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Parliament House
Parliament House in Canberra is home to Australia's Parliament. It is a place where decisions that shape our nation are made, and a place for celebration, memorial and sometimes protest. Most importantly, it is a place for all Australians.
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Accessibility
The PEO website has been designed to meet the Australian Government standard established for web accessibility.
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Videos for teachers
Immerse your students in the Australian Parliament by creating a parliament in your classroom. These videos show you how to debate in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and how to investigate bills and issues in committees.
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History of Parliament
The Australian Parliament is over 100 years old but some of its practices and traditions are centuries older. Explore the history of the Australian Parliament including the Magna Carta, federation, the First World War and more recent milestones.
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Democratic ideas
Discover the concepts that underpin our democracy in these adaptable classroom activities.
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Classroom activities
Explore the ideas that underpin Australia's democracy and create a parliament in your classroom with these fun and engaging activities. Each activity includes a lesson plan and a toolkit with the resources you’ll need to teach key functions of and concepts relating to the Australian Parliament.
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Federation
Federation is the process by which 6 partly self-governing British colonies decided to form a new nation. Australia was created by peaceful means as an Act of the British Parliament—the result of much consideration and debate.
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History milestones
Explore the history of our Parliament from the Magna Carta to now with these resources. Topics include the development of the concept of parliament, the role of the Australian Parliament in World War I and the activism that led to the 1967 referendum.
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Quizzes
Have a go at these quizzes about the Australian Parliament. You might even learn something you didn’t know! Topics include the three levels of government, separation of powers and the Australian Constitution.
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Government
The Australian Government puts Australian law into action, provides government services and makes decisions on behalf of the nation. Learn more about the Australian Government, including how it is formed, Cabinet and its role.
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Elections and voting
Discover how senators and members of the House of Representatives are elected by the Australian people to the Australian Parliament. Explore what a double dissolution is and how the Australian people can have their say on big issues in referendums and plebiscites.
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Getting involved
Explore the ways you can have your say and contribute to the work of the Australian Parliament. From voting to petitions, contacting members of parliament to protesting, there are many ways Australians can have their voice heard in Parliament.
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Parliament at work
There is always a lot happening in the Australian Parliament. Discover the latest news from your Parliament and information about how it does its work.
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Having your say
All Australians can have their say about decisions made by the Australian Parliament. At federal elections, we select the people who represent us in Parliament. We can also be active citizens by signing a petition, getting involved in a committee inquiry and contacting our members of parliament.
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System of government
Understand Australia’s democratic system of government, including the separation of powers and responsible government.
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Senate
The Senate is part of the Australian Parliament. It has an important role representing the views of Australians, making laws for Australia, investigating national issues and examining the work of the government.
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House of Representatives
The House of Representatives is part of the Australian Parliament. It is the house in which the Australian Government is formed and has an important role representing the views of Australians and making laws for Australia.
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The Australian Constitution audio
Listen to the complete text of the Australian Constitution.
The full written text of the Australian Constitution can be read on The Australian Constitution online website.
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Role-play the Parliament: Committee
This video demonstrates a committee role-play, where students can learn how the Australian Parliament investigates bills and issues. It outlines lesson content and what preparation is required to use this immersive learning strategy in a classroom.
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People in Parliament
Meet the people who work in the Australian Parliament. From the Prime Minister to the media, hundreds of people participate in and make sure Parliament can do its work.
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The Australian Constitution
Discover the history, features and function of the Australian Constitution—the set of rules by which Australia is run. The Constitution guides the composition of the Australian Parliament, what it can make laws about and how the Australian Parliament and state parliaments share power.
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Group organisation table
Use this table to organise your class into groups for the Interpret the Constitution classroom activity.
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System of government
Explore Australia’s system of government with these adaptable classroom activities.
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Example petitions
Use these example petitions to help further scaffold the Start a petition classroom activity.
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Extension activity
Present a petition to the Australian Parliament.
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Group organisation table
Use this table to organise your class into groups for the Negotiate a minority government classroom activity.
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Referencing
Information to help you reference content from the PEO website.
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People in Parliament – Usher of the Black Rod
Meet the Usher of the Black Rod in this informative video. Learn about their role in the Senate and the department, the symbolism of the Black Rod and the history of the position.
