In the Federation Chamber, how do members decide where to sit?

Thanks for your question Hamish!

Members do not have fixed seats in the Federation Chamber. Usually, government members sit on the right of the Chair and non-government members sit on the left, just like they do in the House of Representatives. Seating is provided for 38 members and there is room for additional seating if required.

The Federation Chamber is a second meeting place for the House of Representatives. It can meet at the same time as the House.

A wood-panelled room with 2 rows of wooden desks in a horseshoe shape. An Australian flag is in the foreground.

Federation Chamber

David Foote/DPS Auspic

Federation Chamber

A wood-panelled room with 2 rows of wooden desks in a horseshoe shape. An Australian flag is in the foreground.

David Foote/DPS Auspic

Description

The Federation Chamber is the second meeting place of the Australian House of Representatives. It is a wood-panelled meeting room with wooden desks and leather chairs arranged in a U-shape. Seating is provided for 38 members. There are microphones and cameras throughout the room to record speeches when the Federation Chamber is in session.