Search

Format

Level

Tag

Detail

  1. The Australian Constitution audio

    Listen to the complete text of the Australian Constitution.

    The full written text of the Australian Constitution can be read on The Australian Constitution online website.

  2. Federal Parliament history timeline

    Explore the history of Australia’s Parliament with this easy-to-use timeline. Investigate the milestones to find out how the work of the Parliament has influenced the development of Australia since Federation.

  3. Parliament, Executive and Judiciary

    Explore how the power to make and manage law is shared in Australia with this interactive. It can be used in the classroom to illustrate the separation of powers.

  4. Federal, state and local

    Do you know what each level of government is responsible for? Test your knowledge of the three levels of government in Australia with this game. Use in the classroom or just for fun.

  5. Three levels of government: governing Australia

    In Australia the three levels of government work together to provide us with the services we need. This in-depth paper explores the roles and responsibilities of each level, how they raise money and how they work together. Case studies show how the powers of the Australian Parliament have expanded.

  6. Pass the bill

    This interactive details each step of the law-making process in the Australian Parliament. Users follow the progress of a bill to lower the voting age to 16 through the Australian Parliament. Perfect for use in the classroom.

  7. A short history of Parliament

    Compared to some other parliaments around the world, Australia's Parliament is quite young but it is based on practices and ideals from much older parliaments. This in-depth paper explores the development of the Westminster system in Britain and parliamentary democracy in Australia.

  8. Prepare for your program

    Getting ready to participate in a PEO program? Here are some ideas and a sensory story to help your students get the most out of their program at Parliament House.

  9. These fun to make chatterboxes feature questions and answers about parliamentary processes and the history of our Parliament. Quiz your students or challenge them to write their own questions using the templates.

  10. The Australian Constitution online

    Browse the full text of the Australian Constitution with this easy-to-use subsite. It includes a detailed overview by the Australian Government Solicitor.

  11. To our last shilling: the Australian Parliament and World War I

    Discover Australia’s experience of the First World War from the perspective of the Australian Parliament. From fixing the price of food to interning ‘enemy aliens’, the decisions made by the Parliament during the War affected the lives of everyday Australians. 

  12. Four key ideas of Australian democracy

    This graphic illustrates the 4 supporting ideas of Australian democracy.

  13. The usual path of a bill

    This graphic illustrates the usual path of a bill through the Australian Parliament to become Australian law.

  14. Parliament of Australia

    This graphic illustrates the composition of the Australian Parliament.

  15. People in Parliament

    This graphic shows some positions in the Australian Parliament and how they relate to each other.

  16. How to form a political party

    This graphic shows the steps required to form a political party in Australia.

  17. The role of the Senate

    This graphic illustrates the role of the Australian Senate.

  18. The role of the House of Representatives

    This graphic illustrates the role of the House of Representatives.

  19. From policy to law

    This graphic illustrates the role of the executive government in turning policy into law.

  20. Rights in Australia

    This paper investigates the framework of rights in Australia. It defines the different types of rights, including human rights, and looks at the many sources for our rights and how they are protected.

  21. Our commitment to child safety

    The Parliamentary Education Office is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for young people and children. Find out how we are doing this and how you can report a complaint.

  22. Mace

    The Mace is the symbol of the House of the Representatives. This fact sheet includes information about its function, design and history.

  23. Despatch Boxes

    This fact sheet explores the function, design and history of the Despatch Boxes that sit on the central table in the House of Representatives.

  24. Hansard

    The official written record of what is said in the Australian Parliament is called Hansard. This fact sheet explores the role of Hansard, why and how it is produced and its history.

  25. Frontbenchers and backbenchers

    This fact sheet investigates the work of frontbenchers (members of parliament who sit on the front seats of either the Senate or House of Representatives) and backbenchers (members of parliament who sit in the rows of seats behind the frontbench).

  26. Independents

    An independent is a member of the Australian Parliament who does not belong to a political party. This fact sheet explores their role and how they can vote in the Parliament.

  27. Budget

    This fact sheet explores the Australian Government’s annual statement of how it plans to collect and spend money.

  28. Governor-General

    The Governor-General has an important role in the governing of Australia. This fact sheet looks at the constitutional, ceremonial and civic roles of the Governor-General.

  29. Crossing the floor

    If a member of a parliamentary party votes against their party it is called ‘crossing the floor’. This fact sheet explores how and when this happens and the possible outcomes of crossing the floor.

