Your questions on notice


Ask a question

About your questions

Filter results


436 result(s) | Clear search

What are the three levels of government, and do they share any responsibilities?

Jaiden - Bundaberg, QLD

Who was the first prime minister?

Booha - Cobar, NSW

What is Parliament?

Max the Cat - Launceston, TAS

How is the Prime Minister chosen?

Soph - Downer, ACT

Under the doctrine of separation of powers, where is legislative power vested?

Brett - Port Augusta, SA

How many national electoral systems have we had in Australia? Currently we use a Preferential System, right? So, have we always used this or not?

The Razzle - Geraldton, WA

What happens to a law that is not passed by one of the houses?

George - Penrith, NSW

What is the role of parliament?

Sam - Fremantle, WA

What is responsible government?

Teagan - Narrandera, NSW

Hi! Could you please explain what a half-Senate election is and why this happens. Thanks for your time.

Luke - Toowoomba, QLD

What role do voters play in changing the Constitution?

Dani - Parkes, NSW

How do Australians find out about new laws?

Ksmith1980 - Parramatta, NSW

What do members of parliament do?

Adam - Ipswich, QLD

How many votes are needed for a bill to pass the House of Representatives and the Senate?

Liliana - Elwood, VIC

Does the Governor-General vote in elections?

John - Howlong, NSW

What is the definition of a hung parliament?

Arisa - Gold Coast, QLD

Apart from democracy what other forms of governments are there?

Fletcher - Sydney, NSW

How do members of parliament discuss an issue? Is it like a debate?

Abbie - Mount Gambier, SA

Why are we a constitutional monarchy?

Finn - Sydney, NSW

How can a member of government also be part of the Senate?

Chloe - Melbourne, VIC

What is a backbencher?

Rhys - Beenleigh, QLD

How does the constitution divide powers of the Government and how were the State responsibilities derived?

Ella - Perth, WA

What exactly happens when you get booted out of the House of Representatives under 94A?

Jessica - Beenleigh, QLD

Where do the federal, state and local governments get their money from?

Ashleigh and Madison - Melbourne, VIC

Who decides whether a bill will be introduced to the lower or upper house?

Sarah - Drysdale, VIC

What is the average salary of the prime minister and government ministers and why are they paid more than other members of parliament?

Nicholas - Melbourne, VIC

Is a member of parliament's vote worth more than a normal citizens?

Nicko - Melbourne, VIC

Is there any difference between being a member of government, executive government or Cabinet?

Liliana - Elwood, VIC

Are all government ministers members of the Cabinet?

Liliana - Elwood, VIC

Does a shadow minister have to come from the same house as the corresponding minister?

Liliana - Elwood, VIC

How is the government elected in parliament?

Curtis - Brisbane, QLD

Why is each of stage of the passage of a bill through Parliament so important?

Liliana - Elwood, VIC

Do petitions have to be tabled in Parliament once they are given to a member?

Liliana - Elwood, VIC

How does a political party choose its leader?

Joelle - Toowoomba, QLD

Why can't people vote under the age of 18?

William - Loxton, SA

Who controls the federal elections, is there an organisation?

Dustin - Narangba, QLD

Where does the prime minister live?

Riley - Brisbane, QLD

What is the role of parties in parliament?

Lance - Maryborough, QLD

Historically, how have the British and US systems of government influenced the Australian government system?

Alice - Adelaide, SA

How can individuals participate in the Australian political system?

Paige - Perth, WA

After a double dissolution, does the senate get back to the normal half-senate election pattern?

John - Bowral, NSW

Does the Federation Chamber have a part in the law making process?

Edward - Eaglemont, VIC

Why was Whitlam sacked and not just a double dissolution called?

Tom - Bonnells Bay, NSW

Hi! Just wondering what the definition of Australian Democracy is?

HistoryGirl02 - Adelaide, SA

Why is proportional representation considered to more closely reflect the voting pattern of the electors?

Justin - Newcastle, NSW

What is the oath of office that is taken by new senators and members of the House of Representatives when they are sworn in?

Wayne - Budgewoi, NSW

How did the general public show support for Federation?

Madeleine - Frankston, VIC

Define the two-party system?

Tomomi - Varsity Lakes, QLD

Why and how are laws reformed?

Elana - Parramatta, NSW

How long does it typically take to pass a bill from start to finish?

Jess - Canberra, ACT

If the speaker wishes to raise an issue concerning their electorate how is this done?

Maggie - Queanbeyan, NSW

How does the government work and why is the government so important?

Shuobing - Melbourne, VIC

Does the Parliament of Australia have a situation room similar to the White House?

Hartley - Emu Heights, NSW

What are the buildings or locations that are connected to each level of government?

Noah - Innisfail, QLD

What is the difference between exclusive, concurrent and residual law-making powers?

Trudy - Mt Martha, VIC

How does the Australian Constitution reflect the values of the Australian people?

