August 1988
the building was constructed with 300 000 cubic metres of concrete and 90 per cent of the materials
used are Australian
10 000 workers were involved in constructing and fitting out the building
there are 4500 rooms with a total area of 250 000 square metres
the Great Hall contains a tapestry on the southern wall and a parquet floor of Western Australian jarrah
with ebony and blackbutt inlays
the tapestry in the Great Hall was woven in Melbourne and is based on Arthur Boyd’s painting of a bush
landscape
there are hundreds of works of art and crafts in the building ranging from rugs, paintings and sculptures
to specially-designed furniture
Address by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Right Honourable David Cameron, 14 November
2014, p. 12710,
http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query%3DId%3A%22chamber%2Fhansardr%2F1
56b7ec9-1215-4e5d-b6a4-ccfb86ead68b%2F0005%22
Address by the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, the Honourable Narendra Modi, 18 November 2014, p.
12730,
Address by the Prime Minister of Singapore, His Excellency Mr Lee Hsien Loong, 12 October 2016, p. 1678,
http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db=CHAMBER;id=chamber%2Fhansardr%2F3bef
5bfd-10a1-42ac-8cdf-41e8b9c0f758%2F0045;query=Id%3A%22chamber%2Fhansardr%2F3bef5bfd-10a1-42ac-
8cdf-41e8b9c0f758%2F0045%22
House of Representatives
Speaker Term
709. Commonwealth of Australia, Parliamentary Handbook, Part 6: Historical information on the Australian Parliament.
Administrative law
Legislative Instruments Act 2003 M Coombs, Legislative To establish a regime to reform and
Instruments Bill 2003, Bills Digest, manage procedures for the making,
no. 26, 2003-04, 9 September scrutiny and publication of
2003 Commonwealth legislative instruments
Amending Acts 1901-1969 J Murphy, Amending Acts To repeal over 1,000 amending and
Repeal Act 2014 1901-1969 Repeal Bill 2014, Bills repeal Acts identified by the
digest, no. 59, 2013-14, Government as being redundant.
8 April 2014.
Amending Acts 1970 to 1979 K Magarey, Amending Acts 1970 To repeal 656 amending and repeal
Repeal Act 2014 to 1979 Repeal Bill 2014, Bills Acts identified as redundant.
digest, no. 57, 2014-15, 27
November 2014.
Amending Acts 1980 to 1989 K Magarey, Amending Acts 1980 To remove a significant number of
Repeal Act 2015 to 1989 Repeal Bill 2015, Bills ‘spent Acts’ – amending or repealing
digest, no 103, 2014–15, 12 May Acts which are no longer required as
2015. the legal changes they were designed
to make have occurred. Schedule 1
repeals 870 obsolete or redundant
amending or repeal Acts.
Norfolk Island Legislation C Madden, Norfolk Island Introduced to radically overhaul the
Amendment Act 2015 Legislation Amendment Act 2015, governance arrangements that
Bills digest, no. 102, 2014–15, 12 currently operate on NI and starts the
May 2015. transition of NI from a self-governing
territory to a modern local government
type authority.
Biosecurity
Australian Prudential Regulation B Bailey, Australian Prudential The main purpose of the Bill is to
Authority Act 1998 Regulation Authority Amendment change the leadership and governance
Bill 2003, Bills Digest, no. 172, of the Australian Prudential Regulation
2002-03 , 13 June 2003 Authority arising from the
recommendations contained in the
report of the HIH Royal Commission
Australian Securities and M Tapley, Australian Securities To remove constitutional doubts about
Investments Commission Act and Investments Commission Bill the framework for corporate regulation
2001 2001, Bills Digest , no. 144, 2000- by substantially re-enacting the
01, 4 June 2001, Australian Securities and Investments
Commission Act 1989 based on powers
referred by the States.
Corporations Act 2001 M Tapley, Corporations Bill 2001, Substantially re-enacts the existing
Bills Digest , no. 140, 2000-01, 1 Corporations Law of the ACT as a
June 2001. Commonwealth Act applying
throughout Australia
National Consumer Credit P Tan, National Consumer Credit To implement the new national
Protection Act 2009 Protection Bill 2009, Bills Digest , consumer credit regulation framework,
no. 30, 2009-10, 15 September which will replace the current State
2009. based regulatory framework known as
the Uniform Consumer Credit Code
Citizenship
Australian Citizenship M Harrison-Smith and C Barker, The Bill will amend the Australian
Amendment (Allegiance to Australian Citizenship Citizenship Act 2007 to provide for
Australia) Act 2015 Amendment (Allegiance to ‘automatic’ cessation of the Australian
Australia) Bill 2015, Bills digest, citizenship (including that obtained at
15, 2015–16, 2 September 2015. birth) of a dual national where that
person:
– renounces their Australian citizenship
by engaging in certain conduct relating
to terrorism and ‘foreign incursions’
– fights for, or is in the service of, a
‘declared terrorist organisation’ outside
Australia (expanding an existing
provision concerning serving in the
armed forces of a country at war with
Australia) or
– is convicted of a specified offence.
