Australian Constitution


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What are the three levels of government, and do they share any responsibilities?

Jaiden - Bundaberg, QLD

Who was the first prime minister?

Booha - Cobar, NSW

What is the Australian Constitution?

Sam - Morwell, VIC

What is Parliament?

Max the Cat - Launceston, TAS

How is the Prime Minister chosen?

Soph - Downer, ACT

Under the doctrine of separation of powers, where is legislative power vested?

Brett - Port Augusta, SA

How many national electoral systems have we had in Australia? Currently we use a Preferential System, right? So, have we always used this or not?

The Razzle - Geraldton, WA

How are acts of parliament made?

Sean - Katherine, NT

What happens to a law that is not passed by one of the houses?

George - Penrith, NSW

What is federation?

Sarah - Geelong, VIC

What is the role of parliament?

Sam - Fremantle, WA

What is the role and function of the Senate?

Ellie - Grafton, NSW

What is responsible government?

Teagan - Narrandera, NSW

Hi! Could you please explain what a half-Senate election is and why this happens. Thanks for your time.

Luke - Toowoomba, QLD

Can the constitution be easily changed?

Dani - Parkes, NSW

What is government?

Peter - Geelong, VIC

How do Australians find out about new laws?

Ksmith1980 - Parramatta, NSW

What do members of parliament do?

Adam - Ipswich, QLD

How many votes are needed for a bill to pass the House of Representatives and the Senate?

Liliana - Elwood, VIC

Does the Governor-General vote in elections?

John - Howlong, NSW

What is the definition of a hung parliament?

Arisa - Gold Coast, QLD

Apart from democracy what other forms of governments are there?

Fletcher - Sydney, NSW

How do members of parliament discuss an issue? Is it like a debate?

Abbie - Mount Gambier, SA

Why are we a constitutional monarchy?

Finn - Sydney, NSW

How can a member of government also be part of the Senate?

Chloe - Melbourne, VIC

What is a backbencher?

Rhys - Beenleigh, QLD

How does the constitution divide powers of the Government and how were the State responsibilities derived?

Ella - Perth, WA

What exactly happens when you get booted out of the House of Representatives under 94A?

Jessica - Beenleigh, QLD

Where do the federal, state and local governments get their money from?

Ashleigh and Madison - Melbourne, VIC

Who decides whether a bill will be introduced to the Lower or Upper house?

Sarah - Drysdale, VIC

What is the average salary of a prime minister?

Nicholas - Melbourne, VIC

Is a member of parliament's vote worth more than a normal citizens?

Nicko - Melbourne, VIC

Which members of the government are considered a part of the Executive government and the Cabinet?

Liliana - Elwood, VIC

Are all Government Ministers members of the Cabinet?

Liliana - Elwood, VIC

Must a shadow minister come from the same house as the corresponding minister?

Liliana - Elwood, VIC

How is the government elected in parliament?

Curtis - Brisbane, QLD

Why is each of stage of the passage of a bill through Parliament so important?

Liliana - Elwood, VIC

Do petitions have to be tabled in Parliament once they are given to a member?

Liliana - Elwood, VIC

What is the prime minister's role?

Curtis - Caboolture, QLD

Where about does my member sit in parliament?

Curtis - Caboolture, QLD

How does a political party choose its leader?

Joelle - Toowoomba, QLD

Why can't people vote under the age of 18?

William - Loxton, SA

Who controls the federal elections, is there an organisation?

Dustin - Narangba, QLD

Where does the Prime Minister live?

Riley - Brisbane, QLD

What is the role of parties in parliament?

Lance - Maryborough, QLD

How have the British and US systems of government influenced the Australian government system?

Alice - Adelaide, SA

Who is the speaker of the house, what do they do and how long do they hold that position?

Barbara - Launceston, TAS

How can individuals participate in the Australian political system?

Paige - Perth, WA

After a double dissolution, does the senate get back to the normal half-senate election pattern?

John - Bowral, NSW

Does the Federation Chamber have a part in the law making process?

Edward - Eaglemont, VIC

Can you please explain voting on the voices and the division process?

Shaniqua - planet earth

Why was Whitlam sacked and not just a double dissolution called?

Tom - Bonnells Bay, NSW

Hi! Just wondering what the definition of Australian Democracy Is?

HistoryGirl02 - Adelaide, SA

Why is proportional representation considered to more closely reflect the voting pattern of the electors?

Justin - Newcastle, NSW

What is the oath of office that is taken by new senators and members of the House of Representatives when they are sworn in?

Wayne - Budgewoi, NSW

How did the general public show support for Federation?

Madeleine - Frankston, VIC

Define the two-party system?

Tomomi - Varsity Lakes, QLD

Why and how are laws reformed?

Elana - Parramatta, NSW

How long does it typically take to pass a bill from start to finish?

Jess - Canberra, ACT

If the speaker wishes to raise an issue concerning their electorate how is this done?

Maggie - Queanbeyan, NSW

How does the government work and why is the government so important?

Shuobing - Melbourne, VIC

Does the Parliament of Australia have a situation room similar to the White House?

Hartley - Emu Heights, NSW

What are the buildings or locations that are connected to each level of government?

Noah - Innisfail, QLD

What is the difference between exclusive, concurrent and residual law-making powers?

Trudy - Mt Martha, VIC

How does the Australian Constitution reflect the values of the Australian people?