  30. Delegated law

    Delegated law gives government ministers and others the power to make decisions about the details of laws passed by the Australian Parliament. This fact sheet explains how regulations and other types of delegated law are made and overruled.

  31. Cabinet

    Cabinet is the top decision-making group within the Australian Government. Find out more about who is in Cabinet and how it works with this fact sheet.

  32. Law-making

    This fact sheet explains the law-making process in the Australian Parliament. It also describes where ideas for laws come from and the history of law-making in the Parliament.

  33. Question Time

    This fact sheet explores Question Time, the time when the Australian Parliament examines the work of the government by asking them questions. It happens each sitting day in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

  34. Prime Minister

    Understand the role of the Prime Minister with this fact sheet, including how the Prime Minister is chosen and their responsibilities.

  35. Federation

    In 1901, 6 British colonies united to become a new nation – the Commonwealth of Australia. This fact sheet examines the reasons for Federation, the path to Federation, the creation of the territories and the opening of the Australian Parliament.

  36. Democracy

    This fact sheet introduces the idea of democracy and explores the key ideas which support Australia’s democratic system of government.

  37. Separation of powers: Parliament, Executive and Judiciary

    The separation of powers distributes the power to govern between the Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary. This fact sheet examines the powers of each group and the related principle of responsible government.

  38. The responsibilities of the three levels of government

    This fact sheet introduces the three levels of government in Australia and lists some of the responsibilities of each level.

  39. Press gallery

    Understand the role of the press gallery and its relationship with members of parliament and the public with this fact sheet.

  40. Senate estimates

    Several times a year senators investigate how the government is spending taxpayers' money in meetings called Senate estimates. This fact sheet examines the purpose, function and timing of Senate estimates.

  41. Australian Parliament

    This fact sheet outlines the composition and role of the Australian Parliament. 

  42. Australian Constitution

    This fact sheet explores the Australian Constitution. It includes information about the key features of the Constitution and how it can be changed.

  43. Rule of law

    The rule of law is a key feature of Australia’s democracy and legal system. This fact sheet explains the principle of the rule of law and its relationship to the separation of powers.

  44. Records of the Parliament

    Official records are kept of everything that is said and done in the Australian Parliament. This fact sheet explores these official records, including Hansard, Journals of the Senate and Votes and Proceedings.

  45. Political parties

    Many political parties have members elected to the Australian Parliament. In this fact sheet, learn more about why they exist, how they are formed and how they are organised.

  46. How Parliament works

    How the Australian Parliament works is set out in the Australian Constitution and is influenced by the separation of powers and the three levels of government. Explore how the Parliament does its work including how laws are made.

  47. History of Parliament

    The Australian Parliament is over 100 years old but some of its practices and traditions are centuries older. Explore the history of the Australian Parliament including the Magna Carta, federation, the First World War and more recent milestones.

  48. Classroom activities

    Explore the ideas that underpin Australia's democracy and create a parliament in your classroom with these fun and engaging activities. Each activity includes a lesson plan and a toolkit with the resources you’ll need to teach key functions of and concepts relating to the Australian Parliament.

  49. Education resources

    Get support to teach about the Australian Parliament in your classroom with Parliamentary Education Office resources. We have printed publications, news for teachers, and videos and quizzes which support the Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.

  50. People in Parliament

    Meet the people who work in the Australian Parliament. From the Prime Minister to the media, hundreds of people participate in and make sure Parliament can do its work.

  51. House of Representatives

    The House of Representatives is part of the Australian Parliament. It is the house in which the Australian Government is formed and has an important role representing the views of Australians and making laws for Australia.

  52. Parliament at work

    There is always a lot happening in the Australian Parliament. Discover the latest news from your Parliament and information about how it does its work.

  53. Getting involved

    Explore the ways you can have your say and contribute to the work of the Australian Parliament. From voting to petitions, contacting members of parliament to protesting, there are many ways Australians can have their voice heard in Parliament.

  54. Democratic ideas

    Discover the concepts that underpin our democracy in these adaptable classroom activities.

  55. Quizzes

    Have a go at these quizzes about the Australian Parliament. You might even learn something you didn’t know! Topics include the three levels of government, separation of powers and the Australian Constitution.

  56. Accessibility

    The PEO website has been designed to meet the Australian Government standard established for web accessibility.

