Archived Government publications: Parliamentarians

The Parliamentary Handbook provides information on the current Australian Commonwealth Parliament, together with historical information on the Parliament since Federation. Contains biographical information about senators and members of parliament, lists of presidents, speakers and chairmen of committees and of senators and members since 1901. Also provides comprehensive statistics for the last election, and details of all referendums held since 1901.

A senator is a member of the Australian Senate, elected to represent a state or territory. There are 76 senators, 12 from each state and two each from the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.

There are currently 150 members of the House of Representatives, each representing one geographic area of Australia. Members are elected for a 3 year term and when in parliament take part in debate on proposed laws and public policy, representing the views of the people in their electorate.