Georgie - Caloundra, QLD

Are the politicians that run for the House of Representatives the same as those that run for the Senate?

Kaihla - Varisty Lakes, QLD

Why do parties need someone called the 'whip'?

Nathan - Blacktown, NSW

What are the benefits of having three levels of government?

James - Lake Hume, VIC

What is a Hansard reporter?

Nathan - Blacktown, NSW

Who is the Serjeant-at-Arms? How many female Serjeants-at-Arms have there been?

Gen - Brisbane, QLD

What are the different responsibilities between the state and Commonwealth governments when it comes to healthcare?

Matt - Melbourne, VIC

What is it like to work at the Parliament (not a member of parliament)?

Harley - Armadale, WA

How many clocks are there in Parliament House? What makes the bells on the clocks ring? Why do the bells ring for four minutes?

Lachlan - Melbourne, VIC

Can you please tell me of some laws that conflict between federal and state level?

Greg - Mandurah, WA

What does the prime minister do when he is not in Canberra?

Lily - Melbourne, VIC

What is the difference between the role of the Federal Executive Council and the Cabinet?

Steve - Penrith, NSW

I was wondering how many people are in each political party in Parliament?

Tayisha - Barden Ridge, NSW

Who are all the members of parliament?

Ethan - Windsor, NSW

What happens if the current PM and ministers of the cabinet lose their seats in the next election?

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

What is a 'senate estimate'?

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

How does the seating arrangement work in the House of Representatives? Can members sit anywhere?

Marshall - Australia

What does 'I move that the member be no longer heard' mean?

Mary - Australia

Can you explain what the different types of motions are?

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

What happens if members disagree with the Speakers ruling?

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

Apart from the standing orders, what other 'rules' do the House and Senate have to follow?

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

For a federal MP, who writes the speeches in Question Time, press conferences, or leadership speeches?

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

What are the arguments for and against a Bill of Rights here in Australia?

Mrs Kingdon - Success, WA

How did Australia become a democracy?

Margaret - Adelaide, SA

What is the role of the Prime Minister in allowing a free vote on an issue debated in the Parliament?

Eleni - Melbourne, VIC

What is the role of Attorney-General in law making in the Australian Parliament?

Eleni - Melbourne, VIC

What happens if the Prime Minister is unavailable to do their job?

Hartley - Penrith, NSW

Does the Australian Constitution define "marriage" as being between a man and a woman?

Raymond - Claremont, WA

What are the similarities and differences between the Senate and the House of Representatives?

Gabby - Planet Earth

What kinds of laws are state parliaments not allowed to make because of section 52 of the Australian Constitution?

Dion - VIC

Can someone please explain the four models of representation (delegate, partisan, trustee and mirror). Thank you

Ainsley - Mandurah, WA

Please explain the Magna Carta

Joshua - Planet Earth

Why isn't the Speaker a retired judge or current judge who is appointed by the courts?

Peter - Tweed Heads South, NSW

Would it be fairer if the Speaker was from the crossbench?

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

How is it decided which members of the government are ministers? Do members choose themselves?

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

Who has the right to appoint and dismiss the Speaker of the House of Representatives?

Garnet - Broome, WA

What is the difference between an electorate and a division?

Lisa - Ipswich, QLD

How often do ministers meet and for how long each session? Why are ministers paid so much more than everyone else?

Louise - Melbourne, VIC

Has an MP been removed under 94B? How can a member be removed under this ruling?

Jessica - Brisbane, QLD

Can backbenchers ask questions during question time?

Juliette - Melbourne, VIC

Is 'religion' defined in section 116 of the Australian Constitution?

Ronald - Sydney, NSW

Which people (jobs) are connected with each level of government?

Jagmeet - Australia

I have a research activity on Australian Government and am trying to figure out the total number of parties available in Australia

Euugene - Papua New Guinea

Who established the Government? Why was the Government established?

Connor - Adelaide, SA

What are the rights and responsibilities of an Australian citizen?

Lily - Brisbane, QLD

When is the flag at Parliament House changed?

Barb - Canberra, ACT

What needs to happen after a bill is passed in the House of Representatives before it goes to the Senate?

Sarah - Planet Earth

What is the role of Deputy Leader of the Opposition?

Kinta - Tweed Heads, NSW

Who made the decision for federation to happen and how long did the process take?

Ashleigh - Melbourne, VIC

Approximately how many bills are introduced in Parliament and passed each year?

Indy - Picton, NSW

Why did the parliamentarians move to a new parliament house?

Bridie - Seaham, NSW

Can you become a prime minister at 15?

Rhianna - Newcastle, NSW

How long can the prime minister stay in the job?

Lily - Seaham, NSW

Why is there a green and red room?

Maddison - Seaham, NSW

Who has been in parliament for the longest?

Tom - Seaham, NSW

Is the role of an MP or senator defined or set out in any legislation?

Christine - Macedon, VIC

Does the leader of the opposition have to recite an oath of office (as leader of opposition) over and above his/her oath as MP?