Georgie - Caloundra, QLD

Are the politicians that run for the House of Representatives the same as those that run for the Senate?

Kaihla - Varisty Lakes, QLD

Why do we need the party whip?

Nathan - Blacktown, NSW

What are the benefits of having three levels of government?

James - Lake Hume, VIC

What is a Hansard reporter?

Nathan - Blacktown, NSW

Who is the Serjeant-at-Arms? How many female Serjeants-at-Arms have there been?

Gen - Brisbane, QLD

How do the different houses of parliament work?

Cameron - Armadale, WA

What are the different responsibilities between the State and Commonwealth governments when it comes to health care?

Matt - Melbourne, VIC

What is it like to work at the Parliament (not a member of parliament)?

Harley - Armadale, WA

How many clocks are there in Parliament House? What makes the bells on the clocks ring? Why do the bells ring for four minutes?

Lachlan - Melbourne, VIC

Can you please tell me of 2 laws that conflict between Federal & State Law

Greg - Mandurah, WA

What does the Prime Minister do when he is not in Canberra?

Lily - Melbourne, VIC

What is the difference between the role of the Federal Executive Council and the Cabinet?

Steve - Penrith, NSW

How can delegated legislation be disallowed?

Justin - Newcastle, NSW

I was wondering how many people are in each political party in Parliament?

Tayisha - Barden Ridge, NSW

Who are all the members of parliament?

Ethan - Windsor, NSW

What happens if the current PM and ministers of the cabinet lose their seats in the next election?

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

What is a 'senate estimate'?

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

How does the seating arrangement work in the House of Representatives? Can members sit anywhere apart from their own seats?

Marshall - Australia

What does 'I move that the member be no longer heard' mean?

Mary - Australia

Explain what the different types of motions are

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

What happens if Federal MP's disagree with the Speaker's ruling?

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

Apart from the standing orders, what other 'rules' does the House have to follow, specifically in Question Time?

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

For a Federal MP, who writes the speeches in Question Time, Press Conferences, or leadership speeches?

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

What is the purpose of the despatch box? How did the name come about? Thanks for your time!

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

What are the arguments for and against a Bill of Rights here in Australia?

Mrs Kingdon - Success, WA

How did Australia become a democracy?

Margaret - Adelaide, SA

What is the role of the Prime Minister in allowing a free vote on an issue debated in the Parliament?

Eleni - Melbourne, VIC

What is the role of Attorney General in law making in the federal sphere?

Eleni - Melbourne, VIC

Does Australia have a parliamentary line of succession to the Prime Minister and if so, what is the order?

Hartley - Penrith, NSW

Does the Australian Constitution define "marriage" as being between a man and a woman?

Raymond - Claremont, WA

What are the similarities and differences of the chambers and the two houses of parliament?

Gabby - Planet Earth

Name two legislative powers that section 52 of the Constitution stops state parliament from making laws on?

Dion - VIC

Can someone please explain the four models of representation (delegate, partisan, trustee and mirror). Thank you

Ainsley - Mandurah, WA

Please explain the Magna Carta

Joshua - Planet Earth

Why shouldn't the Speaker of the House be a Retired Judge or a current member of the Judiciary, appointed by the Judicial Executive.

Peter - Tweed Heads South, NSW

Why can't the speaker be from the Crossbench (Minor Parties)? This ensures that the impartiality is being upheld.

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

Can the appropriate MP's choose their ministerial position? Or is it delegated to them?

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

Why do we have a process for making laws in the Australian Parliament?

Amy - Sydney, NSW

Who has the constitutional right to dismiss the speaker of the House of Representatives?

Garnet - Broome, WA

What is the difference between an electorate and a division?

Lisa - Ipswich, QLD

What is the nature of the judicial power in s71 of the Constitution?

Virginia - Campbelltown, NSW

How often do ministers meet and for how long each session? Why are ministers paid so much more than everyone else?

Louise - Melbourne, VIC

Has an MP been removed under 94B? How can a member be removed under this ruling?

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

Why are territory voters only counted in the national majority in a referendum?

Abigail - Brisbane, QLD

Can backbenchers ask questions during question time?

Juliette - Melbourne, VIC

What system of government does Australia have?

Simran - Perth, WA

What are the roles of the shadow ministers?

Jennifer - NSW

In respect of section 116 of the Australian Constitution is there now or ever been a definition for the word "Religion"? if so, what is that definition?

Ronald - Sydney, NSW

Which people (jobs) are connected with each level of government?

Jagmeet - Australia

I have a research activity on Australian Government and am trying to figure out the total number of parties available in Australia

Euugene - Papua New Guinea

Who established the Government? Why was the Government established?

Connor - Adelaide, SA

What are the rights and responsibilities of an Australian citizen?

Lily - Brisbane, QLD

When is the flag at Parliament House changed?

Barb - Canberra, ACT

What needs to happen after a bill is passed in the House of Representatives before it goes to the Senate?

Sarah - Planet Earth

What is the role of Deputy Leader of the Opposition?

Kinta - Tweed Heads, NSW

Who made the decision for federation to happen and how long did the process take?

Ashleigh - Melbourne, VIC

Approximately how many bills are introduced in Parliament and passed each year?

Indy - Picton, NSW

Why did the parliamentarians move to a new parliament house?

Bridie - Seaham, NSW

Can you become a prime minister at 15?

Rhianna - Newcastle, NSW

How long can the Prime Minister stay in the job?

