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

Before the beginning of each year and after a federal election, a sitting calendar is distributed to let everyone know when the Australian Parliament will be sitting. There are on average 18 to 20 sitting weeks a year. Sittings are usually held Monday to Thursday in one or two week blocks.

The Senate, where seats are arranged in a U-shape around a large central table.

The Senate from behind the President of the Senate's chair

DPS Auspic

The Senate from behind the President of the Senate's chair

The Senate, where seats are arranged in a U-shape around a large central table.

DPS Auspic

Description

The Senate is a large room with red furnishings. Seats and desks for senators are arranged in a horse-shoe shape around a large central table.

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.