Laurie - Brisbane, QLD

How has Australian politics changed since federation in 1901?

Erin - Planet Earth

If the Constitution was written in 1901, how can it give the government the power to make laws about modern inventions like the internet?

Harald - Byron Bay, NSW

Do you have statistics about the history of the parliament showing, by year, how many bills were introduced and passed?

Mark - Melbourne, VIC

Is it compulsory to vote in a plebiscite?

Carroll - Newcastle, NSW

When does a Member who does not recontest their seat at the next election effectively retire? Is it at the dissolution of the House?

Tiffany - Canberra, ACT

Can an LGBTQ person run for Prime Minister?

Lynne - Ararat, VIC

Why must the mace be present? Why did the make it a mace? Why not a sword? Is the mace a symbol of power?

Mike - Terrigal, NSW

Why is the Senate called the upper house and the House of Representatives called the lower house?

Henrietta - Sandringham, VIC

How do the Separation of Powers influence life in Australia?

Sefa - Baldivis, WA

Where are Australian elections held?

Alana - Melbourne, VIC

What does the Deputy Clerk do?

James - Epping, NSW

How many parties are there in the Parliament right now?

Conrad - Adelaide, SA

What is the black rod and why do we have it?

Lana - Adelaide, SA

How many seats in total are in Parliament House?

Nathan - Fairfield, NSW

What role does the president do in the senate and why are they important?

Nick - Adelaide, SA

Who was the oldest Prime Minister?

Chris - Kensington, SA

Who was the oldest person to be in parliament?

Deakin - Unley, SA

What is the difference between a prime minister and a president?

Lana - Adelaide, SA

Who is the longest serving Prime Minister?

Jaylen - Pinnaroo, SA

Why doesn't the federal government control all funding?

Meg - Canberra, ACT

Who is the youngest Prime Minister?

Angel - Pinnaroo, SA

What is the definition of commonwealth money?

Howard - Melbourne, VIC

Why are some key features of Australia’s system of government not mentioned in the Constitution?

Kym - Surfers Paradise, QLD

Can a senator be treasurer?

Peter - Perth, WA

Are there laws that members of parliament have to follow when deciding how to vote?

John - Sydney, NSW

If members have a pecuniary interest in an issue, are they allowed to vote on it, and what legislation is involved?

John - Avalon, VIC

Under what circumstances would standing orders be suspended and for what purpose?

Lee - Kirup, WA

How long do parliament sittings go for?

Barbara - Liverpool, NSW

If I have an idea/proposal I would like to present to Parliament, how would I go about this?

Tracy - Wollongong, NSW

Why do we need a Leader of the Opposition in the Senate and a Leader of the Government in the Senate?

Mikayla - Brisbane, QLD

If the House of Reps ballot papers are green, why are the Senate ones white and not red?

Sarah - Townsville, Qld

Who designed the mace and why did they choose that design?

Bridget - Mandurah, WA

Can you list all the responsibilities of federal government?

Chelzea - Perth, WA

How many people work in Parliament House?

Sophie - Sunshine Coast, QLD

Why is voting compulsory?

Michelle - Adelaide, SA

Why do you need to vote? Is it important?

Lessio - SA

Can you vote for any Senate candidate even though they are not in your State?

Peta - Belmont, WA

Why do senators sometimes move motions that they know will fail?

Leon - Belmont, NSW

Why do members of parliament address the Speaker and not the questioner during Question Time?

Leon - Belmont, NSW

What minister is responsible for making sure everyone knows about new laws?

Ramona - Perth, WA

How many people are there in the Cabinet?

Nemo - Melbourne, VIC

What is a Chief of Staff? What do they do? Who gets one?

Liam - somewhere out there

If I was Prime Minister could I create my own party?

Kulkiran - Lalor, VIC

How do I choose a party to vote for? Is there a summary of facts and information about each party and what they are offering?

Sharon - the universe

How are decisions made in the cabinet carried out?

Kevin - Sydney, NSW

What are the major differences between the roles of Federal Treasurer and Finance Minister?

RGM - Forrest, VIC

Where can I find out what my representatives have said about a new law in Parliament?

Peter - Adelaide, SA

What are those books on the table in the House of Representatives?

Carson - Planet Earth

How many Australians read the constitution before the referendums prior to federation?

Gerard - Howard, QLD

How is the number of members in the House of Representatives determined?

Donn - Toongabbie, NSW

Can a referendum or plebiscite be held at the same time as a federal election?

Carroll - Osterley, NSW

What is a session of parliament?

Graeme - Melbourne, VIC

Which current senators will serve three years and which will serve six years?

Max - McCrae, VIC

If a new law is made, is it added to the Constitution? Or is it put somewhere else?

Jack - Sydney, NSW

What is the role of the King in Australia's system of government?

Annmarie - Busselton, WA

Which party or parties are in power at present?

Chris - Port Vila, Vanuatu

What are the consequences for people who disobey the rules of the Constitution?