Lily - Seaham, NSW

Why is there a green and red room?

Maddison - Seaham, NSW

Who has been in parliament for the longest?

Tom - Seaham, NSW

Is the role of an MP or senator defined or set out in any legislation?

Christine - Macedon, VIC

Does the leader of the opposition have to recite an oath of office (as leader of opposition) over and above his/her oath as MP?

Laurie - Brisbane, QLD

How has Australian politics changed since federation in 1901?

Erin - Planet Earth

What does the constitution say about the rights of all Australian citizens in regards to receiving phone and internet services to their premises?

Harald - Byron Bay, NSW

Do you have statistics about the history of the parliament showing, by year, how many bills were introduced and passed?

Mark - Melbourne, VIC

Is it compulsory to vote in a plebiscite?

Carroll - Newcastle, NSW

When does a Member who does not recontest their seat at the next election effectively retire? Is it at the dissolution of the House?

Tiffany - Canberra, ACT

What is the order of power in Australian government?

Alex - Bunbury, WA

How many people are in the Parliament house at one time?

Kerry - Japan

Can an LGBTQ person run for Prime Minister?

Lynne - Ararat, VIC

Why must the mace be present? Why did the make it a mace? Why not a sword? Is the mace a symbol of power?

Mike - Terrigal, NSW

Why is the Senate called the upper house and the House of Representatives called the lower house?

Henrietta - Sandringham, VIC

How do the Separation of Powers influence life in Australia?

Sefa - Baldivis, WA

Where are Australian elections held?

Alana - Melbourne, VIC

What does the deputy clerk do?

James - Epping, NSW

Who designed Parliament house and when was it built?

Elijah - Adelaide, SA

How many parties are there in the Parliament right now?

Conrad - Adelaide, SA

What is the black rod and why do we have it?

Lana - Adelaide, SA

Why is question time at 2:00pm?

Alessandra - Adelaide, SA

How many seats in total are in Parliament House?

Nathan - Fairfield, NSW

What role does the president do in the senate and why are they important?

Nick - Adelaide, SA

Who was the oldest Prime Minister?

Chris - Kensington, SA

Who was the oldest person to be in parliament?

Deakin - Unley, SA

What is the difference between a Prime Minister and a President?

Lana - Adelaide, SA

Who is the longest serving Prime Minister?

Jaylen - Pinnaroo, SA

Why doesn't the federal government control all funding?

Meg - Canberra, ACT

Who is the youngest Prime Minister?

Angel - Pinnaroo, SA

What is the definition of commonwealth money?

Howard - Melbourne, VIC

Why is it that the Prime Minister and Cabinet are not mentioned in the Australian Constitution?

Kym - Surfers Paradise, QLD

Can a senator be treasurer?

Peter - Perth, WA

If a referendum is held and the result is a tie, does the Governor-General have a casting vote?

Andrew - Somewhere

Are there any rules, legislation or convention defining how a member of the House of Representatives should vote? What is the duty of a member of the House of Representatives in regard to deciding how to vote?

John - Sydney, NSW

If members have a pecuniary interest in an issue, are they allowed to vote on it, and what legislation is involved?

John - Avalon, VIC

Under what circumstances would standing orders be suspended and for what purpose?

Lee - Kirup, WA

How long do parliament sittings go for?

Barbara - Liverpool, NSW

If I have an idea/proposal I would like to present to Parliament, how would I go about this?

Tracy - Wollongong, NSW

Why do we need a Leader of the Opposition in the Senate and a Leader of the Government in the Senate?

Mikayla - Brisbane, QLD

If the House of Reps ballot papers are green, why are the Senate ones white and not red?

Sarah - Townsville, Qld

Who designed the mace and why did they choose that design?

Bridget - Mandurah, WA

Can you list all the responsibilities of federal government?

Chelzea - Perth, WA

How many people work in Parliament House?

Sophie - Sunshine Coast, QLD

Why are the doors locked when a division is held?

Sean - Gold Coast, QLD

Why do people over 18 have to vote?

Michelle - Adelaide, SA

How does the leading party decide the PM, and how?

Toby - Adelaide, SA

Who came up with Australia's form of government?

Devon - Adelaide, SA

Why do you need to vote? Is it important?

Lessio - SA

Can you vote for any Senate candidate even though they are not in your State?

Peta - Belmont, WA

Why do senators sometimes move motions that they know will fail?

Leon - Belmont, NSW

Why do members of parliament address the Speaker and not the questioner during Question Time?

Leon - Belmont, NSW

What minister is responsible for making sure everyone knows about new laws?

Ramona - Perth, WA

How many people are there in the Cabinet?

Nemo - Melbourne, VIC

What is a Chief of Staff? What do they do? Who gets one?

Liam - somewhere out there

If I was Prime Minister could I create my own party?

Kulkiran - Lalor, VIC

How do I choose a party to vote for? Is there a summary of facts and information about each party and what they are offering?

Sharon - the universe

How are decisions made in the cabinet carried out?

Kevin - Sydney, NSW

What are the major differences between the roles of Federal Treasurer and Finance Minister?

RGM - Forrest, VIC

Where can I find a second reading speech for the Social Security Act 1990? I wanted to read what the rationale was for providing welfare to the needy.

Peter - Adelaide, SA

What are the row of books on the table of the house of representatives?

Carson - Planet Earth

How many Australians read the constitution before the referendums prior to federation?