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National symbols
This fact sheet explains Australia's key national symbols, including the Coat of Arms, our flags, the national anthem, the floral emblem and our national colours. It explains the history and significance of each symbol.
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Role-play the Parliament: the role-play in action
This video shows a snapshot of a parliamentary role-play in the Education Centre at Australia’s Parliament House.
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Bills and laws
Everything you need to know about the law-making process in the Australian Parliament. Discover the path of a bill, how laws are changed and the different types of laws.
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Welcome to the Parliamentary Education Office
The Parliamentary Education Office (PEO) educates Australians about, and inspires their enthusiasm for, Australia’s parliamentary democracy. Through accessible, immersive, experiential programs and resources we foster informed, engaged and active citizens of all ages. Located in Australia’s Parliament House, we are leaders in civics and citizenship education.
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Parliamentary processes and practices
Experience the work of the Parliament with these adaptable classroom activities.
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Role-play the Parliament: Senate
This video demonstrates a Senate parliamentary role-play, where students can learn how new laws are made in the Australian Parliament. It outlines lesson content and what preparation is required to use this immersive learning strategy in a classroom.
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Role-play the Parliament: House of Representatives
This video demonstrates a House of Representatives parliamentary role-play, where students can learn how new laws are made in the Australian Parliament. It outlines lesson content and what preparation is required to use this immersive learning strategy in a classroom.
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How Parliament works
How the Australian Parliament works is set out in the Australian Constitution and is influenced by the separation of powers and the three levels of government. Explore how the Parliament does its work including how laws are made.
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Units of work
Explore parliamentary education in the classroom with these Units of work aligned to the Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.
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Federation
Discover the story behind Federation in Australia with this introductory video.
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Three levels of government
The three levels of government is a key feature of the Australian system of government. Discover the roles and responsibilities of the federal Parliament, state and territory parliaments and local councils, and how they work together to deliver services to Australians.
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Prepare for your program
Getting ready to participate in a PEO program? Here are some ideas and a sensory story to help your students get the most out of their program at Parliament House.
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People in Parliament
This graphic shows some positions in the Australian Parliament and how they relate to each other.
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How to form a political party
This graphic shows the steps required to form a political party in Australia.
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The role of the House of Representatives
This graphic illustrates the role of the House of Representatives.
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The House of Representatives
Discover the role and work of the Australian House of Representatives with this introductory video.
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Cabinet
Cabinet is the top-level decision-making group within the Australian Government. Find out more about who is in Cabinet and how it works with this fact sheet.
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Four key ideas of Australian democracy
This graphic illustrates the 4 supporting ideas of Australian democracy.
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The Constitution
This short video introduces the Australian Constitution—the rules by which Australia is run.
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Parliamentary committees
Explore how committees in the Australian Parliament are formed, their function and how they support the work of the Senate and House of Representatives with this explanatory video.
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Federal, state and local
Do you know what each level of government is responsible for? Test your knowledge of the three levels of government in Australia with this game. Use in the classroom or just for fun.
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Making a law
Get an introduction to the law-making process of the Australian Parliament with this short video. It includes all the law-making steps in the Senate and House of Representatives.
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Introducing ... rules and laws
Begin your exploration of rules and laws with this short introduction. Find out the differences between rules and laws, and who needs to follow them.
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Pass the bill
This interactive details each step of the law-making process in the Australian Parliament. Users follow the progress of a bill to lower the voting age to 16 through the Australian Parliament. Perfect for use in the classroom.
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The usual path of a bill
This graphic illustrates the usual path of a bill through the Australian Parliament to become Australian law.
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From policy to law
This graphic illustrates the role of the executive government in turning policy into law.
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Get involved
Explore ways you can get involved in the work of Parliament with this in-depth video. Find out how you can get informed about the work of the Parliament, contact and vote for members of parliament, petition the Parliament and participate in parliamentary inquiries.
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Referendums and plebiscites
A referendum is a vote of the Australian people to change the Australian Constitution. This fact sheet explores the process of referendums and plebiscites – national polls – in Australia.
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One voice for many
This video explores representation. It can be used as a visual aid in discussing representation with students.
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To our last shilling: the Australian Parliament and World War I
Discover Australia’s experience of the First World War from the perspective of the Australian Parliament. From fixing the price of food to interning ‘enemy aliens’, the decisions made by the Parliament during the War affected the lives of everyday Australians.