Valentina and Nada - Adelaide, SA

Did any women contribute to the Constitution or was it mainly aimed at men at the time it was written?

Grace and Abby - Adelaide, SA

Why is the Mace important?

Patrick and Christian - Adelaide, SA

How much British legislation, if any, still applies to Australia either federally or at a state level? How does it get changed if it does still apply?

Ron - Bayswater, Australia

Are there times when all three levels of government work together or are involved in one issue or project?

Rob - Launceston, TAS

Where was parliament held from 1901 to 1927?

James - Sydney, NSW

What is judicial review of a government action?

Denein - Gold Coast, QLD

Do government departments have anything to do with making laws?

Jake - Concord West, NSW

Could I please find out what International Human Rights Treaties Australia is part of please?

Debbie - Wyoming, NSW

After 1967 the ability to legislate over Aboriginal people became a concurrent power. If the Commonwealth passes a law in this area is it now an exclusive power under s109?

Sarah - Melbourne, Vic

What is the difference between exclusive and enumerated powers?

Grace - Melbourne, VIC

Is the Australian government required by the Constitution to pay every citizen a pension?

Rosemary - Hallam, VIC

What are some rules in the Constitution that protect rights?

Parker - Alice Springs, NT

How is government policy shaped and developed by the Prime Minister and Cabinet?

Kathy - Melbourne, VIC

Is there an established list of portfolios for the government? How do they get allocated?

Elisa - Adelaide, SA

Who decides when and why there will be a conscience vote?

Christopher - Melbourne, VIC

Can the prime minister be replaced other than by not being re-elected?

Alanna - Caroline Springs, VIC

How much does a candidate's election speech affect the way people vote?

Erin - Caroline Springs, VIC

Why are members of parliament given money on top of their salary?

Andrei - Melbourne, VIC

Why does there have to be 76 senators in the Senate?

Sam - the universe

Is the Prime Minister allowed to bring a computer into Question Time and use it when answering questions?

Joan - Melbourne, VIC

Why do they need such a big flag?

Sam - Albury, NSW

Did the members for WA and Tasmania attend the 1901 ceremonies for Federation?

Kim - Chain Valley Bay, NSW

Who has the power to mandate policy in Australian public schools?

Avraham - Brooklyn, USA

How long was the longest sitting, how short was the shortest?

Jeslyn - VIC

Which level of Government has the responsibility to build dams to ensure the supply of adequate water to residents?

Brian - Townsville, QLD

Why are the two chambers in Parliament House called the Senate and the House of Representatives?

RandomDolphin5 - Melbourne, VIC

What were the arguments for and against federation?

Stephen - Belmont, WA

Does the executive dominate decision-making in the Australian parliamentary system?

Ahmed - Brisbane, Queensland

What are 'safe seats'?

TurtlesRule - Endeavour Hills,VIC

Were any other Prime Ministers sacked apart from Whitlam?

TurtlesRule - Endeavour Hills, VIC

Is the Governor-General allowed inside the House of Representatives?

Michael - Canberra, ACT

Can we overthrow the King and how?

Tara - Salisbury North, SA

Is it legal to be a member of more than one political party at the same time?

Steve - At Home, QLD

Why can't public servants run in elections?

David - Adelaide, SA

How can a citizen challenge a law?

David - Adelaide, SA

Who created Australia's Coat of Arms after the unification of the states and why? What do the symbols represent?

Keirra - Adelaide, SA

If local councils aren’t mentioned in the Constitution, how are they allowed to exist and make laws?

Joe - Australia

Who wrote the Australian Constitution?

Kirah and Kate - NSW

What is the longest speech ever given in Parliament, and what was it about?

Dorothy - Canberra, ACT

How do you find out what is going to be discussed at future Senate and House sittings?

Sarah - Coopers Plains, QLD

Since it is not in the Constitution, is the role of Prime Minister written into any other law?

Justin - Adelaide, SA

Why do we have parliament house?

Kitty - Australia

Where can I find out about how many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of parliament there are and their names?

Rae - Leongatha, VIC

Why is the Lord's Prayer read at the beginning of each day in the House of Representatives and Senate if Australia is a secular nation?

Brandon - somewhere out there ...

Are there currently any backbench committees? What is their role?

Jane - VIC

How does Parliament House accommodate members and senators who have disabilities?

Skip - Canberra, ACT

The Constitution is an Act of British Parliament, so when a referendum is successful, does the British Parliament need to be notified?

Jo - Perth, WA

Why does Australia have separate states?

Sophia - Taylor's Hill, VIC

What defines a Majority in Parliament? Are the votes in Parliament private?

Mackenzie - Burnie, TAS

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

Tony - Planet Earth

What is Quick and Garran’s Annotated Constitution?

Jan - the universe

Do any people live in parliament house?

Liam - Shellharbour, NSW

Can any state or territory secede from Australia?

Eric - Perth, WA

How does the Government handle a financial crisis, if there is a process?

