Why are the two chambers in Parliament House called the Senate and the House of Representatives?

Thanks for your question. The physical appearance of the Australian Parliament’s Senate and House of Representatives, and some of their practices are derived from the British Parliament. However, the drafters of the Australian Constitution also looked to the United States (US) Congress when deciding on the form of the Australian Parliament. The names 'Senate' and 'House of Representatives' were borrowed from the US system. Although the Australian Parliament has links with both the British Parliament and the US Congress, it has developed its own unique style and procedures over the last century.

The red Senate chamber. There are people sitting in seats which are arranged in a U-shape around a large central table.

The Senate.

DPS AUSPIC

The Senate.

The red Senate chamber. There are people sitting in seats which are arranged in a U-shape around a large central table.

DPS AUSPIC

Description

This image is of a large room with red furnishings. The seats are arranged around a large central table. There are 3 large chairs at the open end of the U-shaped seats that are elevated above the other chairs. There are people sitting in the seats and papers on the desks.

Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.