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

Thanks for your question, Edward!

The Federation Chamber does play a part in the law-making process. It is the second meeting place of the House of Representatives and can operate at the same time as the House. All members of the House can attend the Federation Chamber. It was established to streamline the House's busy schedule and to increase the time available for conducting non-controversial business.

Its work includes:

  • debating bills – proposed laws – on which there is expected to be agreement
  • debating committee reports
  • conducting private members' business, which allows members to speak on any topic, particularly matters of interest to their electorate.

All decisions made in the Federation Chamber need to be confirmed by the House of Representatives.

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

Federation chamber.

Parliamentary Education Office (peo.gov.au)

Federation chamber.

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

Parliamentary Education Office (peo.gov.au)

Description

The Federation chamber of the Australian House of Representatives.

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