Vincent - Shellharbour Village, NSW

How many MPs of the original parliament in 1901 were born in Australia?

Michael - Sale, VIC

Why is the voting system different between House of Representatives and the Senate?

Susan - VIC

Why does the High Court need to interpret the Constitution?

Bernard - Speewah, QLD

How is a high court judge chosen?

Maddy - Cherryville, SA

Why do we have federal elections every three years?

Liala-Rose - SA

Why are senators who have lost their seats because they had dual citizenship permitted to stand for election again?

Joy - Kincumber, NSW

Can a Minister remain in their role while not a member of parliament? Section 64 of the constitution seems to imply they can for three months.

John - Wyee Point, NSW

Are political parties mentioned or written in the Australian Constitution?

Glen - Emu Park, QLD

Who is more powerful the Governor-General or the High Court? Can the Governor-General over rule the High Court?

John - Mount Ossa, QLD

Is an election called if no party wins a majority in the House of Representatives?

Petra - Melbourne, VIC

Can the minor parties or independents form government?

Dee - Gold Coast, QLD

What would happen if the coalition of parties in government decided to break their coalition?

Lee - Alstonville, NSW

Who has more power, the Prime Minister or the Governor-General?

Lee - Alstonville, NSW

Queen Victoria signed the Australian Constitution Act in July 1900, so why weren't we officially Australia then?

Veronica - Australia

Can the advisers of Parliamentarians go into the chambers?

Michael - somewhere out there

Can the Governor-General refuse to act on the advice of the Prime Minister and other ministers?

Lee - Alstonville, VIC

What are the laws about political advertising? Are ads at election time true, and what can we do if they're not?

Elisa - Elizabeth, SA

How many staff do senators/members have in their office?

Lee - Alstonville, NSW

Can a state governor, instead of the Governor-General, swear in the Deputy Prime Minister?

Lee - Alstonville, NSW

Who comes up with new Bills to take to the House of Reps? Where are ideas for new Bills formed?

Kieran - Williamstown, SA

Education is a 'state' issue, yet there is a federal 'Minister of Education & Training' why is that?

Lee - Alstonville, VIC

Are there any bodies that regulate the behaviour of members of parliament?

Wayne - Brisbane, QLD

How long does an MP have to research a bill before they can take it to parliament? Thank You!

John - Sydney, NSW

Can the local government get some of their powers stripped by the federal government?

William - Ku-Ring-Gai, NSW

How does tax work and does the government have a effect on it?

William - Ku-Ring-Gai, NSW

What is the Judiciary and what does it do?

Eric - Westleigh, NSW

Why do senators have longer terms than the terms of the members of the House of Representatives?

Eric - Westleigh, NSW

What are the main requirements for establishing a political party?

Sally - Yackandandah, VIC

What were the triggers for an increase of Senators in 1948, 1974 and 1983?

Hayley - Canberra, ACT

What can you tell me about the flags in the House of Representatives?

Hilmar - Bacchus Marsh, VIC

If the opposition won the majority in the Senate, would they sit on the right of the President?

Tom - Canberra, ACT

What is democracy?

Jarrah - Liverpool, NSW

Who is allowed to enter the chambers?

Scott - Mildura, VIC

Why are some members of Parliament called honourable?

Sam - Bundaberg, QLD

Which party formed Australia's first government? Which other parties were in Parliament?

Tracey - Girrawheen, WA

What happens if a member of parliament leaves? Do they get replaced?

Hamish - Burnside, VIC

What was the first law made by the Australian Parliament?

Nicole - Caroline Springs, VIC

What is the process of appointing a new Governor-General if the current Governor-General fails to uphold his duties?

Chloe-Jane - Hillside, VIC

Can the Prime Minister be removed from the House of Representatives for bad behaviour?

Christian - Stawell, VIC

What is an example of the separation of powers in Australia?

Tori - Caroline Springs, VIC

How has power shifted to the Australian Government from the states since federation?

Kumari - Melbourne, VIC

What would a member of parliament actually do if they were made a ‘minister without portfolio’?

Conrad - NSW

Who is the Leader of the House and what do they do?

Andrew - Canberra, ACT

Does section 34 (Qualifications of members) conflict with section 44 (Disqualifications), particularly in relation to UK and New Zealand citizens?

Mark - Allenstown, QLD

How can our system of preferential voting be changed?

Barry - Emu Plains, NSW

Can the Australian Government take possession of any land in Australia through compulsory acquisition?

Eugene - St Helena, QLD

I would like to find out how members of parliament voted on a bill

Trena - Bossley Park, NSW

Does Question Time have to be held each day and how long does it have to go for?

Bruce - Ngunnawal, ACT

What happens when a supply bill is blocked? Why was supply blocked in 1975?

Mark - Australia

Why is the preferential and proportional voting system used at Australian Elections?

Alex - Sydney, NSW

How is common law changed?

Joshua - Australia

Can state laws change federal laws in Australia?

