All members of Parliament are elected. Each one of the 150 members of the House of Representatives (MPs) is elected by about 85,000 voters in each electorate. Senators represent states. Each state is represented by 12 senators while each territory has two senators.
The government consists of members of the political party that wins an election and has the majority of members in the House of Representatives. This party and/or its leader (the Prime Minister) select fellow parliamentarians to be the ministers who run departments. Some ministers are senators.
Parliament House is open to visitors 9am to 5pm every day of the year except for Christmas Day. Note: Parliament House is a winner of Trip Advisor Travellers' Choice Award
Visitors to Parliament House may view the proceedings of both the House of Representatives and the Senate from the Public Galleries in the Chambers whenever the Houses are in session. At other times when Parliament House is open visitors may visit the public galleries.
