How long do parliament sittings go for?
Hi Barbara! When senators and members of the House of Representatives meet in Parliament House, the sittings last for an average of 11 hours a day. Sometimes daily sittings go for much longer, with senators and members meeting long into the night!
Before the beginning of each year and after a federal election, a sitting calendar is distributed to let everyone know when Parliament will be sitting. There are on average 18 to 20 sitting weeks a year. Sittings are usually held Monday to Thursday in 1 or 2 week blocks.
Each parliament is the length of a House of Representatives term, which is 3 years or earlier if an election is called.
A senator speaking in the Senate
DPS Auspic
A senator speaking in the Senate
DPS Auspic
Description
A senator standing up at her desk to give a speech in the Senate. Another 6 senators remain in their rows of seats, but have turned towards the senator who is speaking to listen.
When giving speeches in the Senate, senators:
- represent the views of the people of their state or territory
- have their say on bills – proposed laws – and other matters
- scrutinise – closely examining – the work of the government
- discuss important Australian or international issues.
Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.