Craige - Gold Coast, QLD

If a minister takes a question 'on notice' during Question Time how long do they have to answer and is it published?

Paul - Engadine, NSW

Can you explain the history of why MPs speak with a piece of paper over their head sometimes?

Saira - Auburn, NSW

Can the deputy prime minister be a senator, or do they have to be in the House of Representatives?

Janet - Canberra, ACT

How are Senate below the line votes directed? What if none of a voter's 12 preferences gets a quota?

Geoff - Kew East, VIC

Does the Speaker of the House of Representatives have to wear a wig?

Bunny - VIC

What happens when a member of parliament loses their seat?

Alison - Cranbourne, VIC

How many electorates were there in the first election?

Ethan - South Brighton, SA

Who can fire the Prime Minister?

CoconutCrazy - SA

How much did Parliament House cost to build?

Eve - Cocos Islands, WA

Why was Parliament House built in Canberra?

Chayse - Cocos Island, WA

Why is there grass on the roof of Parliament House?

Sol - Cocos Island, WA

How is the opening date for the next Parliament decided and who makes that decision?

Lee - Alstonville, NSW

What's the difference between a legislative Act and a regulation?

Matt - Canberra, ACT

If a minister is asked a question during Question Time, can they request the Prime Minister answer instead?

Catherine - Australia

Why do the Nationals and Liberals work together while the other parties (Labor, Greens, etc) are by themselves?

Ivy - Hobart, TAS

Why can’t members of the government ask the opposition questions during question time?

Tess - Melbourne, VIC

Can a Member of the house of representatives get elected again after their 3 year term?

Diya - Junee, NSW

Could the dismissal occur again or have changes been made to stop the government being sacked by an unelected executive?

Andrew - Cashmere, QLD

Who represents me in Australian parliament?

Rory - Adelaide, SA

What is a parliamentary majority?

Dorothy - Dickson, ACT

What is a Dorothy Dixer question?

Cliff - Ulladulla, NSW

What is a 'white paper'?

Greta - Meadowbank, NSW

How is the Deputy Speaker elected and what is their role?

Liam - Penshurst, NSW

What is a non-elected officer and are they important?

Lee - Clare, SA

What is a Machinery of Government change?

Skip - Bendigo, Vic

Does the Australian Prime Minister pay tax on his parliamentary salary?

Michelle - Lismore, NSW

What are reserve powers?

Floyd - New York, USA

What is the difference between the Australian Parliament and the Australian Government?

Floyd - Rivett, ACT

Why does the Constitution say money bills have to start in the House and not the Senate?

Patrick - Perth, WA

Can section 128 of the Constitution be used to change the first eight clauses of the Constitution?

James - Planet Earth

How does the constitution recognise Indigenous people?

Toby - Canberra, ACT

How old do you have to be to become a member of parliament?

Isabelle - Doreen, VIC

Why are there only 2 senators for every territory?

Denise - Dandenong, VIC

Do members of parliament get a copy of the bill before it is first read by the Clerk?

Aaron - Wagga Wagga, NSW

What is the name for the parliamentary officer who knows the rules of parliament?

Erin - Cowan, NSW

What happens if they incorrectly count the votes in the House of Representatives or in the Senate?

Alex - King Island, TAS

What happens if the votes are tied in the House of Representatives and in the Senate?

Jacqueline - Doncaster, VIC

Are federal industrial relations powers shared with states?

Thompson - Port Huon, TAS

Why do members of parliament only have 4 minutes to get back to vote on a bill?

Chips - Downer, ACT

What happens if a member of parliament is late to a vote?

Ellsworth - Gravesend, NSW

What is the crossbench and who sits there?

Bjorn - Broome, WA

What support and guidance is given to new members of parliament to help them in their roles?

Phoenix - Lara, VIC

The states can refer powers to the federal Parliament but does the federal Parliament have to accept?

Skip - Bendigo, VIC

I'd like to know what the customs and traditions are that Cabinet operates by and is there a 20 year public release rule?

Chris - Melbourne, VIC

Why is there a limit on how long members of Parliament can speak?

Vicki - Rockhampton, QLD

Can the number of senators change?

Marcus - Sanctuary Point, NSW

How is a law removed or repealed in Australia and what is the process?

Nat - Brisbane, QLD

Can the Governor-General suggest changes to a bill or refuse to sign it?

Dinky - Bulla, VIC

Why can't we vote on policies instead of parties during an election?

Ashlin - Geelong, VIC

Why does Australia have a Governor-General as part of its parliament?

Vincenzo - Williamstown, VIC

Why do members of parliament say 'hear, hear' after someone from their party has spoken?

Tamara - Newport, VIC

Does the Prime Minister have the last say?

Sylvia - Warrnambool, VIC

Can the Speaker also be the Prime Minister or a minister?

Brains - Birregurra, VIC

Who was involved in the first parliament?

Percival - Bunbury, WA

What do you have to do to become a member of parliament?