Gerard - Howard, QLD

How is the number of members in the House of Representatives determined?

Donn - Toongabbie, NSW

Can a referendum or plebiscite be held at the same time as a federal election?

Carroll - Osterley, NSW

What is a session of parliament?

Graeme - Melbourne, VIC

Which current senators will serve three years and which will serve six years?

Max - McCrae, VIC

If a new law is made, is it added to the Constitution? Or is it put somewhere else?

Jack - Sydney, NSW

What is the role of the King in Australia's system of government?

Annmarie - Busselton, WA

What are the main features of Australia's system of government that are not mentioned in the Constitution?

Shivakumar - Bundoora, VIC

Which party or parties are in power at present?

Chris - Port Vila, Vanuatu

What are the consequences for people who disobey the rules of the Constitution?

Valentina and Nada - Adelaide, SA

Did any women contribute to the Constitution or was it mainly aimed at men at the time it was written?

Grace and Abby - Adelaide, SA

Why is the Mace important?

Patrick and Christian - Adelaide, SA

How much British legislation, if any, still applies to Australia either federally or at a state level? How does it get changed if it does still apply?

Ron - Bayswater, Australia

What is a plebiscite?

Beth - Perth, WA

Are there times when all three levels of government work together or are involved in one issue or project?

Rob - Launceston, TAS

Where was parliament held from 1901 to 1927?

James - Sydney, NSW

What is judicial review?

Denein - Gold Coast, QLD

Do foreign policy decisions have to be voted on by parliament or are they solely the responsibility of the Department of Foreign Affairs?

Jake - Concord West, NSW

Could I please find out what International Human Rights Treaties Australia is part of please?

Debbie - Wyoming, NSW

After 1967 the ability to legislate over Aboriginal people became a concurrent power. If the Commonwealth passes a law in this area is it now an exclusive power under s109?

Sarah - Melbourne, Vic

What is the difference between exclusive and enumerated powers?

Grace - Melbourne, VIC

Is the Australian government bound by the constitution to pay each Australian citizen a pension? If so why isn't it being done?

Rosemary - Hallam, VIC

What are some restrictions and prohibitions regarding the constitution and protection of rights?

Parker - Alice Springs, NT

Why is the prime minister so famous?

Kasey - Mount Gambier, SA

How is government policy is shaped and developed by the Prime Minister and Cabinet?

Kathy - Melbourne, VIC

Is there an established list of portfolios for each level of government? What are they? How do they get allocated?

Elisa - Adelaide, SA

What is the role of the Governor-General in allowing a conscience vote?

Christopher - Melbourne, VIC

Can the Prime Minister be replaced other than by not being re-elected?

Alanna - Caroline Springs, VIC

How much does a candidate's election speech affect the way people vote?

Erin - Caroline Springs, VIC

Why are members of parliament given money on top of their salary?

Andrei - Melbourne, VIC

Why does there have to be 76 senators in the Senate?

Sam - the universe

Is the Prime Minister allowed to bring a computer into Question Time and use it when answering questions?

Joan - Melbourne, VIC

Why do they need such a big flag?

Sam - Albury, NSW

Did the members for WA and Tasmania attend the 1901 ceremonies for Federation?

Kim - Chain Valley Bay, NSW

Who has the power to mandate policy in Australian public schools?

Avraham - Brooklyn, USA

How long was the longest sitting, how short was the shortest?

Jeslyn - VIC

Which level of Government has the responsibility to build dams to ensure the supply of adequate water to residents?

Brian - Townsville, QLD

Why are the two chambers in Parliament House called the Senate and the House of Representatives?

RandomDolphin5 - Melbourne, VIC

What were the arguments for and against federation?

Stephen - Belmont, WA

Does the executive dominate decision-making in the Australian parliamentary system?

Ahmed - Brisbane, Queensland

What are 'safe seats'?

TurtlesRule - Endeavour Hills,VIC

Were any other Prime Ministers sacked apart from Whitlam?

TurtlesRule - Endeavour Hills, VIC

Is the Governor-General allowed inside the House of Representatives?

Michael - Canberra, ACT

Can we overthrow the King and how?

Tara - Salisbury North, SA

Is it legal to be a member of more than one political party at the same time?

Steve - At Home, QLD

Why can't public servants run in elections?

David - Adelaide, SA

How can a citizen challenge a law?

David - Adelaide, SA

Who created Australia's Coat of Arms after the unification of the states and why? What do the symbols represent?

Keirra - Adelaide, SA

Has the federal Parliament passed the Australian Constitution, or was the British Parliament the only parliament that has passed it?

Brandon - Australia

How many shadow ministers, ministers, representatives and senators are there?

Sofia - Brisbane, QLD

How does the Commonwealth Constitution create a third level of Government?

Joe - Australia

Who drafted the Australian Constitution

Kirah and Kate - NSW

What is the longest speech ever given in Parliament, and what was it about?

Dorothy - Canberra, ACT

How do you find out what is going to be discussed at future Senate and House sittings?

Sarah - Coopers Plains, QLD

If the role of Prime Minister, Cabinet and political parties aren't recognised by the Constitution, are these roles recognised in legislative Acts?

Justin - Adelaide, SA

Why do we have parliament house?

Kitty - Australia

How many Aboriginal or Torres Straits Islander MPs or Senators are there and what are their names?