Climate change
Climate Change Authority Act J Tomaras, Climate Change Creates the statutory Australian Climate
2011 Authority Bill 2011, Bills Digest , Change Authority (the Authority), which
no. 67, 2011-12, 28 October is intended to act as an independent
2011. body providing the Government with
expert advice on key aspects of the
carbon pricing mechanism and
mitigation goals.
Carbon Farming Initiative K Swoboda, A St John, J Tomaras, Amends the Carbon Credits (Carbon
Amendment Act 2014 Carbon Farming Initiative Farming Initiative) Act 2011 to
Amendment Bill 2014, Bills implement the main part of the
digest, no. 23, 2014-15, 3 Coalition Government’s ‘direct action’
September 2014. emissions reduction policy—the
establishment of arrangements to
support the purchase of domestic
emissions abatement through the
‘emissions reduction fund’.
Australian Communications and P O'Neill and P Prince, Australian Established the ACMA for the
Media Authority Act 2005 Communications and Media regulation of broadcasting,
Authority Bill 2004, Bills Digest , radiocommunications and
no. 78, 2004-05, 9 December telecommunications (part of a package
2004. of 10 Bills)
Computers
Circuit Layouts Act 1989 Circuit Layouts Bill 1988, Bills To provide protection for original circuit
Digest, no. 171, 1 February 1989. layouts of integrated circuits.
Telecommunications Act 1989 Telecommunications Bill 1989, To provide for greater competition in
Bills Digest, no. 35, 5 May 1989. the provision of value added services
and private network services. The Bill
will also reserve certain
telecommunication services for
Telecom, OTC and AUSSAT, and
establish the Australian
Telecommunications Authority as a
statutory corporation responsible for
the regulation of the
telecommunications industry.
Courts
Judicial Misbehaviour and M Biddington, Judicial The purpose of this Bill is to provide a
Incapacity (Parliamentary Misbehaviour and Incapacity mechanism to assist the Parliament in
Commissions) Act 2012 (Parliamentary Commissions) Bill its consideration of removal from office
2012, Bills Digest , no. 171, 2011- of a judge or federal magistrate under
12, 26 June 2012. the Constitution.
Criminal law
Anti-People Smuggling and Other E Karlsen, Anti-People Smuggling Among other things, this Bill proposes
Measures Act 2010 and Other Measures Bill 2010, to harmonise existing offences between
Bills Digest , no. 11, 2009-10, 11 Acts and create new people smuggling
March 2010. offences.
Crimes Legislation Amendment M Biddington and C Barker, Will establish new offences of forced
(Slavery, Slavery-like Conditions Crimes Legislation Amendment labour, forced marriage, organ
and People Trafficking) Act 2013 (Slavery, Slavery-Like Conditions trafficking and harbouring a victim. The
and People Trafficking) Bill 2012, Bill will also modify the scope and
Bills Digest , no. 14, 2012-13, 24 application of existing offences of
August 2012. slavery, deceptive recruiting, sexual
servitude and trafficking in persons
Crimes Legislation Amendment J Mills, Crimes Legislation To amend the Criminal Code Act 1995
(Harming Australians) Act 2015 Amendment (Harming to extend the existing retrospective
Australians) Bill 2015, Bills digest, application of the offences of murder
48, 2015–16, 12 November 2015. and manslaughter of Australians
overseas to apply to offences occurring
prior to 1 October 2002.