Marty - Altona, VIC

How often do people meet in the Senate and House of Representatives?

Miranda - Bowral, NSW

Is the leader of the opposition allowed to debate in parliament?

Mick - Grong Grong, NSW

What do members of parliament do when they're not at Parliament House?

Kaz - Byron Bay, NSW

New Zealand is mentioned in the Australian constitution. Does that mean that New Zealanders have the legal authority to vote?

Harley - Sydney, NSW

How long did it take to build the Parliament House?

Baswa - Bethania, QLD

Have there been any female speakers?

Keshwa - Glenroy, VIC

How long will Parliament House be used before they need a new one?

Anu - Chullora, NSW

Can anyone in parliament suggest changes to bills?

Jasmin - Willoughby, NSW

Why aren't the Clerk and the Serjeant-at-Arms allowed to vote in the House of Representatives?

Phoebe - Orange, NSW

How many rooms are there in parliament house?

Maree - Inala, QLD

Why do we have a parliament?

Belinda - Camden, NSW

Can the government or opposition kick people off their team?

Antonio - Belgrave, VIC

How many people can represent a single political party?

Sophie - Burradoo, NSW

Where can I find more information about Senate estimates?

Ken - Glebe, NSW

Why is there more than one clock in the House of Representatives, behind the Speaker's chair?

Catherine - Dandenong, VIC

Does everyone have to speak in Parliament?

Valentine - Manilla, NSW

Why do members start their speech by saying thank you speaker?

Sabrina - Strathfield, NSW

Can someone disagree with their team in parliament? Are there consequences?

Charli - Ceduna, SA

Has a senator or a member ever been expelled from Parliament?

Pixie - Port Fairy, Vic

Do the debates in parliament get crazy with people yelling and screaming?

Melina - Leeton, NSW

Why are all debates recorded?

Sparkle - Charnwood, ACT

How does an idea or recommendation from a government department become a bill and how do resources get allocated to the government department? How long does this process take?

Lucinda - Australia

Why can federal law invalidate a state law and not the other way around?

Danielle - Adelaide, SA

How did Federation affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?

Phoebe - Victoria

How many politicians have served since federation? How many in the house of reps and how many in the senate?

David - Macarthur, NSW

If I had an idea for a bill, could I propose it to the Parliament?

Jade - Dubbo, NSW

How do all the levels of government help to support when there are bushfires?

Zara - Point Cook, VIC

How many senate estimates committees are there?

Jasmine - WA

Why is Australia a part of the commonwealth?

Caylia - Bendigo, VIC

Under the Constitution is quarantine an Australian Government power?

Pablo - Spring Hill, QLD

What can people do when they don’t agree with something Parliament has done?

Reechara - Sapphire Central, QLD

Who protects the people from the governments over reach?

Reechara - Sapphire Central, QLD

Why are petitions protected by parliamentary privilege?

Reechara - Sapphire Central, QLD

Is the Judiciary part of the process to change the Constitution?

Tisha - Rockhampton - QLD

What titles do the Prime Ministers get after they have retired?

Sam - Adelaide, SA

Can an independent become Prime Minister?

Sam - Adelaide, SA

In my research it is suggested that there have been only 2 plebiscites in 1916 and 1917. Where does the national anthem question and same-sex marriage question fit?

Anthony - Mornington, VIC

Is it the duty of the Governor-General to dissolve Parliament where there is evidence of violations of the Constitution and/or International law?

James - Bondi, NSW

How do I start a petition to parliament? How many signatures do we need? What can we do to get this happening?

John - Australia

What is a tariff?

Hailey - Piara Waters, WA

Do members of parliament vote just based on party policy principles? Or do parliamentary speeches influence parliamentarians votes on bills?

Jason - Port Pirie, SA

What is the difference between Policy, act, and Legislation in Australia?

Raj - Middle Earth

How can you run for election to be a member of parliament?

Ashtyn - Cranebrook, NSW

Can the opposition team come up with a bill or only the government team can?

Maxim - Bermagui, NSW

Does Parliament House have a dedicated press briefing room, and does the government perform daily press briefings?

Shaun - Sydney, NSW

Where do MPs get food in Parliament House? Are there coffee shops for the staff?

James - Armidale, NSW

What are additional estimates? How long does a department have to answer in writing a question on notice and are answers recorded in Hansard?

Lisa - Melbourne, VIC

Why is there a Senate estimates and not a House estimates?

Emma - Bendigo, VIC

Is there somewhere that details, for each act the commonwealth parliament passes, which section/s of the constitution authorises that act?

Phillip - Adelaide, SA

Who is the most powerful person in parliament?

Emma - Bendigo, VIC

What are the responsibilities of living in a democracy?

Haider - Adelaide, SA

When did Indigenous Australians and people from non-European backgrounds get the right to become members of the Australian Parliament?

Emma - Bendigo, VIC

What happens if minor parties get more votes than the major parties? Will the minor parties have to join either labor or liberal?

