How long has the Mace been used in the House of Representatives? What is its significance?
The current Mace has been used in the House of Representatives since 1951. It was a gift to the Australian Parliament by the House of Commons and King George VI. The gift marked the Jubilee year (50th anniversary) of Australia's Federation.
In medieval England, the royal Serjeants-at-Arms carried a mace stamped with the Royal Arms. This was a weapon used to assert the authority of the monarch. By 1415, the House of Commons in the British Parliament had appointed its own Serjeant-at-Arms to serve the members of the House. The tradition of the Mace in the House of Representatives is taken from this practice in the House of Commons.
The Mace in the House of Representatives.
DPS Auspic
The Mace in the House of Representatives.
DPS Auspic
Description
This image shows the gold coated Mace in the House of Representatives chamber. The Mace is positioned on brackets at the end of a large table in the middle of the room.
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.