About the House News

Sharing stories, celebrating culture - Entries open now for Yarning competition

Monday, 9 February 2026

Yarning is an Australia-wide storytelling competition that invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students from across Australia to share their perspectives and stories with the Australian Parliament.

2025 Yarning Competition Winners

Friday, 10 October 2025

Winning artworks created by First Nations students from across Australia as part of the inaugural Yarning Competition will be on display at Parliament House this October.

Holly Rankin chosen to deliver Speaker’s Lecture 2025

Thursday, 9 October 2025

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Honourable Milton Dick MP has chosen Ms Holly Rankin to deliver the fifth Speaker’s Lecture at Parliament House on 27 October 2025.

The Opening of the 48th Parliament

Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Yesterday, 22 July 2025, marked the formal opening of the 48th Parliament. This date was set by the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, who issued a proclamation calling the Parliament together following the federal election held on 3 May 2025.

Sharing stories, celebrating culture — Yarning competition launches today

Wednesday, 2 April 2025

Today the Department of the House of Representatives launches Yarning, an exciting new competition for First Nations secondary school students across Australia.

General interest

International Women’s Day 2025 - Interview with Peggy Danaee, Serjeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives

Friday, 7 March 2025

Peggy Danaee is the Serjeant-at-Arms in the Department of the House of Representatives. For International Women's Day, we asked Peggy about her time as Serjeant-at-Arms and her reflections on the role.

General interest

Speaker flies the APH flag across the country

Monday, 30 September 2024

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Honourable Milton Dick MP, has officially launched the Australian Parliament House (APH) Flag Roadshow today at Jindalee State School in South-West Brisbane.

Speaker's Lecture 2024 - Niki Savva

Monday, 16 September 2024

Read or watch Niki Savva's 2024 Speaker's Lecture, Survival in the age of mistrust. Challenges for politicians and journalists.

50th Anniversary of the 1974 Joint Sitting

Tuesday, 6 August 2024

50 years ago this week, the 127 members of the House of Representatives and 60 Senators of the 29th Parliament came together in the chamber of the House of Representatives at Old Parliament House for a joint sitting. This was the first and only time a joint sitting has been conducted for the purposes of resolving a legislative deadlock following a double dissolution in accordance with section 57 of the Constitution.

Chamber Procedural

30th anniversary of the Federation Chamber

Saturday, 8 June 2024

8 June 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the inaugural sitting of the Federation Chamber.

2024 House sittings commence

Monday, 5 February 2024

On Tuesday 6 February, the House of Representatives will begin the first sitting week of 2024. Here is a brief overview of what is planned to be debated, and how you can stay up to date during the week.

General interest Chamber

Speaker's Lecture 2023 - Michelle Grattan AO

Friday, 3 November 2023

Read or watch Michelle Grattan's 2023 Speaker's Lecture on the state of the Australian political system.

General interest

National Reconciliation Week 2023

Friday, 26 May 2023

National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June and is a chance for Australians to learn about their shared history and how to work towards achieving reconciliation in Australia. Take a look at the significant dates coming up over the next week and the role that the House of Representatives has played.

General interest

International Women’s Day 2023 - Interview with Claressa Surtees, Clerk of the House of Representatives

Wednesday, 8 March 2023

Claressa Surtees is the current Clerk of the House of Representatives – the 17th in the House’s history and the first woman to hold the position. For International Women’s Day, we asked Claressa about her time as Clerk and her reflections on the role.

General interest

House sittings commence for 2023

Friday, 3 February 2023

On Monday 6 February, the House of Representatives will begin the first sitting week of 2023. Here is a brief overview of what is planned to be debated, and how you can stay up to date during the week.

New inquiry to tackle racism, hate and violence toward First Nations people
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
The Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs has commenced an inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The inquiry follows a referral from the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy.
Tyre inquiry gains traction as public hearings begin
Tuesday, 3 March 2026
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science will hold public hearings in Canberra on Wednesday, 4 March 2026 and Wednesday, 11 March 2026 as part of its inquiry into the current state of the Australian tyre industry, and any challenges and opportunities for the industry within the context of a circular economy.
Public hearings for inquiry into Australia’s trade and investment relations with Africa underway
Tuesday, 3 March 2026
The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade through its Trade Subcommittee will hold its first public hearing for its inquiry into strengthening Australia’s trade and investment relations with Africa on 4 March 2026 at 10am.
Farrer by-election
Friday, 27 February 2026
The Speaker is now considering possible dates for the by-election for the electoral division of Farrer, New South Wales and will make an announcement in due course.