Criminal Code Amendment (War C Raymond and J Tomaras, Proposes to amend the war crimes
Crimes) Act 2016 Criminal Code Amendment (War offences in the Criminal Code Act 1995
Crimes) Bill 2016, Bills Digest, 43, to address some anomalies in the
2016–17, 23 November 2016. treatment of acts done in the course of
a ‘non-international armed conflict’
with the requirements of international
humanitarian law (IHL). These
anomalies are said to limit the
capability of the Australian Defence
Force (ADF) to undertake international
Criminal Code Amendment (High M Biddington, Criminal Code Amends the Criminal Code Act 1995 to
Risk Terrorist Offenders) Act Amendment (High Risk Terrorist establish a scheme for the continuing
2016 Offenders) Bill 2016, Bills Digest, detention of high risk terrorist
48, 2016–17, 29 November 2016. offenders who are considered by a
judge in civil proceedings to present an
unacceptable risk to the community at
the conclusion of their custodial
sentence.
Criminal Code Amendment M Biddington, Criminal Code The purpose of the Act is to introduce
(Protecting Minors Online) Act Amendment (Protecting Minors an offence to criminalise acts done
2017 Online) Bill 2017, Bills Digest using a carriage service to prepare or
plan to cause harm to, procure, or
engage in sexual activity with, a person
under the age of 16. This expressly
includes a person misrepresenting their
age online as part of a plan to cause
harm to another person under 16 years
of age.
Defence
Education and Other Legislation J Griffiths, C Ey, P Pyburne, To amend the Ombudsman Act 1976 to
Amendment Act (No. 1) 2017 Education and Other Legislation establish the office of the VET Student
Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2017, Loans Ombudsman. In addition, the Bill
Bills Digest. amends the Australian Research Council
Act 2001 to update indexation against
appropriation funding caps for existing
legislated amounts and includes an
additional forward estimate amount.
Energy
Employment
Workplace Relations
Amendment (Workchoices) Act
2005
Fair Work (Registered J Murphy, Fair Work (Registered The Bill is framed partly as a response
Organisations) Amendment Act Organisations) Amendment Bill to widely publicised misconduct by
2016 2014, Bills Digest, 40, 2016–17, officers of the Health Services Union
21 November 2016. and other evidence of poor governance
of some trade unions uncovered by the
Royal Commission into trade union
governance and corruption. The stated
aim of the Bill is to improve the
standard of governance of registered
organisations and deter wrongdoing by
amending the Fair Work (Registered
Organisations) Act 2009.
Environmental law
Ozone Protection Act 1989 Ozone Protection Bill 1988, Bills To establish a system of controls to
Digest, no. 135, 28 November reduce the manufacture, import, export,
1988. distribution and use of ozone - depleting
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons.
Family law
Family Law Amendment (De MA Neilsen, Family Law To extend federal jurisdiction under the
Facto Financial Matters and Amendment (De Facto Financial Family Law Act 1975 to financial
Other Measures) Act 2008 Matters and Other Measures) Bill matters arising out of the breakdown of
2008, Bills Digest , no. 9, 2008-09, de facto relationships, including both
25 August 2008. opposite sex and same sex
relationships.
Enhancing Online Safety for M Biddington, Enhancing Online To amend the Enhancing Online Safety
Children Amendment Act 2017 Safety for Children Amendment for Children Act 2015 (the Act) to
Bill 2017, Bills Digest. broaden the functions of the Children’s
eSafety Commissioner to include online
safety for all Australians. As part of the
amendments, the name of the Act will
be amended, to be known as the
Enhancing Online Safety Act 2015.
Health
Tobacco Plain Packaging Act M Thomas, Tobacco Plain To prohibit the use of all tobacco
2011 Packaging Bill 2011, Bills Digest, industry logos, brand imagery, colours
no. 35, 2011-12, 24 August 2011. and promotional text on the retail
packaging of tobacco products.
Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 Therapeutic Goods Bill 1989, Bills To establish standards and provide an
Digest, no. 123, 24 October 1989. assessment and licensing system to
regulate the import, export, supply and
manufacturing of certain therapeutic
goods.
Aged Care Legislation Aged Care Legislation Will allocate home care packages
Amendment (Increasing Amendment (Increasing (HCPs) directly to consumers, rather
Consumer Choice) Act 2016 Consumer Choice) Bill 2016, Bills than to approved providers, create a
Digest, 94, 2015–16, national system for prioritising
1 March 2016. consumer access to HCPs and reduce
regulation of the approval process for
all aged care providers.
Migration and Maritime Powers E Karlsen, J Phillips, H Spinks, The measures broaden the maritime
Legislation Amendment Migration and Maritime Powers enforcement powers used to intercept
(Resolving the Asylum Legacy Legislation Amendment and return vessels carrying asylum
Caseload) Act 2014 (Resolving the Asylum Legacy seekers.