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Year 9
After completing this Unit of work and associated assessment tasks, students will have met the achievement standard for the Year 9 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.
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Year 3
After completing this Unit of work and associated assessment tasks, students will have met the achievement standard for the Year 3 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.
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Australian Parliament
Test your students' understanding of the history, make-up and people of the Australian Parliament with this quick quiz.
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Chatterboxes
These fun to make chatterboxes feature questions and answers about parliamentary processes and the history of our Parliament. Quiz your students or challenge them to write their own questions using the templates.
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Rights in Australia
This paper investigates the framework of rights in Australia. It defines the different types of rights, including human rights, and looks at the many sources for our rights and how they are protected.
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Federal Parliament history timeline
Explore the history of Australia’s Parliament with this easy-to-use timeline. Investigate the milestones to find out how the work of the Parliament has influenced the development of Australia since Federation.
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Unpack democracy
What is democracy and how does it work in Australia? Explore questions around the key ideas of our democracy with these discussion-based activities.
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Federal elections
Australians vote to elect members of the Australian Parliament to make laws and decisions on their behalf. Find out how much you know about the process with this fun quiz.
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Forming the Australian Government
How much do you know about how the Australian Government is formed? Test your knowledge with this fun quiz.
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Bills and laws
How does the Australian Parliament make laws for Australia? Revise your students' study of law-making with this quiz.
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The House of Representatives
How much do you know about the House of Representatives—one of the two houses of the Australian Parliament? Test your knowledge with this fun quiz.
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The role of political parties
Test your knowledge of political parties in the Australian Parliament with this fun quiz. It includes key parliamentary terms such as 'hung parliament' and 'crossing the floor'.
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Types of laws
Test your students' recollection of the 3 types of law in Australia—statute, common and delegated—with this quick quiz.
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The role of the media
The media provides information and stories about the Australian Parliament. But how much do you know about their role? Take this quick quiz to find out.
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Three levels of government
Australia has three levels of government that work together to provide Australians with the services they need. Learn more about the three levels of government with this quiz.
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The Senate
How much do you know about the Senate—one of the two houses of the Australian Parliament? Test your knowledge with this fun quiz.
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Create a new Federation
Explore why the authors of the Australian Constitution designed our Parliament to have both a House of Representatives—with representation based on population—and a Senate—with equal representation for the states. This activity invites students to think critically and creatively to write a new constitution.
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Cabinet extension activity
Cabinet rarely has only one policy proposal to debate and decide upon. In reality, ministers have to balance many priorities when making decisions. Challenge your student Cabinet with this extension activity.
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A new Parliament
There are many steps in the process of opening a new parliament. Find out the timings, traditions and requirements of establishing a new Australian Parliament with this in-depth video.
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Question Time
In Question Time members of parliament ask the government to explain its actions and decisions. This video explores the purpose, function and format of Question Time in the Senate and House of Representatives.
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The Senate
Discover the role and work of the Australian Senate with this introductory video.
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Introducing ... the three levels of government
Begin your exploration of the three levels of government in Australia with this short introduction. Discover the responsibilities of the federal Parliament, state and territory parliaments and local government, and how they work together.
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Magna Carta
This fact sheet examines the Magna Carta - the 'Great Charter'. The Magna Carta was important in the development of democracy and has influenced many other documents including the Australian Constitution. Learn about the 1215 edition, the 1297 Inspeximus edition and the legacy of the Magna Carta.
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Three levels of government
Get an introduction to the three levels of government with this short video. It explores the areas each level can make laws about.
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Year 4
After completing this Unit of work and associated assessment tasks, students will have met the achievement standard for the Year 4 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.
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Images and copyright/privacy/disclaimer
We encourage you to reuse content on the PEO website. Find out the copyright requirements of the site, and read our privacy statement and website disclaimer.
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Democracy
This fact sheet introduces the idea of democracy and explores the key principles of Australia’s democratic system of government. These include individual freedoms, justice, tolerance of opposing ideas and representative government.
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Rule of law
The rule of law is a key feature of Australia’s democracy and legal system. This fact sheet explains the principle of the rule of law and its relationship to the separation of powers.
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What is Parliament?
