Upcoming events and news from the Senate and its committees including lectures, training programs and social media which promotes understanding of the Senate and the Parliament.
Prorogation of the 47th Parliament
What does this mean for the Senate?
The Senate has a continuing, rotating membership with elections being held for half the 72 state senators every three years. State senators are elected for six-year terms, while the four territory senators serve the same term as members of the House of Representatives.
The election held on 3 May was for territory senators and those senators whose terms expire on 30 June 2025. Territory senators commenced their terms on the day of their election. The terms of those state senators who were elected on 3 May will begin on 1 July.
Prorogation is regarded as terminating the sittings of the Senate, but as the Senate was not dissolved along with the House of Representatives, its committees (not joint committees) may continue to meet, conduct hearings and present reports if they choose to do so.
Business on the Senate Notice Paper, including questions on notice and presentation dates for committee reports, remains in place until immediately before the commencement of the next Parliament.