Caseload) Bill 2014, Bills digest,
no. 40, 2014-15,
23 October 2014.
Human rights
Intellectual property
Patents Act 1990 Patents Bill 1990, Bills Digest, no. To repeal the Patents Act 1952 and
67, 5 July 1989. replace it as the principle piece of
legislation dealing with patents in
Australia.
Native Title
Native Title Act 1993 A Twomey, Native Title Bill 1993, To recognise and protect native title
Bills Digest , no. 63, 1993, 23
November 1993.
Northern Territory National K Magarey and others, Northern Now repealed. Package of Bills issued in
Emergency Response Act 2007 . Territory National Emergency response to Little Children are Sacred":
Repealed by Stronger Futures in Response Bill 2007, Bills Digest , The Report of the Northern Territory
the Northern Territory no. 28, 2007-08, 13 August 2007. Board of Inquiry into the Protection of
(Consequential and Transitional Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse .
Provisions) Act 2012
Native Title Amendment C Raymond, Native Title The Act proposes to: a. confirm the
(Indigenous Land Use Amendment (Indigenous Land legal status and enforceability of
Agreements) Act 2017 Use Agreements) Bill 2017, Bills agreements which have been
Digest. registered by the Native Title Registrar
on the Register of Indigenous Land Use
Agreements without the signature of all
members of a registered native title
claimant; b. enable registration of
agreements which have been made but
have not yet been registered on the
Register of Indigenous Land Use
Agreements; and c. ensure that in the
future, area ILUAs can be registered
without requiring every member of the
RNTC to be a party to the agreement.
Nuclear energy
Australian Radiation Protection S Downing and J Prest, Australian Introduces regulatory controls for all
and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 Radiation Protection and Nuclear Commonwealth radiation and nuclear
Safety Bill 1998, Bills Digest , no. safety activities.
211, 1997-98, 14 May 1998 (for
previously lapsed Bill).
Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban S Downing, Comprehensive The Bill prohibits the causing of any
Parliament/public service
Public Governance, Performance D Weight and N Horne, Public About the governance, performance
and Accountability Act 2013 Governance, Performance and and accountability of, and the use and
Accountability Bill 2013, Bills management of public resources by,
Digest, no. 162, 2012-13, 27 June the Commonwealth, Commonwealth
2013. entities and Commonwealth
companies.
Privacy
Property
Sex discrimination
Sex Discrimination Amendment Sex Discrimination Amendment To provide new protections against
(Sexual Orientation, Gender (Sexual Orientation, Gender discrimination on the basis of a person’s
Identity and Intersex Status) Act Identity and Intersex Status) Bill sexual orientation, gender identity and
2013 2013, Bills Digest, no. 155, 21 intersex status; provide protection
June 2013. against discrimination for same-sex de
facto couples.
Tax
A New Tax System (Goods and B Bennett, A New Tax System To introduce a 10% tax on goods and
Services Tax) Act 1999 (Goods and Services Tax) Bill services.
1998, Bills Digest , no. 97, 1998-
99, 28 January 1999.
Tax and Superannuation Laws K Sanyal, Tax and Ensures that the goods and services tax
Amendment (2016 Measures Superannuation Laws (GST) is applied consistently to all
No. 1) Act 2016 Amendment (2016 Measures No. supplies of digital products and other
1) Bill 2016, Bills Digest, 116, imported services to Australian
2015–16, 4 May 2016. consumers.
Transport/navigation
Inspector of Transport Security J Clarke, Inspector of Transport Inquire into major transport security
Act 2006 Security Bill 2006, Bills Digest , incidents and patterns or series of
no. 49, 2006-07, 1 November incidents that point to a systemic
Carriage of Goods by Sea Act Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill To implement up-dated rules regarding
1991 1991 , Bills Digest , 14 August the responsibilities and liabilities of
1991. those who carry goods by sea and for
ship owners
Suppression of the Financing of M Tapley, Suppression of the Aimed at restricting the financial
Terrorism Act 2002 Financing of Terrorism Bill 2002, resources that are available to support
Bills Digest , no. 127, 2001-02, 1 the activities of terrorist organisations.
May 2002.
National Security Legislation M Biddington, C Barker, National The main purpose of the Bill is to
Amendment Act (No. 1) 2014 Security Legislation Amendment implement recommendations made in
Bill (No. 1) 2014, Bills digest, Chapter 4 of the PJCIS’s Report of the
no. 19, 2014-15, 28 August 2014. Inquiry into Potential Reforms of
Australia’s National Security Legislation.