Rae - Leongatha, VIC

Why is the Lord's Prayer read at the beginning of each day in the House of Representatives and Senate if Australia is a secular nation?

Brandon - somewhere out there ...

Are there currently any backbench committees? What is their role?

Jane - VIC

How does Parliament House accommodate members and senators who have disabilities?

Skip - Canberra, ACT

The Constitution is an Act of British Parliament, so when a referendum is successful, does the British Parliament need to be notified?

Jo - Perth, WA

Why does Australia have separate states?

Sophia - Taylor's Hill, VIC

What was the composition of the first Australian Senate?

Oscar - Shellharbour, NSW

What defines a Majority in Parliament? Are the votes in Parliament private?

Mackenzie - Burnie, TAS

When does Federal Parliament sit and when does it close for the year?

Tony - Planet Earth

Does Quick and Garran's annotated Constitution have anything to do with the Constitution? Does the government have to refer to it to understand the Constitution?

Jan - the universe

Do any people live in parliament house?

Liam - Shellharbour, NSW

Can any state or territory secede from Australia?

Eric - Perth, WA

How does the Government handle a financial crisis, if there is a process?

Vincent - Shellharbour Village, NSW

Regarding the question of MPs ancestry how many MPs of the original parliament were born in Australia

Michael - Sale, VIC

Why is the voting system different between House of Representatives and the Senate?

Susan - VIC

What is the role of the High Court in interpreting the Constitution?

Bernard - Speewah, QLD

How is a high court judge chosen?

Maddy - Cherryville, SA

Why do we have federal elections every three years?

Liala-Rose - SA

Why are Senators who have lost their seats because they had dual citizenship permitted to stand for election again?

Joy - Kincumber, NSW

Can a Minister remain in their role while not a member of parliament? Section 64 of the constitution seems to imply they can for three months.

John - Wyee Point, NSW

Are political parties mentioned or written in the Australian Constitution?

Glen - Emu Park, QLD

Who is more powerful the Governor-General or the High Court? Can the Governor-General over rule the High Court?

John - Mount Ossa, QLD

Is an election called if no party wins a majority in the House of Representatives?

Petra - Melbourne, VIC

Can the minor parties or independents form government?

Dee - Gold Coast, QLD

What would happen if the coalition of parties in government decided to break their coalition?

Lee - Alstonville, NSW

Who has more power, the Prime Minister or the Governor-General?

Lee - Alstonville, NSW

Queen Victoria signed the Australian Constitution Act in July 1900. So why weren't we officially Australia then? What did the proclamation do?

Veronica - Australia

Can the advisers of Parliamentarians go into the chambers?

Michael - somewhere out there

Can the Governor-General refuse to act on the advice of the Prime Minister and other ministers?

Lee - Alstonville, VIC

What are the laws about political advertising? Are ads at election time true, and what can we do if they're not?

Elisa - Elizabeth, SA

How many staff do senators/members have in their office?

Lee - Alstonville, NSW

Can a state governor, instead of the Governor-General, swear in the Deputy Prime Minister?

Lee - Alstonville, NSW

Who comes up with new Bills to take to the House of Reps? Where are ideas for new Bills formed?

Kieran - Williamstown, SA

Education is a 'state' issue, yet there is a federal 'Minister of Education & Training' why is that?

Lee - Alstonville, VIC

Are there any bodies that regulate the behaviour of members of parliament?

Wayne - Brisbane, QLD

How long does an MP have to research a bill before they can take it to parliament? Thank You!

John - Sydney, NSW

Can the local government get some of their powers stripped by the federal government?

William - Ku-Ring-Gai, NSW

How does tax work and does the government have a effect on it?

William - Ku-Ring-Gai, NSW

What is a minister and what do they do?

Cyrus - Hornsby, NSW

Who is the usher of the black rod?

Ellie - Wagga Wagga, NSW

What is the Judiciary and what does it do?

Eric - Westleigh, NSW

Why do Senators have longer terms than the terms of the members of the House of Representatives?

Eric - Westleigh, NSW

What are the main requirements for establishing a political party?

Sally - Yackandandah, VIC

What were the triggers for an increase of Senators in 1948, 1974 and 1983?

Hayley - Canberra, ACT

What can you tell me about the flags in the House of Representatives?

Hilmar - Bacchus Marsh, VIC

As well as Ministers being allocated an office in the Ministerial Wing at Parliament House do they also have offices in their department buildings?

Chris - Toowoomba, QLD

If the Opposition won the majority in the Senate, would they sit on the right of the President?

Tom - Canberra, ACT

What is democracy?

Jarrah - Liverpool, NSW

Who is allowed to enter the chambers?

Scott - Mildura, VIC

Why are some members of Parliament called honourable?

Sam - Bundaberg, QLD

Which party formed Australia's first government?

Tracey - Girrawheen, WA

What happens if a MP leaves parliament? Do they get replaced?

Hamish - Burnside, VIC

What was the first law made by the Australian Parliament?

Nicole - Caroline Springs, VIC

What is the process of appointing a new Governor-General if the current Governor-General fails to uphold his duties?

Chloe-Jane - Hillside, VIC

Can the Prime Minister be removed from the House of Representatives for bad behaviour?

Christian - Stawell, VIC

What is an example of the separation of powers in Australia?

Tori - Caroline Springs, VIC

What powers does the Governor-General have?

