The power to order documents, both in existence and created for the purpose, is one of the most significant methods of parliamentary inquiry and has deep historical roots. See, for example, orders made by the United Kingdom House of Commons in February 1699 requiring the production of lists of persons collecting taxes on salt, beer, ale and other liquors.
The opening of the 47th Parliament on 26 July 2022 saw 11 newly elected senators kickstart their parliamentary careers, and just like any new job, there has been an exciting period of learning and orientation over the past month.
On 26 July 2022, the two Houses of the Parliament met for the opening of the 47th Parliament. This date was set by the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), who, on advice from the government, issued a proclamation calling the parliament to meet for the first time since the federal election.
The Governor-General issued a proclamation on 10 April 2022 proroguing Parliament at 9.29am the following day and then dissolving the House of Representatives, ahead of a federal election on 21 May.
A key role of the Australian Parliament is to make and change the law. Each year the Australian Parliament considers hundreds of proposed laws, known as bills. Read here to find out about private senators' bills.
When the Senate sat on 2 December for the last time in 2021, it marked off a remarkable two years for the Parliament.
The Senate elected Senator Brockman as the 26th President of the Senate. The role of the President became vacant after Senator Scott Ryan retired on 13 October 2021.
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