News from our Parliament
Keep up-to-date with the latest news from our Parliament. Read straightforward explanations of bills, committee inquiries, and events in the Senate and House of Representatives, and around Parliament House.
9
July
2019
Usher of the Black Rod’s step count
The Usher of the Black Rod—a Senate parliamentary officer—has several busy roles in the official opening ceremonies for the 46th Parliament.
9
July
2019
A change to the Constitution?
Senator Rex Patrick introduced the Constitution Alteration (Freedom of Expression and Freedom of the Press) 2019 that would change the Australian Constitution to explicitly include freedom of speech and freedom of the press as basic rights.
9
July
2019
Tax cuts bill passes Parliament
The Parliament has passed a bill to lower personal income taxes paid by Australians.
9
July
2019
‘A bloke who loved his country’
The Parliament paid tribute to former Prime Minister the Hon Robert James Lee Hawke AC.
9
July
2019
The opening of the 46th Parliament
The 46th Parliament opened on 2 July with 45 newly-elected members, including 27 in the House of Representatives and 18 new senators.