  57. Referencing

    Information to help you reference content from the PEO website.

  58. Australian Constitution

    How much do you know about the Australian Constitution—the set of rules by which Australia is run? Do you know how these rules are changed through a referendum? Test your knowledge with this fun quiz.

  59. Bills and laws

    How does the Australian Parliament make laws for Australia? Revise your students' study of law-making with this quiz.

  60. Getting involved

    There are many ways Australians can have their say about decisions made by the Australian Parliament. Take this quiz to discover some ways you can get involved.

  61. The role of the media

    The media provides information and stories about the Australian Parliament. But how much do you know about their role? Take this quick quiz to find out.

  62. Three levels of government

    Australia has three levels of government that work together to provide Australians with the services they need. Learn more about the three levels of government with this quiz.

  63. Federation

    Federation is the process by which 6 partly self-governing British colonies decided to form a new nation. Australia was created by peaceful means as an Act of the British Parliament—the result of much consideration and debate.

  64. Parliament House

    Parliament House in Canberra is home to Australia's Parliament. It is a place where decisions that shape our nation are made, and a place for celebration, memorial and sometimes protest. Most importantly, it is a place for all Australians.

  65. Year 6

    The PEO has a range of resources which assist teachers in their delivery of the Year 6 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.

  66. Year 8

    The PEO has a range of resources which assist teachers in their delivery of the Year 8 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.

  67. Year 10

    The PEO has a range of resources which assist teachers in their delivery of the Year 10 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.

  68. System of government

    Explore Australia’s system of government with these adaptable classroom activities.

  69. The Senate

    How much do you know about the Senate—one of the two houses of the Australian Parliament? Test your knowledge with this fun quiz.

  70. Group organisation table

    Use this table to organise your class into groups for the Interpret the Constitution classroom activity.

  71. Year 3

    The PEO has a range of resources which assist teachers in their delivery of the Year 3 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.

  72. Having your say

    All Australians can have their say about decisions made by the Australian Parliament. At federal elections, we select the people who represent us in Parliament. We can also be active citizens by signing a petition, getting involved in a committee inquiry and contacting our members of parliament.

  73. Units of work

    Explore parliamentary education in the classroom with these Units of work aligned to the Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.

  74. Senate

    The Senate is part of the Australian Parliament. It has an important role representing the views of Australians, making laws for Australia, investigating national issues and examining the work of the government.

  75. The Australian Constitution

    Discover the history, features and function of the Australian Constitution—the set of rules by which Australia is run. The Constitution guides the composition of the Australian Parliament, what it can make laws about and how the Australian Parliament and state parliaments share power.

  76. Three levels of government

    The three levels of government is a key feature of the Australian system of government. Discover the roles and responsibilities of the federal Parliament, state and territory parliaments and local councils, and how they work together to deliver services to Australians.

  77. Bills and laws

    Everything you need to know about the law-making process in the Australian Parliament. Discover the path of a bill, how laws are changed and the different types of laws.

  78. Elections and voting

    Discover how senators and members of the House of Representatives are elected by the Australian people to the Australian Parliament. Explore what a double dissolution is and how the Australian people can have their say on big issues in referendums and plebiscites.

  79. Parliamentary processes and practices

    Experience the work of the Parliament with these adaptable classroom activities.

  80. Videos for teachers

    Immerse your students in the Australian Parliament by creating a parliament in your classroom. These videos show you how to debate in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and how to investigate bills and issues in committees.

  81. Our products

    The Parliamentary Education Office’s printed learning resources provide students, teachers and lifelong learners with engaging entry points into parliamentary education. These resources are great for anybody with an interest in the Australian Parliament and our system of government.

  82. Images and copyright/privacy/disclaimer

    We encourage you to reuse content on the PEO website. Find out the copyright requirements of the site, and read our privacy statement and website disclaimer.

  83. Australian Parliament

    Test your students' understanding of the history, make-up and people of the Australian Parliament with this quick quiz.

  84. Federal elections

    Australians vote to elect members of the Australian Parliament to make laws and decisions on their behalf. Find out how much you know about the process with this fun quiz.

  85. The role of political parties

    Test your knowledge of political parties in the Australian Parliament with this fun quiz. It includes key parliamentary terms such as 'hung parliament' and 'crossing the floor'.