Discover the structure and key functions of the Australian Parliament with this short video. It introduces the Parliament’s roles of law-making, representing Australians, the formation of government and checking the work of the government.
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Three levels of government: governing Australia
In Australia the three levels of government work together to provide us with the services we need. This in-depth paper explores the roles and responsibilities of each level, how they raise money and how they work together. Case studies show how the powers of the Australian Parliament have expanded.
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The roles and responsibilities of the three levels of government
This fact sheet introduces the three levels of government in Australia: the federal – Australian – Parliament, state and territory parliaments, and local councils. It includes the roles and responsibilities of each level.
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Australian system of government
This fact sheet examines Australia’s mixed system of government. It includes information about Federation representative democracy and constitutional monarchy, and the role of the separation of powers.
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The Australian Constitution online
Browse the full text of the Australian Constitution with this easy-to-use subsite. It includes a detailed overview by the Australian Government Solicitor.
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The Federation of Australia
Australia's Federation came about through a process of deliberation, consultation and debate. This in-depth paper explores the reasons for Federation, the Federation conventions and the referendums in which the Australian people decided to join together as a nation.
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Australian Constitution
The Australian Constitution is the set of rules by which Australia is run. It came into effect on 1 January 1901. This fact sheet summarises the key features of the Constitution and how it can be changed.
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Introducing ... the Australian Constitution
Begin your exploration of the Australian Constitution with this short introduction. Learn how the Constitution came into effect and what it takes to change it.
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Year 10
After completing this Unit of work and associated assessment tasks, students will have met the achievement standard for the Year 10 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.
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Conduct a law reform inquiry
Investigate a law reform issue and present recommendations to a citizens’ jury.
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Learn to negotiate
In this classroom activity, based on the $2 game, students workshop a range of negotiation strategies. These strategies can be used to resolve differences at home, at school and in workplaces.
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Debate a Bill of Rights for Australia
Analyse arguments for and against having an Australian Bill of Rights, before debating the issue in a class parliament.
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Create your own electorate
Consider how communities around our country are represented in the Australian Parliament.
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Create political parties
Investigate how the party system operates in Australia, and how government is formed in Parliament with this classroom activity. Explore the concepts of parliamentary majority, hung parliament, minority government and the balance of power in the Senate.
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Run an election campaign
Experience a modern social media election campaign in your classroom with this classroom activity.
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Explore decision-making
Explore various forms of decision-making in your classroom with this activity. Investigate majority rule, executive, consensus, autocracy, and the power of veto.
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Make speeches
Discover the different types of speeches senators and members make in Parliament by turning your class into a Parliament and doing it yourselves! Use these activities to further explore the work of the Parliament or to give context to oral presentations in any classroom.
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Make a law: Senate
Discover how bills – proposed laws – are introduced, debated and voted on in the Senate by turning your class into a Parliament and doing it yourselves!
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Run a parliamentary committee
Investigate the work of parliamentary committees in this classroom activity. Use this activity to further your study of civics and citizenship or as a framework for an inquiry study into any topic.
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Negotiate a minority government
Role-play a high stakes parliamentary negotiation in order to learn how government is formed in Australia.
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Run Question Time
Discover how members of Parliament use Question Time to closely examine the work of the government in this classroom activity. Use this activity to further your study of civics and citizenship.
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Write a committee submission
Use this activity to prepare for the Run a parliamentary committee classroom activity or as a scaffold to get involved with a real parliamentary committee.
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Explore the three levels of government
Explore the three levels of government—federal, state, and local—with this classroom activity. Investigate the responsibilities of each level by forming taskforces to respond to major events.
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Negotiate in National Cabinet
Role-play as the federal and state levels of government as they work together to manage issues and provide services for the whole of Australia.
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Run a Cabinet meeting
Work together to negotiate the best policy outcome.
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Parliament, Executive and Judiciary
Explore how the power to make and manage law is shared in Australia with this interactive. It can be used in the classroom to illustrate the separation of powers.
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Introducing ... Federation
Begin your exploration of Federation with this short introduction. Find out the arguments for Federation and the process that led to the creation of Australia.
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Our products
The Parliamentary Education Office’s printed learning resources provide students, teachers and lifelong learners with engaging entry points into parliamentary education. These resources are great for anybody with an interest in the Australian Parliament and our system of government.
