About the House of Representatives
The House of Representatives has a number of important functions: it determines the government, debates and passes laws, watches over government administration and expenditure, and provides a forum for public debate on issues of national importance. It shares the power to make laws with the other house of the Australian Parliament, the Senate.
There are 150 members who have been chosen at a general election to represent the interests of the community. Each member represents one area of Australia called an electorate. Members are elected for a maximum 3-year term and when in parliament, they can debate on proposed laws and public policy, representing the views of the people in their electorate.