Closer Look
Discover Australia's Parliament through a detailed exploration of how it works, its structure and origins, and the people and events that have shaped Australia's system of governance.
Closer Look is intended for secondary school students and may also be suitable for primary students.
- The Australian Constitution
Uncover the set of rules by which Australia is run. The Australian Constitution affects our everyday lives; it is the foundation for all laws and details how Australia is governed. - Governing Australia: three levels of law-making
Explore the power-sharing arrangement between the three levels of Australian government – federal, state/territory and local – and the responsibilities of each. - A Short History of Parliament
Australia's Parliament is based on practices and ideals developed by parliaments from other countries and in other centuries. This paper reveals how parliaments have evolved to represent the people. - Parliament vs Congress
Compare the parliaments of Australia and the United States to discover the similarities and differences between the two federal political systems. - Australia's Parliament House
Tour Parliament House, a symbol of Australia's democracy and unity as a nation. It is a uniquely Australian building visited by almost a million people each year. - Federation
On 1 January 1901 six British colonies united to become Australia. Discover the reasons for federation and how we came to be joined under 'one flag, one destiny'.
Parliament House Online Resources
Check out more information on parliamentary process, current issues and Members of Parliament on the Parliament House website.