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Interpret the Constitution
Discover how the High Court of Australia rules on constitutional disputes by role-playing the hypothetical case of Lee v Electoral Commissioner.
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Year 5
After completing this Unit of work and associated assessment task, students will have met the achievement standard for the Year 5 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.
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Getting involved
There are many ways Australians can have their say about decisions made by the Australian Parliament. Take this quiz to discover some ways you can get involved.
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Education resources
Get support to teach about the Australian Parliament in your classroom with Parliamentary Education Office resources. We have printed publications, news for teachers, and videos and quizzes which support the Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.
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Australian Constitution
How much do you know about the Australian Constitution—the set of rules by which Australia is run? Do you know how these rules are changed through a referendum? Test your knowledge with this fun quiz.
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Separation of powers
Test your knowledge of the separation of powers—an important principle of Australia's democracy—with this fun quiz.
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Parliament and its people
The Australian Parliament is made up of the King—represented by the Governor-General—the Senate and the House of Representatives. Discover the Parliament, the Australian Government, opposition, and the people who help the Parliament do its work.
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Curriculum links
PEO resources are designed to directly meet the Years 3 to 10 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum. These resources are arranged according to the relevant content descriptions.
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1967 referendum
In 1967 the majority of Australians voted to change the Australian Constitution to count Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the national census. This video from the ABC’s Behind the News explores how the 1967 referendum was part of a movement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights.
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Preferential voting
When you vote for your local member of the House of Representatives you need to decide who you like the most, the second most and so on. Discover why preferences matter on election day with the ABC’s Behind the News.
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Levels of government
In a land called Australia, 3 superheroes fight for the people. Discover their powers and those of the three levels of government they are named after with this video. From the ABC’s Behind the News.
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Senate current numbers
This image shows the current numbers in the Australian Senate.
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Introducing ... Australia's system of government
Begin your exploration of the features of Australia’s system of government with this short introduction. Discover how power is shared and managed between different groups in Australia.
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Self-paced online learning
Want to deliver informative and engaging parliamentary civics and citizenship education to students from Years 3 to 10? Learn online at your own pace with these civics and citizenship teaching modules.
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Session notes
The Session Notes teacher newsletter features news from the Parliamentary Education Office. Find out about new resources and programs, and how the PEO can help you teach about the Australian Parliament.
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Senators
A person elected to the Senate is called a senator. This fact sheet explores their role in the Parliament and in their states and territories, as well as their working hours, period of service and history.
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Party whip
The party whip is a member of parliament who is chosen by their team to be the team manager. This fact sheet explores their role within the party and in the Senate and House of Representatives, and how they got their name.
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Voting in Parliament
Two types of voting are used in the Australian Parliament to make decisions on proposed laws and other issues—a 'vote on the voices' and a 'division'. This fact sheet explores both types of votes and what happens when a vote is tied.
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Amendments
Amendments are a change to a bill – a proposed law. They are an important part of the law-making process of the Australian Parliament. This fact sheet outlines the amendment process.
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A short history of Parliament
Compared to some other parliaments around the world, Australia's Parliament is quite young but it is based on practices and ideals from much older parliaments. This in-depth paper explores the development of the Westminster system in Britain and parliamentary democracy in Australia.
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Year 7
The PEO has a range of resources which assist teachers in their delivery of the Year 7 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.
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Federal elections
This fact sheet explores how federal elections are run to select people to represent Australians in the Australian Parliament. It includes information about the process of electing senators and members of the House of Representatives.
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Double dissolution
A double dissolution occurs when both the Senate and the House of Representatives are dissolved – shut down – in order for a federal election to take place. This fact sheet explores how double dissolutions are used in the Australian Parliament and explains joint sittings.
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Speaker of the House of Representatives
The Speaker of the House of Representatives is a member chosen to run the meetings of the House of Representatives. Explore the role of the Speaker with this fact sheet, which covers how they are chosen, their role in the House and in the department, their chair and the history of the position.
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Hold a referendum
Investigate a potential change to the Constitution and then decide—as a nation—whether or not the change should be made.
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Usher of the Black Rod
This fact sheet explores the role of the Usher of the Black Rod, one of the parliamentary officers in the Senate. It looks at their role in the Senate and in the department, the symbolism of the Black Rod and the history of the position.
