Who sits on the two chairs behind the President of the Senate?
Thanks for your question, Harry. One of these chairs is the vice-regal chair and the other is reserved for distinguished visitors.
The vice-regal chair is directly behind the President’s chair. It is used by the Governor-General or King Charles III on special occasions, such as the opening of a new Parliament. When the vice-regal chair is in use, it is moved forward, and the President’s chair is placed to the right of it.
The chair to the left of the vice-regal chair is for distinguished visitors to the Senate, including foreign presidents and prime ministers.
The Governor-General delivers a speech at the opening of a new Parliament
Belinda Hogg/DPS Auspic
The Governor-General delivers a speech at the opening of a new Parliament
Belinda Hogg/DPS Auspic
Description
The Governor-General gives a speech in the Senate at the opening of a new Parliament. There is a raised platform where the Governor-General sits in a large wooden chair speaking into a microphone. The President of the Senate is sitting in a high backed chair to the right of the Governor-General. Senators, members of the House of Representatives and officials sit nearby watching.
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.