Australian Border Force Act 2015 C Barker, Australian Border Force To establish the Australian Border Force
Bill 2015 [and] Customs and and ABF Commissioner within the
Other Legislation Amendment Department of Immigration and Border
(Australian Border Force) Bill Protection. The Commissioner will be
2015, Bills digest, no. 94, 2014– responsible for enforcement of customs
15, 7 May 2015. laws and border-related revenue
collection.
Welfare
Aged Care Act 1997 L Jones, Aged Care Bill 1997, Bills Relates to classification and
Digest , no. 132, 1996-97, 26 accreditation and funding of nursing
March 1997 homes and hostels,
Age Discrimination Act 2004 K Magarey, Age Discrimination To prohibit age discrimination in certain
Bill 2003, Bills Digest , no. 29, specified areas and to provide
2003-04, 8 September 2003. exemptions from the prohibition in
certain other areas.
Disability Discrimination Act Disability Discrimination Bill 1992 To make it unlawful, in a limited
1992 , Bills Digest , 26 May 1992. number of circumstances, to
discriminate on grounds of disability
and establish within the Human Rights
and Equal Opportunity Commission the
office of Disability Discrimination
Commissioner.
Social Services Legislation M Klapdor, Social Services Amends the A New Tax System (Family
Amendment (No Jab, No Pay) Act Legislation Amendment (No Jab, Assistance) Act 1999 (the FA Act) to
2015 No Pay) Bill 2015, Bills digest, no. tighten the immunisation requirements
36, 2015–16, 22 October 2015. for the FTB-A supplement, CCB and
CCR. It will remove the exemption from
the immunisation requirements for
those who submit a conscientious
objection to immunisation and will
remove the Minister for Social Services’
power to exempt a class of persons
from the requirements by legislative
instrument.
AUSPIC
Front cover: Parliament House during the Enlighten festival, 2011, Howard Moffat/AUSPIC; concept created by
The Electric Canvas
Speaker’s Chair crafted by David Upfill-Brown, using Australian grey box timber with Tasmanian black-hearted
sassafras and six types of Australian wattle, AUSPIC No. 991025-8
President Hu Jintao addresses a joint meeting of the Australian Parliament, AUSPIC No. 030496DI-225
The Governor-General delivers her opening of Parliament address, AUSPIC No. 100317-0632
Visit by His Excellency Mr Sukhbaatar Batbold MP, Prime Minister of Mongolia, AUSPIC No. 110035-0348
Visit by the Right Honourable Dato Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, AUSPIC
No. 11067-104
National Memorial Service to mark the 10th Anniversary of the 2002 Bali Bombings, No. 120321-059
Senator Stephen Parry
Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, 8 July 2014
Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway with Prime Minister Tony Abbott at Parliament House,
23 February 2015
Prime Minister of Vietnam, Nguyen Tan Dung, and Prime Minister Tony Abbott, 18 March 2015
Parliament of Australia
Solar panels on Parliament House roof
Main Committee chamber, renamed Federation Chamber
New Parliament of Australia website
Parliament House during the Enlighten Festival, 2011
Pride of Place, House of Representatives, 2008 (video available for purchase from the International and
Community Relations Office, Parliament House: 1800 139 299 or [email protected]
Parliament House 25th Anniversary Open Day 2013 (House of Representatives)
Silver anniversary morning tea in the Great Hall (Department of Parliamentary Services)
Parliamentary Library
Map showing results of the postal survey by electorate
The Hon. Harold Holt
Fairfax Media
Re-enactment of the naming of Canberra
Shutterstock.com
Parliament House, by Phillip Minnis
Man using mobile phone by maradonna 8888
Parliament House forecourt by Neale Cousland
Bee by Eric Isselee
Ten News
The Hon. Julia Gillard sworn in as Australia's 27th Prime Minister (YouTube video)
Wikimedia Commons
Former Clerk of the Senate, Harry Evans, by Brian Jenkins
Magnifying glass and Australian flag by Ken Hodge
Gough Whitlam, 1955
Victorian senate ballot paper 2016 by Hshook
Norfolk Island by Steve Daggar
Ballot box by Dude7248
Lionel Murphy in 1973 by Rob Mieremet/Anefo
King Willem-Alexander by Royal House of the Netherlands
Parliament House with Lake Burley Griffin in the foreground by Matt Ryall
Other
A Hough, Protesters abseil down the front of Parliament House, 1 December 2016
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