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 red Senate chamber. There are people sitting in seats which 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 red Senate chamber. There are people sitting in seats which are arranged in a U-shape around a large central table.

DPS Auspic

Description

This image is of a large room with red furnishings. The seats are arranged in a horse-shoe shape around a large central table. There are people sitting in the seats and papers on the desks.