About the House News

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.

Parliament Explained: Work of the House

Friday, 6 January 2023

Previous Parliament Explained articles have explored how Australia’s system of government is formed, the House of Representatives and its rules, and the Federation Chamber. This article will examine when the House sits and what happens when it does, House committees, and the petitions system.

Parliament Explained: The House and its rules

Tuesday, 13 December 2022

Previous Parliament Explained articles have explored Australia’s system of government, how it is formed and its responsibilities, as well as the roles of those within the House of Representatives. This article will examine the House of Representatives chamber, its rules and layout, and the lesser-known Federation Chamber.

Parliament Explained: Role of the House

Wednesday, 23 November 2022

Previous Parliament Explained articles have explored Australia’s system of government, how government is formed, the responsibilities and levels of government, and the separation of powers. This article will examine what the House of Representatives does and the various roles and responsibilities of those within the House.

National Youth Parliament 2026 - Delivery Partner Announced
Wednesday, 23 July 2025
The Department of the House of Representatives is pleased to announce that following a competitive open tender process, Y Australia has been selected as the delivery partner for the National Youth Parliament to be held in Canberra in August 2026.
New Members’ Seminar
Wednesday, 18 June 2025
Newly elected members of the House of Representatives will come to Canberra next week to learn about their new roles as federal parliamentarians.
Parliament in Schools lands in Chapel Hill and Woodridge
Wednesday, 18 June 2025
After visiting over 160 schools as part of the Parliament in Schools Program, the Honourable Milton Dick MP is today visiting Chapel Hill State School, with the Federal Member for Ryan, Ms Elizabeth Watson-Brown MP.
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. Yarning is about storytelling. The competition aims to raise awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and provide a platform for young First Nations Australians to connect with the work of the Australian Parliament.