  86. Separation of powers

    Test your knowledge of the separation of powers—an important principle of Australia's democracy—with this fun quiz.

  87. Year 5

    The PEO has a range of resources which assist teachers in their delivery of the Year 5 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.

  88. Year 7

    The PEO has a range of resources which assist teachers in their delivery of the Year 7 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.

  89. Year 9

    The PEO has a range of resources which assist teachers in their delivery of the Year 9 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.

  90. History milestones

    Explore the history of our Parliament from the Magna Carta to now with these resources. Topics include the development of the concept of parliament, the role of the Australian Parliament in World War I and the activism that led to the 1967 referendum.

  91. System of government

    Understand Australia’s democratic system of government, including the separation of powers and responsible government.

  92. The House of Representatives

    How much do you know about the House of Representatives—one of the two houses of the Australian Parliament? Test your knowledge with this fun quiz.

  93. Forming the Australian Government

    How much do you know about how the Australian Government is formed? Test your knowledge with this fun quiz.

  94. Group organisation table

    Use this table to organise your class into groups for the Negotiate a minority government classroom activity.

  95. Cabinet extension activity

    Cabinet rarely has only one policy proposal to debate and decide upon. In reality, ministers have to balance many priorities when making decisions. Challenge your student Cabinet with this extension activity.

  96. Extension activity

    Present a petition to the Australian Parliament.

  97. Example petitions

    Use these example petitions to help further scaffold the Start a petition classroom activity.

  98. Year 4

    The PEO has a range of resources which assist teachers in their delivery of the Year 4 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.

  99. Create political parties

    Investigate how the party system operates in Australia, and how government is formed in Parliament with this classroom activity. Explore the concepts of parliamentary majority, hung parliament, minority government and the balance of power in the Senate.

  100. Run an election campaign

    Experience a modern social media election campaign in your classroom with this classroom activity.

  101. Create a new Federation

    Explore why the authors of the Australian Constitution designed our Parliament to have both a House of Representatives—with representation based on population—and a Senate—with equal representation for the states. This activity invites students to think critically and creatively to write a new constitution.

  102. Explore the three levels of government

    Explore the three levels of government—federal, state, and local—with this classroom activity. Investigate the responsibilities of each level by forming taskforces to respond to major events.

  103. Unpack democracy

    What is democracy and how does it work in Australia? Explore questions around the key ideas of our democracy with these discussion-based activities.

  104. Create your own electorate

    Consider how communities around our country are represented in the Australian Parliament.

  105. Learn to negotiate

    In this classroom activity, based on the $2 game, students workshop a range of negotiation strategies. These strategies can be used to resolve differences at home, at school and in workplaces.

  106. Debate a Bill of Rights for Australia

    Analyse arguments for and against having an Australian Bill of Rights, before debating the issue in a class parliament.

  107. Conduct a law reform inquiry

    Investigate a law reform issue and present recommendations to a citizens’ jury.

  108. Negotiate a minority government

    Role-play a high stakes parliamentary negotiation in order to learn how government is formed in Australia.

  109. Interpret the Constitution

    Discover how the High Court of Australia rules on constitutional disputes by role-playing the hypothetical case of Lee v Electoral Commissioner.

  110. Write a committee submission

    Use this activity to prepare for the Run a parliamentary committee classroom activity or as a scaffold to get involved with a real parliamentary committee.

  111. Start a petition

    Get involved and have your say by starting a petition. This activity can be used to help your students have their voices heard in their school, local community, or in Parliament.

  112. The House of Representatives

    Discover the role and work of the Australian House of Representatives with this introductory video.

  113. The Constitution

    This short video introduces the Australian Constitution—the rules by which Australia is run.

  114. Three levels of government

    Get an introduction to the three levels of government with this short video. It explores the areas each level can make laws about.

  115. Role-play the Parliament: House of Representatives

    This video demonstrates a House of Representatives parliamentary role-play, where students can learn how new laws are made in the Australian Parliament. It outlines lesson content and what preparation is required to use this immersive learning strategy in a classroom.

  116. Role-play the Parliament: Senate

    This video demonstrates a Senate parliamentary role-play, where students can learn how new laws are made in the Australian Parliament. It outlines lesson content and what preparation is required to use this immersive learning strategy in a classroom.

  117. Role-play the Parliament: the role-play in action

    This video shows a snapshot of a parliamentary role-play in the Education Centre at Australia’s Parliament House.