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Parliament of Australia
This graphic illustrates the composition of the Australian Parliament.
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Year 6
After completing this Unit of work and associated assessment task, students will have met the achievement standard for the Year 6 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.
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The role of the Senate
This graphic illustrates the role of the Australian Senate.
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Hansard
The official written record of what is said in the Australian Parliament is called Hansard. This fact sheet explores the role of Hansard, why and how it is produced and its history.
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Senate
This fact sheet explores the Senate, which is part of the Australian Parliament. It includes information about the role, appearance and origins of the Senate.
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Clerks
The Clerks are parliamentary officers in the Senate and House of Representatives. Learn about their role and the history of their positions with this fact sheet.
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Black Rod
The Black Rod is a ceremonial staff carried by the Usher of the Black Rod while doing Senate work. With this fact sheet you will learn about the design, function and history of the Black Rod.
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Despatch Boxes
This fact sheet explores the function, design and history of the Despatch Boxes that sit on the central table in the House of Representatives.
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Senate estimates
Several times a year senators investigate how the government is spending taxpayers' money in Senate estimates hearings. Examine the purpose, function, timing, significance and process of Senate estimates with this fact sheet.
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Committees
Parliamentary committees investigate issues and proposed laws in detail so members of parliament are well-informed before making decisions. This fact sheet explores the membership, responsibilities and types of committees in the Australian Parliament.
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Australia's Parliament House
This in-depth look at Australia's Parliament House investigates why Canberra was chosen to be the nation's capital and why we needed a 'new' Parliament House. It includes the design, site and symbolism of the building.
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Budget
This fact sheet explores the Australian Government’s annual statement of how it plans to collect and spend money.
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Government
This fact sheet explores the role and functions of the Australian Government, including who is in the government, how it is formed, minority government and the principle of responsible government.
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Independents
An independent is a member of the Australian Parliament who does not belong to a political party. This fact sheet explores their role and how they can vote in the Parliament.
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The Australian Constitution in focus
The Australian Constitution is the legal framework for how Australia is governed. This paper explores in detail the history of the Constitution, its key features and the High Court’s role in interpreting it.
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House of Representatives
This fact sheet explores the House of Representatives, which is part of the Australian Parliament. It includes information about the role, appearance and history of the House.
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Separation of powers: Parliament, Executive and Judiciary
The principle of the separation of powers distributes the power to govern between the Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary. This fact sheet examines the role of each group and the related principle of responsible government.
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Australian Parliament
This fact sheet explores the structure and key functions of the Australian Parliament. It covers Parliament’s roles of law-making, representing Australians, the formation of government and checking the work of the government.
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President of the Senate
Learn about the Senate's Presiding Officer with this fact sheet. Explore how the President is chosen, their role in the Senate and in the department, their chair and the history of the position.
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Preparing for a new Parliament
The process of opening a new parliament has many stages. Investigate the process of closing a parliament, the transition between parliaments and the opening of a new parliament in Australia with this fact sheet.
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Prime Minister
Get to know the role of the Prime Minister with this fact sheet. Learn how the Prime Minister is chosen, their responsibilities, and about their official residences.
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Year 6
The PEO has a range of resources which assist teachers in their delivery of the Year 6 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.
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Year 10
The PEO has a range of resources which assist teachers in their delivery of the Year 10 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.
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Year 7
After completing this Unit of work and associated assessment task, students will have met the achievement standard for the Year 7 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.
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Australia's Federation
In 1901 the 6 British colonies united to become a new nation—the Commonwealth of Australia. This fact sheet examines the arguments for Federation, the path to Federation, the creation of the territories and the opening of the Australian Parliament.
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Governor-General
The Governor-General has an important role in the governing of Australia. This fact sheet looks at the constitutional, ceremonial and civic roles of the Governor-General.
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Making a law in the Australian Parliament
This fact sheet explains the law-making process in the Australian Parliament. It also describes where ideas for laws come from and the history of law-making in the Parliament.
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Types of law
This fact sheet introduces the different types of law that govern Australia – statute law made by parliament, delegated law made by government and common law made by courts.
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Parliament House
This fact sheet explores the building where the Australian Parliament meets. Discover key facts about the building and the symbolism of its design.
