About the House - Australian House of Representatives

About the House - Australian House of Representatives News and updates from the official page of Australia's House of Representatives There are 151 representatives elected by the Australian people.

The House of Representatives is one of the two houses of Australia’s Commonwealth Parliament. The House of Representatives is the house in which government is formed.

15/09/2026

Today is International Day of Democracy.

This year’s theme, ‘Bring human rights into focus’, highlights the role of parliaments in protecting human rights.

In Australia, the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011 requires every bill introduced into Parliament to be accompanied by a Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights. This requirement commenced on 4 January 2012.

The International Day of Democracy is an opportunity to reflect on how democratic institutions protect rights, support public participation and ensure people’s views are represented in Parliament.

Find out more: https://www.ipu.org/impact/democracy-and-strong-parliaments/international-days/international-day-democracy

The Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs will hold a public hearing in Canberra for its inquiry into th...
14/09/2026

The Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs will hold a public hearing in Canberra for its inquiry into the relationship between domestic, family and sexual violence and su***de today, 15 September, at 4.35pm.

ACT Policing will provide evidence to assist the Committee’s understanding of policing practices and reporting relating to su***de in the context of domestic, family and sexual violence.

🎤Date: Tuesday, 15 September, 4.35 pm – 5.30 pm
📍In-person: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra
🌐 Listen Online: https://www.youtube.com/

Winners announced for the My First Speech competition 2026! 🎉 The Speaker of the House today announced the winners of th...
14/09/2026

Winners announced for the My First Speech competition 2026! 🎉

The Speaker of the House today announced the winners of the My First Speech Competition for 2026.

Congratulations to:

Zoey, the winner for Year 10
Roger, the winner for Year 11
Jess, the winner for Year 12

The three high school students delivered their speeches to the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives at Parliament House this morning.

The winning speeches will shortly be made available on the House of Representatives YouTube and other social media channels.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability has tabled its report following the ...
14/09/2026

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability has tabled its report following the inquiry into the Health Impacts of Alcohol and Other Drugs in Australia.

The report makes 30 recommendations aimed at preventing and reducing harm, improving access to effective support and building a more coordinated, equitable and evidence-based national response.

We thank everyone who contributed to the inquiry through submissions, public hearings and stakeholder engagement.

📄 Read the report and recommendations: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/House/Health_Aged_Care_and_Disability/Healthimpactsofalcohol/Report

Celebrate 125 years of Australian parliamentary history with a newly installed display at Parliament House.'125 Years of...
10/09/2026

Celebrate 125 years of Australian parliamentary history with a newly installed display at Parliament House.

'125 Years of Federation: Our Parliament and its Presiding Officers' brings together significant paintings, objects and documents that trace Australia’s journey since Federation and recognise milestones in parliamentary representation and leadership.

A highlight is The Speaker of the House of Representatives – Visitors Book (1988), which is signed by distinguished visitors, including foreign heads of state and heads of government, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Philip.

The objects are on display from 7 September to 4 December 2026 in the Main Committee Room foyer at Australia’s Parliament House. Entry to the area is free.

Find out more: https://www.aph.gov.au/Visit_Parliament/Art/Exhibitions/125_Years_of_Federation_-_Our_Parliament_and_its_Presiding_Officers

Join the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories for their upcoming public hearing, wh...
10/09/2026

Join the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories for their upcoming public hearing, where the committee will explore the planning framework for the Hume Circle Precinct, including public consultation processes, strategic planning and development assessment, and long-term planning for infrastructure, transport, open space and community services.

🎤Date: Friday, 11 September, 9.15 am – 4.00 pm
📍In-person: Committee Room 1R1, Parliament House, Canberra
🌐 Listen Online: https://www.youtube.com/

Congratulations to Jaide from Kalkadoon Country, winner of the Year 7/8 category in the 2026 Yarning Competition. Jaide'...
05/09/2026

Congratulations to Jaide from Kalkadoon Country, winner of the Year 7/8 category in the 2026 Yarning Competition.

Jaide's artwork is one of three winning entries selected from a record number of submissions this year, showcasing the creativity, talent and storytelling of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary school students from across Australia.

Jaide’s work is now featured in the Yarning Exhibition in Parliament House until February 2027.

View Jaide's winning artwork and the other winning entries: https://yarning.houseofrepresentatives.gov.au/2026-winners/

Today is Australian National Flag Day! On 3 September 1901, the Australian National Flag was flown for the first time. ...
02/09/2026

Today is Australian National Flag Day!

On 3 September 1901, the Australian National Flag was flown for the first time.

On that day, Prime Minister Edmund Barton announced the winner of the competition to design Australia’s flag, and the new flag was flown over the Exhibition Building in Melbourne.

Today, the Australian flag flies over Parliament House. It is 6.4 metres high x 12.8 metres long, which is about the same size as a double-decker bus! It weighs 22kg.

Learn more: https://www.pmc.gov.au/honours-and-symbols/australian-national-symbols/australian-national-flag/australian-national-flag-day

📸 Image: AUSPIC, Department of Parliamentary Services.

Today is National Wattle Day! Wattle is the national floral emblem, symbolising unity, resilience and the shared Austra...
01/09/2026

Today is National Wattle Day!

Wattle is the national floral emblem, symbolising unity, resilience and the shared Australian spirit.

This is why wattle is featured across Parliament House, including above the Speaker’s chair in the House of Representatives.

What does wattle remind you of?

Learn more: https://www.pmc.gov.au/news/wattle-day

📸 AUSPIC, Department of Parliamentary Services.

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