  118. Parliamentary committees

    Explore how committees in the Australian Parliament are formed, their function and how they support the work of the Senate and House of Representatives with this explanatory video.

  119. Question Time in the Australian Parliament

    In Question Time members of parliament ask the government to explain its actions and decisions. This video explores the purpose, function and format of Question Time in the Senate and House of Representatives.

  120. Get involved

    Explore ways you can get involved in the work of Parliament with this in-depth video. Find out how you can get informed about the work of the Parliament, contact and vote for members of parliament, petition the Parliament and participate in parliamentary inquiries.

  121. Australia's Federation

    Discover the story behind Federation in Australia with this introductory video.

  122. People in Parliament – Usher of the Black Rod

    Meet the Usher of the Black Rod in this informative video. Learn about their role in the Senate and the department, the symbolism of the Black Rod and the history of the position.

  123. What is Parliament?

    Discover the structure and key functions of the Australian Parliament with this short video. It introduces the Parliament’s roles of law-making, representing Australians, the formation of government and checking the work of the government.

  124. 1967 referendum

    In 1967 the majority of Australians voted to change the Australian Constitution to count Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the national census. This video from the ABC’s Behind the News explores how the 1967 referendum was part of a movement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights.

  125. Levels of government

    In a land called Australia, 3 superheroes fight for the people. Discover their powers and those of the three levels of government they are named after with this video. From the ABC’s Behind the News.

  126. Introducing ... the three levels of government

    Begin your exploration of the three levels of government in Australia with this short introduction. Discover the responsibilities of the federal Parliament, state and territory parliaments and local government, and how they work together.

  127. Introducing ... the Australian Constitution

    Begin your exploration of the Australian Constitution with this short introduction. Learn how the Constitution came into effect and what it takes to change it.

  128. Introducing ... Federation

    Begin your exploration of Federation with this short introduction. Find out the arguments for Federation and the process that led to the creation of Australia.

  129. Introducing ... rules and laws

    Begin your exploration of rules and laws with this short introduction. Find out the differences between rules and laws, and who needs to follow them.

  130. Introducing ... Australia's system of government

    Begin your exploration of the features of Australia’s system of government with this short introduction. Discover how power is shared and managed between different groups in Australia.

  131. Speaker of the House of Representatives

    Understand the role of the Speaker of the House of Representatives with this fact sheet. It includes information about how the Speaker is chosen, their role in the House and the history of the position.

  132. President of the Senate

    Understand the role of the President of the Senate with this fact sheet. It includes information about how the President is elected and their role in the Senate.

  133. Black Rod

    The Black Rod is a ceremonial staff carried by the Usher of the Black Rod while doing Senate work. With this fact sheet you will learn about the design, function and history of the Black Rod.

  134. Government

    The Australian Government puts Australian law into action, provides government services and makes decisions on behalf of the nation. Learn more about the Australian Government, including how it is formed, Cabinet and its role.

  135. Party Whip

    The party whip is a member of parliament who has been chosen to be the party manager. This fact sheet will explain their role within their party and in the Senate and House of Representatives.

  136. Curriculum links

    PEO resources are designed to directly meet the Years 3 to 10 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum. These resources are arranged according to the relevant content descriptions.

  137. Senate current numbers

    This image shows the current numbers in the Australian Senate.

  138. Negotiate in National Cabinet

    Role-play as the federal and state levels of government as they work together to manage issues and provide services for the whole of Australia.

  139. Run a Cabinet meeting

    Work together to negotiate the best policy outcome.

  140. Hold a referendum

    Investigate a potential change to the Constitution and then decide—as a nation—whether or not the change should be made.

  141. Explore decision-making

    Explore various forms of decision-making in your classroom with this activity. Investigate majority rule, executive, consensus, autocracy, and the power of veto.

  142. Leader of the Opposition

    Get to know the role of the Leader of the Opposition with this fact sheet. Learn how the Leader of the Opposition is chosen and their responsibilities.

  143. Australia's Parliament House

    This in-depth look at Australia's Parliament House investigates why Canberra was chosen to be the nation's capital and why we needed a 'new' Parliament House. It includes the design, site and symbolism of the building.

  144. Committees

    Parliamentary committees investigate issues and proposed laws in detail. This fact sheet explains the role of committees, how they work and the types of committees in the Australian Parliament.

