INFORMATION ABOUT THE SENATE
Here you'll find information about the Senate, including:
What is the Senate?
The Australian Parliament consists of three elements:
1. The Queen, who is represented in Australia by the Governor-General,
2. The House of Representatives, and
3. The Senate.
The Parliament is bicameral, that is, there are two houses and a bill has to pass with a majority vote in both houses to create a new law. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate have their own chambers designed and constructed to meet the specific needs of each.
The Senate is also known as the ‘upper house’. The tradition of decorating the upper house in red has followed the British tradition in the House of Lords and of the Australian state parliaments. However, the Senate upper house uses a modified red colour reflecting the colour of Australian desert sand and rock rather than the traditional rich dark reds of England .
The name Senate is derived from the United States Congress, and like that chamber, consists of Senators who represent each state and territory in the federation. The 76 Senators include 12 Senators representing each of the six states and two senators representing each of the two territories.
Role of the Senate
The Senate has many functions. It has equal power to make laws with the House of Representatives, and often initiates non-financial legislation. This allows laws to be introduced to the Parliament outside of the Government’s agenda. For the most part the Senate acts as a House of review, providing protection against a government introducing extreme measures for which it does not have broad community support. The Senate also allows for a formal channel of communication between the Senate and interested organisations and individuals through the Senate Committees. Inquiries on legislation and policy matters are undertaken and the public is invited to put forward submissions, which the committee takes in to consideration when drafting their response.
Role of a Senator
As a Senator I undertake a wide range of roles. I get involved in policy making decisions through Caucus Committees, travel interstate to do Senate Committee work, and represent my constituents in the Senate by giving speeches and lobbying changes on legislation important to the Northern Territory. My constituents meet with myself and my staff on any matters that concern them, and any difficulties they may be experiencing. I travel to all parts of the Territory, including remote communities, and to Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the Indian Ocean. I spend approximately 20 weeks in Canberra for sittings, and the rest of my time is spent travelling the Territory and meeting constituents.
Senate Committees
Senate Committees are an important function of the Senate, allowing citizens to participate in law making and policy review. Inquiries conducted by Committees allow the public to air grievances about government and helps bring to light the mistreatment of citizens by government. Specialist committees support the Senate’s ability to monitor delegated legislation made by the executive government and to ensure that all proposals for legislation do not trespass against fundamental personal rights and liberties. Committees conduct inquiries in to proposed laws, the conduct of public administration and the consideration of policy issues. Interested organisations and individuals are encouraged to put forward submissions on inquiries which the Committee will take in to consideration when putting forward their report.
Electorate Office
My electorate office is located in Goyder Centre, in Palmerston. When I am not in Canberra, on Committee Work or visiting my constituents in other parts of the Territory, I can be found in my electorate office. There I meet with constituents who wish to discuss with me their positions on policy, social issues and upcoming legislation, and also to help resolve issues with Government Departments such as Immigration and Centrelink.
Educational Links
For more information on the Senate, visit these links
Parliamentary Education Office
Odgers' Australian Senate Practice