Why are some members of Parliament called honourable?

A member of parliament who is or has been a minister, the President of the Senate or Speaker of the House of Representatives may use the title 'Honourable'. This title may be used for the rest of their life and reflects the honour and responsibility of their previous role.

The President of the Senate sits in a large red chair. In front of her, the Clerks sit at a table with books on it.

The President of the Senate.

David Foote/DPS Auspic

The President of the Senate.

The President of the Senate sits in a large red chair. In front of her, the Clerks sit at a table with books on it.

David Foote/DPS Auspic

Description

The President of the Senate sits in a large red chair. There is another chair to the right. In front of the President, the Clerk and Deputy Clerk sit at a table with books on it.

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.