10 Serjeant-at-Arms
The Serjeant-at-Arms carrying the Mace into the Chamber
The Serjeant-at-Arms is a parliamentary official in the House of Representatives. The Serjeant-at-Arms’s role is to look after the Speaker and members of the House of Representatives, giving advice and providing office facilities.
In the chamber the Serjeant-at-Arms carries the Mace and enforces security when Parliament is meeting. Any visitor who tries to interrupt the workings of the Parliament is removed by the Serjeant and other security officers.
For formal ceremonies, the Serjeant-at-Arms wears silver-buckled shoes, stockings, knee-breeches (or skirt), a black coat with a large rosette on the back, waistcoat, stiff shirt front, white lace around the neck and cuffs, white gloves and a ceremonial sword.
At the beginning of each day’s sitting, the Serjeant-at-Arms, carrying the Mace, escorts the Speaker into the chamber. The Serjeant also delivers formal messages from the House of Representatives to the Senate.
The Serjeant-at-Arms is also responsible for security, TV broadcasting of the chamber, and bookings for visitors to the House of Representatives.
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Serjeant-at-Arms [190KB]
More information
The House of Representatives, Serjeant-at-Arms
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/dept/saa.htm