  145. Amendments

    An amendment is a change to a proposed law. Amendments are an important part of the law-making process in the Australian Parliament. This fact sheet outlines the amendment process.

  146. A new Parliament

    There are many steps in the process of opening a new parliament. Find out the timings, traditions and requirements of establishing a new Australian Parliament with this in-depth video.

  147. Government

    This fact sheet explores the responsibilities of the Australian Government, how it is formed, minority government and the principle of responsible government.

     

  148. Senate

    This fact sheet explores the Senate, which is part of the Australian Parliament. It includes information about the role, appearance and origins of the Senate.

  149. Make a law: House of Representatives

    Discover how bills – proposed laws – are introduced, debated and voted on in the House of Representatives by turning your class into a Parliament and doing it yourselves!

  150. Make speeches

    Discover the different types of speeches senators and members make in Parliament by turning your class into a Parliament and doing it yourselves! Use these activities to further explore the work of the Parliament or to give context to oral presentations in any classroom.

  151. Petitions

    Petitions ask the Australian Parliament to act on an issue. This fact sheet explains the rules petitions must follow and how petitions are presented to the Parliament.

  152. Standing orders

    Standing orders are the rules used to manage the work of the Senate and the House of Representatives. This fact sheet explains how the standing orders are used in the parliament and how they can be changed.

  153. Make a law: Senate

    Discover how bills – proposed laws – are introduced, debated and voted on in the Senate by turning your class into a Parliament and doing it yourselves! 

  154. House of Representatives

    This fact sheet explores the House of Representatives, which is part of the Australian Parliament. It includes information about the role, appearance and origins of the House of Representatives.

  155. Role-play the Parliament: Committee

    This video demonstrates a committee role-play, where students can learn how the Australian Parliament investigates bills and issues. It outlines lesson content and what preparation is required to use this immersive learning strategy in a classroom.

  156. Making a law

    Get an introduction to the law-making process of the Australian Parliament with this short video. It includes all the law-making steps in the Senate and House of Representatives.

  157. The Senate

    Discover the role and work of the Australian Senate with this introductory video.

  158. Ministers and shadow ministers

    Understand the role of minsters and shadow ministers with this fact sheet. It describes what a minster is, how they are chosen and what their role is.

  159. Self-paced online learning

    Want to deliver informative and engaging parliamentary civics and citizenship education to students from Years 3 to 10? Learn online at your own pace with these civics and citizenship teaching modules.

  160. Session Notes

    The Session Notes teacher newsletter features news from the Parliamentary Education Office. Find out about new resources and programs, and how the PEO can help you teach about the Australian Parliament.

  161. Year 10

    After completing this Unit of work and associated assessment tasks, students will have met the achievement standard for the Year 10 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.

  162. Year 5

    After completing this Unit of work and associated assessment task, students will have met the achievement standard for the Year 5 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.

  163. Year 3

    After completing this Unit of work and associated assessment tasks, students will have met the achievement standard for the Year 3 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.

  164. Year 4

    After completing this Unit of work and associated assessment tasks, students will have met the achievement standard for the Year 4 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.

  165. The Federation of Australia

    Australia's Federation came about through a process of deliberation, consultation and debate. This in-depth paper explores the reasons for Federation, the Federation conventions and the referendums in which the Australian people decided to join together as a nation.

  166. Opposition

    Discover the opposition – the largest party or coalition of parties not in government – with this fact sheet. The opposition is sometimes called the ‘alternative government’ and has an important role closely examining the work of the government.

  167. Parliament and its people

    The Australian Parliament is made up of the King—represented by the Governor-General—the Senate and the House of Representatives. Discover the Parliament, the Australian Government, opposition, and the people who help the Parliament do its work.

  168. One voice for many

    This video explores representation. It can be used as a visual aid in discussing representation with students.

  169. The Australian Constitution in focus

    The Australian Constitution is the legal framework for how Australia is governed. This paper explores in detail the history of the Constitution, its key features and the High Court’s role in interpreting it.

  170. Preferential voting

    When you vote for your local member of the House of Representatives you need to decide who you like the most, the second most and so on. Discover why preferences matter on election day with the ABC’s Behind the News.

  171. National Symbols in Parliament House

    This fact sheet gives details about some of Australia's national symbols and where they are featured in Australian Parliament House.  It explains the history and significance of Australia’s Coat of Arms, flags and floral emblem.