Alicia - Melbourne, VIC

Why did Australia decide to have a parliament with a government and an opposition opposition instead of a co-operative form of Parliament?

Lyndal - Surfers Paradise, QLD

How has power shifted to the Australian Government from the states since federation?

Kumari - Melbourne, VIC

In practical terms, what were the responsibilities of past parliamentarians who were appointed as a 'Minister without Portfolio'?

Conrad - NSW

Who is the Leader of the House and what do they do?

Andrew - Canberra, ACT

Does Section 34 (Qualifications of members who are UK and New Zealand citizens) conflict with Section 44 Disqualifications?

Mark - Allenstown, QLD

How can our system of preferential voting be changed?

Barry - Emu Plains, NSW

Can the Australian Government take possession of any land in Australia through compulsory acquisition?

Eugene - St Helena, QLD

I would like to find out how members of parliament voted on a bill

Trena - Bossley Park, NSW

Does question time have to be held each day and how long does it have to go for?

Bruce - Ngunnawal, ACT

What happens when a supply bill is blocked? Why was supply blocked in 1975?

Mark - Australia

Why is the preferential and proportional voting system used at Australian Elections?

Alex - Sydney, NSW

How is common law changed?

Joshua - Australia

Can state laws change federal laws in Australia?

Craige - Gold Coast, QLD

If a minister takes a question on "notice" during question time how long do they have to answer and is it published?

Paul - Engadine, NSW

Can you explain the history of why MPs speak with a piece of paper over their head sometimes?

Saira - Auburn, NSW

The Prime Minister must sit in the House of Representatives. Can the Deputy Prime Minister be a senator?

Janet - Canberra, ACT

How are Senate below the line votes directed? What if none of a voter's 12 preferences gets a quota?

Geoff - Kew East, VIC

Does the Speaker of the House of Representatives have to wear a wig?

Bunny - VIC

Does the PM s family still pay money for their bills? (eg: water bills)

Livi - Melbourne, VIC

What happens when a member of parliament loses their seat?

Alison - Cranbourne, VIC

How many electorates were there in the first election?

Ethan - South Brighton, SA

Who can fire the Prime Minister?

CoconutCrazy - SA

How much did Parliament House cost to build?

Eve - Cocos Islands, WA

Why was Parliament House built in Canberra?

Chayse - Cocos Island, WA

Why is there grass on the roof of Parliament House?

Sol - Cocos Island, WA

How is the opening date for the next Parliament decided and who makes that decision?

Lee - Alstonville, NSW

What's the difference between a legislative Act and a regulation?

Matt - Canberra, ACT

If a minister is asked a question during Question Time, can they request the Prime Minister answer instead?

Catherine - Australia

Why do the Nationals and Liberals work together while the other parties (Labor, Greens, etc) are by themselves?

Ivy - Hobart, TAS

Why can’t members of the government ask the opposition questions during question time?

Tess - Melbourne, VIC

Can a Member of the house of representatives get elected again after their 3 year term?

Diya - Junee, NSW

How are casual vacancies in the Senate filled?

Andrew - Cashmere, QLD

Could the dismissal occur again or have changes been made to stop the government being sacked by an unelected executive?

Andrew - Cashmere, QLD

Who represents me in Australian parliament?

Rory - Adelaide, SA

What is a parliamentary majority?

Dorothy - Dickson, ACT

What is a Dorothy Dix question? And what is she doing in Parliament?

Cliff - Ulladulla, NSW

What is a 'white paper'?

Greta - Meadowbank, NSW

Can MPs walk in and out of the chamber while the house is sitting?

Liam - Sydney, NSW

How is the Deputy Speaker appointed or elected?

Liam - Penshurst, NSW

What is a non-elected officer and where can I find some interesting facts?

Lee - Clare, SA

What is a Machinery of Government change?

Skip - Bendigo, Vic

Does the Australian Prime Minister pay tax on his parliamentary salary?

Michelle - Lismore, NSW

What are reserve powers?

Floyd - New York, USA

What is the difference between the Australian Parliament and the Australian Government?

Floyd - Rivett, ACT

What is the reasoning behind the Constitution's drafters decision to not allow money bills to originate from the Senate?

Patrick - Perth, WA

I just wanted to know whether section 128 of the constitution could be used to amend or repeal the first eight clauses of the Constitution?

James - Planet Earth

How does the constitution recognise Indigenous people?

Toby - Canberra, ACT

How old do you have to be to become a member of parliament?

Isabelle - Doreen, VIC

Why are there only 2 senators for every territory?

Denise - Dandenong, VIC

Do members of parliament get a copy of the bill before it is first read by the Clerk?

Aaron - Wagga Wagga, NSW

What is the name for the parliamentary officer who knows the rules of parliament?

Erin - Cowan, NSW

What are some of the differences between the Senate and the House of Representatives?

Blake - Bribie Island, QLD

What happens if they incorrectly count the votes in the House of Representatives or in the Senate?

Alex - King Island, TAS

What happens if the votes are tied in the House of Representatives and in the Senate?

Jacqueline - Doncaster, VIC

Are federal industrial relations powers shared with states?

Thompson - Port Huon, TAS

Why do members of parliament only have 4 minutes to get back to vote on a bill?

Chips - Downer, ACT

What happens if a member of parliament is late to a vote?

Ellsworth - Gravesend, NSW

What is the crossbench and who sits there?

Bjorn - Broome, WA

What support and guidance is given to new members of parliament to help them in their roles?

