11 The Mace
The Mace is the symbol of the authority of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. At the beginning of the day’s sitting in the House of Representatives, the Serjeant-at-Arms carries the Mace into the chamber ahead of the Speaker, and places it on the centre table with the crown pointing to the government’s side. The Mace sits on the centre table as long as Parliament is officially meeting and the Speaker or a deputy is present.
The Mace
The current Mace was made in London, of gilt silver, and weighs about eight kilograms. The head bears a royal crown, a coat of arms, the royal cipher (monogram with the Queen’s initials) and emblems of the six states. Also on the head are etchings of fruit, rams’ heads and wheat, symbolising the importance of Australia’s sheep and agricultural industries.
When not in use, the Mace sits in a glass cabinet in the Speaker’s office.
Download: Fact Sheet 11 - Mace [194KB]
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More information
House of Representatives Infosheet: The Work of a Member of Parliament
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/info/infosheets/is15.pdf
House of Representatives, The Mace
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/work/mace.htm