  172. Getting involved in Parliament

    This fact sheet explores some of the ways that Australians can get involved in the Australian Parliament. It includes information on elections, contacting members of parliament, committees and protesting.

  173. Parliament House

    This fact sheet explores the building where the Australian Parliament meets. Discover key facts about the building and the symbolism of its design.

  174. Australian system of government

    This fact sheet examines Australia’s system of government. It includes information about representative democracy, constitutional monarchy, federation and the separation of powers.

  175. Federal elections

    This fact sheet explores how federal elections are used to select representatives in the Australian Parliament. It covers the process of electing senators and members of the House of Representatives.

  176. Social Media Acceptable Use Guidelines

    The Parliamentary Education Office (PEO) educates Australians about, and inspires their enthusiasm for, Australia’s parliamentary democracy. The PEO is politically neutral, independent of any political parties/politicians and the work of the Government of Australia. If you would like to engage in a discussion about politics, you could contact local councillors, your state Members of Parliament, or your Federal Members of Parliament (depending on the issue).

    We encourage an open dialogue on our…
  177. Serjeant-at-Arms

    The Serjeant-at-Arms is a parliamentary officer in the House of Representatives. This fact sheet explores their role and the history of the position.

  178. Year 8

    After completing this Unit of work and associated assessment tasks, students will have met the achievement standard for the Year 8 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.

  179. From election to a new Parliament

    Regular federal elections are an important feature of Australia’s democracy. Investigate the process of closing Parliament, the transition between Parliaments and the opening of a new Parliament in Australia with this fact sheet.

  180. Senators

    Discover the work of senators in this fact sheet. It explores their role in the Australian Parliament and in the community, their working hours and period of service. 

  181. Sources of law

    This fact sheet introduces the different ways law is made Australia—statute law made by parliament, delegated law made by the Executive government and common law made in courts.

  182. Members of the House of Representatives

    Discover the work of members of the House of Representatives in this fact sheet. It explores their role in the Australian Parliament and in their local community, their working hours and period of service.

  183. Usher of the Black Rod

    Understand the role of the Usher of the Black Rod with this fact sheet. It describes their duties in the Senate and in the department, and the history of the position.

  184. Year 9

    After completing this Unit of work and associated assessment tasks, students will have met the achievement standard for the Year 9 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.

  185. Year 7

    After completing this Unit of work and associated assessment task, students will have met the achievement standard for the Year 7 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.

  186. Magna Carta

    This fact sheet explores the Magna Carta – the ‘Great Charter’. It includes information about the history of the Magna Carta and its importance in the development of democracy and human rights.

  187. Parliament and the courts

    This fact sheet outlines the relationship between the Australian Parliament and federal courts, including the separation of powers and key High Court of Australia cases that have impacted the powers of the Australian Parliament.

  188. Sources of law

    Test your students' recollection of the ways that law is made in Australia—statute, common and delegated—with this quick quiz.

  189. Year 6

    After completing this Unit of work and associated assessment task, students will have met the achievement standard for the Year 6 Australian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum.

  190. Parliamentary statistics

    Keep up-to-date with the current numbers and work of the Australian Parliament with these facts and figures.

  191. Voting in Parliament

    Learn about voting in Australian Parliament with this fact sheet. It explores the two types of voting used to make decisions and what happens when a vote is tied.

  192. Double dissolution

    A double dissolution occurs when both the Senate and the House of Representatives are shut down so a federal election can take place. This fact sheet explores how double dissolutions are used in the Australian Parliament and joint sittings.

  193. Referendums and plebiscites

    A referendum is a vote of the Australian people on a proposed change to the Australian Constitution, while a plebiscite is a vote on an issue that does not affect the Constitution. This fact sheet explores the process of referendums and plebiscites in Australia.

  194. Glossary

    Use this helpful glossary to browse or search the meanings of key parliamentary terms.

  195. House of Representatives current numbers

    This image shows the current numbers in the Australian House of Representatives. *

  196. Run a parliamentary committee

    Investigate the work of parliamentary committees in this classroom activity. Use this activity to further your study of civics and citizenship or as a framework for an inquiry study into any topic.

  197. Run Question Time

    Discover how members of Parliament use Question Time to closely examine the work of the government in this classroom activity. Use this activity to further your study of civics and citizenship.

  198. No results were found. Please try searching again.