Phoenix - Lara, VIC

The states can refer powers to the federal Parliament but does the federal Parliament have to accept?

Skip - Bendigo, VIC

I'd like to know what the customs and traditions are that Cabinet operates by and is there a 20 year public release rule?

Chris - Melbourne, VIC

Why is there a limit on how long members of Parliament can speak?

Vicki - Rockhampton, QLD

How many senators are there and can the number change?

Marcus - Sanctuary Point, NSW

How is a law/legislation removed or repealed in Australia and what is the process?

Nat - Brisbane, QLD

Can the Governor-General suggest changes to a bill or refuse to sign it?

Dinky - Bulla, VIC

Why can't we vote on policies instead of parties during an election?

Ashlin - Geelong, VIC

Why does Australia have a Governor-General as part of its parliament?

Vincenzo - Williamstown, VIC

Why do members of parliament say hear, hear after someone from their party has spoken?

Tamara - Newport, VIC

Does the Prime Minister have the last say?

Sylvia - Warrnambool, VIC

Can the Prime Minister also be the Speaker?

Brains - Birregurra, VIC

Who was involved in the first parliament?

Percival - Bunbury, WA

What do you have to do to become a member of parliament?

Marty - Altona, VIC

How often do people debate in the House of Representatives?

Miranda - Bowral, NSW

Is the leader of the opposition allowed to debate in parliament?

Mick - Grong Grong, NSW

What do members of parliament do when they're not at Parliament House?

Kaz - Byron Bay, NSW

New Zealand is mentioned in the Australian constitution. Does that mean that New Zealanders have the legal authority to vote?

Harley - Sydney, NSW

How long did it take to build the Parliament House?

Baswa - Bethania, QLD

Have there been any female speakers?

Keshwa - Glenroy, VIC

How long will Parliament House be used before they need a new one?

Anu - Chullora, NSW

Can anyone apart from the independents suggest changes to the bills?

Jasmin - Willoughby, NSW

Why aren't the Clerk and the Serjeant-at-Arms allowed to vote in the House of Representatives?

Phoebe - Orange, NSW

How many rooms are there in parliament house?

Maree - Inala, QLD

Why do we have a parliament?

Belinda - Camden, NSW

Can the government or opposition kick people off their team?

Antonio - Belgrave, VIC

How many people can represent a single political party?

Sophie - Burradoo, NSW

Where can I find more information about Senate estimates?

Ken - Glebe, NSW

Why is there more than one clock in the House of Representatives, behind the Speaker's chair?

Catherine - Dandenong, VIC

Does everyone have to speak in Parliament?

Valentine - Manilla, NSW

Why do members start their speech by saying thank you speaker?

Sabrina - Strathfield, NSW

Can someone disagree with their team in parliament? Are there consequences?

Charli - Ceduna, SA

Has a senator or a member ever been expelled from Parliament?

Pixie - Port Fairy, Vic

Do the debates in parliament get crazy with people yelling and screaming?

Melina - Leeton, NSW

Why are all debates recorded?

Sparkle - Charnwood, ACT

What does the Prime Minister do at Parliament House?

Barney - Captains Flat, NSW

How does an idea or recommendation from a government department become a bill and how do resources get allocated to the government department? How long does this process take?

Lucinda - Australia

Why is it important that a federal law can invalidate a state law and not the other way around?

Danielle - Adelaide, SA

How did Federation affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?

Phoebe - Victoria

How many politicians have served since federation? How many in the house of reps and how many in the senate?

David - Macarthur, NSW

If I had an idea for a bill, could I propose it to the Parliament?

Jade - Dubbo, NSW

How do all the levels of government help to support when there are bushfires?

Zara - Point Cook, VIC

How many senate estimates committees are there?

Jasmine - WA

Why is Australia a part of the commonwealth?

Caylia - Bendigo, VIC

Under the Constitution is quarantine an Australian Government power?

Pablo - Spring Hill, QLD

What can people do when they don’t agree with something Parliament has done?

Reechara - Sapphire Central, QLD

Who protects the people from the governments over reach?

Reechara - Sapphire Central, QLD

Why are petitions protected by parliamentary privilege?

Reechara - Sapphire Central, QLD

Is the Judiciary part of the process to change the Constitution?

Tisha - Rockhampton - QLD

What titles do the Prime Ministers get after they have retired?

Sam - Adelaide, SA

Can an independent become Prime Minister?

Sam - Adelaide, SA

In my research it is suggested that there have been only 2 plebiscites in 1916 and 1917. Where does the national anthem question and same-sex marriage question fit?

Anthony - Mornington, VIC

Is it the duty of the Governor-General to dissolve Parliament where there is evidence of violations of the Constitution and/or International law?

James - Bondi, NSW

During question time, why can't members of the Government ask questions of the opposition?

Garry - Australia

How do I start a petition to parliament? How many signatures do we need? What can we do to get this happening?

John - Australia

What is a tariff?

Hailey - Piara Waters, WA

Do members of parliament vote just based on party policy principles? Or do parliamentary speeches influence parliamentarians votes on bills?

Jason - Port Pirie, SA

What is the difference between Policy, act, and Legislation in Australia?

Raj - Middle Earth

How can you run for election to be a member of parliament?

Ashtyn - Cranebrook, NSW

Can the opposition team come up with a bill or only the government team can?