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Political parties
Many political parties have members elected to the Australian Parliament. In this fact sheet, learn more about how they are organised, coalitions of parties, party meetings and the history of political parties in Australia.
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Ministers and shadow ministers
This fact sheet investigates the work of ministers (members of the Australian Government with special responsibilities) and shadow ministers (members of the opposition who closely examine the work of the government).
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Question Time in the Australian Parliament
This fact sheet explores Question Time which allows the opposition to examine the work of the government by asking questions. It occurs each sitting day in the House of Representatives and Senate.
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Press gallery
This fact sheet investigates the work of the press gallery in gathering information and publishing stories about what happens in the Australian Parliament. It includes information about the relationship between the press and Parliament.
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Opposition
Discover the opposition – the largest party or coalition of parties not in government – with this fact sheet. The opposition is sometimes called the ‘alternative government’ and has an important role closely examining the work of the government.
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Frontbenchers and backbenchers
This fact sheet investigates the work of frontbenchers (members of parliament who sit on the front seats of either the Senate or House of Representatives) and backbenchers (members of parliament who sit in the rows of seats behind the frontbench).
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Leader of the Opposition
Get to know the role of the Leader of the Opposition with this fact sheet. Learn how the Leader of the Opposition is chosen and their responsibilities.
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Year 9
The PEO has a range of resources which assist teachers in their delivery of the Year 9 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.
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Parliament and the courts
This fact sheet outlines the relationship between the Australian Parliament and federal courts, including the separation of powers, sources of law and key High Court of Australia cases that have impacted on the powers of the Australian Parliament.
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Getting involved in Parliament
This fact sheet explores ways Australians can get involved in the Australian Parliament. It includes information on contacting members of parliament, the work of committees, protesting and observing the Parliament.
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Petitions
Petitions ask the Australian Parliament to act on an issue. This fact sheet explains the rules petitions must follow and how petitions are presented to the Parliament.
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Standing orders
Standing orders are the rules used to manage the work of the Senate and the House of Representatives. This fact sheet explains how the standing orders are used in the parliament and how they can be changed.
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Records of the Parliament
Official records are kept of everything that is said and done in the Australian Parliament. These records include Hansard, Journals of the Senate, and Votes and Proceedings. This fact sheet explores the function and history of these official records of Parliament.
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Start a petition
Get involved and have your say by starting a petition. This activity can be used to help your students have their voices heard in their school, local community, or in Parliament.
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Crossing the floor
If a member of a parliamentary party votes against their party it is called ‘crossing the floor’. This fact sheet explores how and when this happens and the possible outcomes of crossing the floor.
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Delegated law
Delegated law gives government ministers and others the power to make decisions about the details of laws passed by the Australian Parliament. This fact sheet explains how regulations and other types of delegated law are made and overruled.
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Members of the House of Representatives
Discover the work of members of the House of Representatives in this fact sheet. It explores their role in the Australian Parliament and in their local community, their working hours and period of service.
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Parliamentary statistics
Keep up-to-date with the current numbers and work of the Australian Parliament with these facts and figures.
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Our commitment to child safety
The Parliamentary Education Office is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for young people and children. Find out how we are doing this and how you can report a complaint.
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House of Representatives current numbers
This image shows the current numbers in the Australian House of Representatives.
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Year 8
The PEO has a range of resources which assist teachers in their delivery of the Year 8 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.
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Year 4
The PEO has a range of resources which assist teachers in their delivery of the Year 4 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.
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Year 3
The PEO has a range of resources which assist teachers in their delivery of the Year 3 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.
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Year 5
The PEO has a range of resources which assist teachers in their delivery of the Year 5 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.
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Year 8
After completing this Unit of work and associated assessment tasks, students will have met the achievement standard for the Year 8 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.
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Make a law: House of Representatives
Discover how bills – proposed laws – are introduced, debated and voted on in the House of Representatives by turning your class into a Parliament and doing it yourselves!
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Mace
The Mace is the symbol of the House of the Representatives. This fact sheet includes information about its function, design and history.
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Serjeant-at-Arms
The Serjeant-at-Arms is a parliamentary officer in the House of Representatives. This fact sheet explores their role and the history of the position.
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Glossary
Use this helpful glossary to browse or search the meanings of key parliamentary terms.
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