Christine - Greenbank QLD

After a double dissolution election, do senators’ terms start on the day of the election or 1 July, like after a normal senate election?

Hua - Hughes, ACT

Can a senator move to the House of Representatives and become Prime Minister?

Mel - Melbourne, VIC

Can a senator be a minister?

Abe - Brisbane, QLD

What are the colours of the Australian political parties?

Jil - Napier, NZ

In Parliament, which votes require a simple majority and which votes require an absolute majority?

Fulin - Parramatta, NSW

Do the Prime Minister and ministers keep their positions during an election period?

Cecilia - Australia

What is the Oath or Affirmation for Ministers and how can it be changed?

John - Australia

How were electoral divisions created at the first election in 1901? What were they named after?

John - Frankston

How is the governor-general appointed and what is their role?

Rohan - Hazelbrook, NSW

Can the government include the crossbench in the ‘pairing’ system?

Mal - Melbourne, Australia

What is the Washminster system?

Suzanne - Canberra, ACT

Does the UK monarch always hold the title King/Queen of Australia?

John - Bowral, NSW

If the government replaces the Prime Minister in a leadership spill, are they required to call an election?

Elodie - Australia

Does each state need to abolish its governor in order for Australia to become a republic?

David - Buderim, QLD

Who allocates the seating positions of government members in the House of Representatives? On what basis?

Trish - Coochiemudlo Island, QLD

What is the difference between a question without notice and a question on notice?

Candice - Neutral Bay, NSW

What are Royal Commissions and where can I find information about how many recommendations have been met?

Elisa - Williamstown, SA

What’s the difference between a territory and a state parliament?

Fatna - Perth, WA

What if the government breaks the law?

Rohan - Hazelbrook, NSW

Are conventions not written in the Constitution (e.g. the King appointing Governor-Generals on the Prime Minister's advice) binding/mandatory?

Kyle - Carey Park, Bunbury

Who decides the question for a referendum?

Jeff - Barnawartha, Vic

What does it mean when members say "I move that this bill now be read a second time?"

George - Gold Coast, QLD

Why do you often see just a few members sitting in the chambers?

Hamish - Sydney, NSW

What makes democracy in Australia different to other countries' democracies and ways of ruling?

Melissa - Brisbane, QLD

How are new government departments or agencies created?

Veronica - Adelaide, SA

Can someone be a member of a state parliament and federal parliament at the same time?

Paul - Australia

Can the president of the senate request a senator to leave for unruly conduct like the speaker in the reps?

Barry - Australia

Which laws describe the role and function of ministers?

Greg - Sydney, NSW

In the Federation Chamber, how do members decide where to sit?

Hamish - Sydney, NSW

What traditions guide how the government works?

Ben - Perth, WA

Has there ever been years when Parliament could not hold meetings? What happened?

Vincent - Sydney, NSW

Why do some members and senators not attend divisions?

Luka - NSW

Have we always had Liberal and Labor as the major parties?

Dan - Duffy, ACT

Why are territory votes only counted in the national majority in a referendum, and could this ever change?

Ellie - Brisbane, QLD

If you are the Prime Minister, do you still get to vote and if so, can you vote for yourself?

Year 5 - Applecross Primary School, WA

Who decides who gets to ask questions during question time?

Uyseok - British Columbia

Hi PEO, I was just wondering why the prime minister can't be the representative of the English King/Queen in Australia (Governor-General)?

Ben - Western Australia

Does the Governor General, in their role as the King's representative, ever actually communicate with the King?

Girraween Primary School - Northern Territory

Who sits on the two chairs behind the President of the Senate?

Harry - Brisbane

Does the budget give the treasurer power over other ministers? Shouldn't each minister choose how much money they need instead?

Edward - Brisbane, QLD

What are the features of a constitutional monarchy?

Luca - Perth, WA

What happens to bills when Parliament is prorogued for an election?

Amelie - Derby, WA

How are conflicting definitions between different federal legislation treated or resolved?

Ross - Wangaratta, Vic

What is the difference between an Act and a determination?

Jenief - Balgowlah, NSW

What is confidence and supply?

Anton - Kaleen, ACT

Why does Parliament have two chambers and not just one?

Lena - Orange, NSW

Could a member of parliament bring a pet or assistance animal with them into the chambers or Parliament House?

Harry - Bulimba, QLD

Do you have to be a member of parliament to be party leader?

Mitch - Sydney, NSW

If members of parliament are elected through a party, how can they leave that party and still keep their seat?

Estelle - Australia

What would happen if Australia had a unitary government?

Safir - Adelaide, SA

After the Australia Acts became law in 1986, why is Britain still involved in Australia’s law-making through the Governor-General?

William - Somewhere out there

Why would an independent senator need to be a ‘whip’?

Genief - Balgowlah, NSW

Is there a time frame in which the government must enact recommendations contained in committee reports? If not are they required to provide an explanation as to why those recommendations have not been enacted?

Sharon -