Maxim - Bermagui, NSW

Does Parliament House have a dedicated press briefing room, and does the government perform daily press briefings?

Shaun - Sydney, NSW

Where do MPs get food in Parliament House? Are there coffee shops for the staff?

James - Armidale, NSW

What are additional estimates? How long does a department have to answer in writing a question on notice and are answers recorded in Hansard?

Lisa - Melbourne, VIC

Why is there a Senate estimates and not a House estimates?

Emma - Bendigo, VIC

Could you estimate the cost of running parliamentary committees?

Declan - Australia

Is there somewhere that details, for each act the commonwealth parliament passes, which section/s of the constitution authorises that act?

Phillip - Adelaide, SA

Who is the most powerful person in parliament?

Emma - Bendigo, VIC

What are the responsibilities of living in a democracy?

Haider - Adelaide, SA

When did Indigenous Australians and other people of colour get the right to become members of the Australian Parliament?

Emma - Bendigo, VIC

What happens if minor parties get more votes than the major parties? Will the minor parties have to join either labor or liberal?

Christine - Greenbank QLD

After a double dissolution election, do senators’ terms start on the day of the election or 1 July, like after a normal senate election?

Hua - Hughes, ACT

Can a senator move to the House of Representatives and become Prime Minister?

Mel - Melbourne, VIC

Can a senator be a minister?

Abo - Brisbane, QLD

What are the colours of the Australian political parties?

Jil - Napier, NZ

In Parliament, which votes require a simple majority and which votes require an absolute majority?

Fulin - Parramatta, NSW

Do the Prime Minister and ministers keep their positions during an election period?

Cecilia - Australia

What is the Oath or Affirmation for Ministers and how can it be changed?

John - Australia

How were electoral divisions created at the first election in 1901? What were they named after?

John - Frankston

How is the governor-general appointed and what is their role?

Rohan - Hazelbrook, NSW

Can the government include the crossbench in the ‘pairing’ system?

Mal - Melbourne, Australia

What is the Washminster system?

Suzanne - Canberra, ACT

Does the UK monarch always hold the title King/Queen of Australia?

John - Bowral, NSW

If the government replaces the prime minister in a leadership spill, are they required to call an election?

Elodie - Australia

Does each state need to abolish its governor in order for Australia to become a republic?

David - Buderim, QLD

Who allocates the seating positions of government members in the House of Representatives? On what basis?

Trish - Coochiemudlo Island, QLD

What is the difference between a question without notice and a question on notice?

Candice - Neutral Bay, NSW

What are Royal Commissions and where can I find information about how many recommendations have been met?

Elisa - Williamstown, SA

What’s the difference between a territory and a state parliament?

Fatna - Perth, WA

What if the government breaks the law?

Rohan - Hazelbrook, NSW

Can the Speaker be a minister?

Max - VIC

Why might MPs try to leave House of Representatives before a vote?

Anna - Perth

Are conventions not written in the Constitution (e.g. the King appointing Governor-Generals on the Prime Minister's advice) binding/mandatory?

Kyle - Carey Park, Bunbury

Who decides the question for a referendum?

Jeff - Barnawartha, Vic

What does it mean when members say "I move that this bill now be read a second time?"

George - Gold Coast, QLD

Why do you often see just a few members sitting in the houses?

Hamish - Sydney, NSW

What makes democracy in Australia different to other countries' democracies and ways of ruling?

Melissa - Brisbane, QLD

How are new government departments or agencies created?

Veronica - Adelaide, SA

Can someone be a member of a State Parliament and Federal Parliament at the same time?

Paul - Australia

Can the president of the senate request a senator to leave for unruly conduct like the speaker in the reps?

Barry - Australia

Which laws describe the role and function of ministers?

Greg - Sydney, NSW

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

Hamish - Sydney, NSW

What traditions guide how the government works?

Ben - Perth, WA

Has there ever been years when Parliament could not hold meetings? What happened?

Vincent - Sydney, NSW

Why do some members and senators not attend divisions?

Luka - NSW

Have we always had Liberal and Labor as the major parties?

Dan - Duffy, ACT

Will the Territories ever be part of the State majority in a referendum?

Ellie - Brisbane, QLD

If you are the Prime Minister, do you still get to vote and if so, can you vote for yourself?

Year 5 - Applecross Primary School, WA

Who decides who gets to ask questions during question time?

Uyseok - British Columbia

Hi PEO, I was just wondering why the prime minister can't be the representative of the English King/Queen in Australia (Governor-General)?

Ben - Western Australia

Does the Governor General, in their role as the King's representative, ever actually communicate with the King?

Girraween Primary School - Northern Territory

Who sits on the two chairs behind the President of the Senate?

Harry - Brisbane

Does the budget give the treasurer power over other ministers? Shouldn't each minister choose how much money they need instead?

Edward - Brisbane, QLD

What are the features of a constitutional monarchy?

Luca - Perth, WA

What happens to bills when Parliament is prorogued for an election?

Amelie - Derby, WA

How are conflicting definitions between different federal legislation treated or resolved?

Ross - Wangaratta, Vic

What is the difference between an Act and a determination?

Jenief - Balgowlah, NSW

What is confidence and supply?

Anton - Kaleen, ACT

Why does Parliament have two chambers and not just one?

Lena - Orange, NSW

Could a member of parliament bring a pet or assistance animal with them into the chambers or Parliament House?

Harry - Bulimba, QLD