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AUSTRALIA
Senate

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARLIAMENTARY CHAMBER

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Parliament name Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia Parliamentary building
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Structure of parliament Bicameral
Chamber name Senate
Related chamber (for bicameral parliaments) House of Representatives
Affiliation to the IPU Yes
Affiliation date(s) 1913 - 1930
1956 -
LEADERSHIP
President

Scott Ryan (M) 

Notes Elected on 13 November 2017.
Secretary General Richard Pye (M) 
Notes 9 March 2017-
COMPOSITION
Members (statutory / current number) 76 / 76
PERCENTAGE OF WOMEN

Percentage of women
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Women (current number) 31 (40.79%)
Mode of designation directly elected 76
Term 6 years; One half of the senators are renewed every three years, except for the four senators representing the federal territories (territory senators), who are elected for a maximum of three years.
Notes Except in cases of simultaneous dissolution of both chambers of Parliament (double dissolution), senators representing the states (state senators) are elected for six years. Terms commence on 1 July following the election.
The double dissolution in May 2016 brought an end to the terms of all 76 senators. The terms of new senators, elected on 2 July 2016, were taken to have commenced on 1 July 2016. 72 state senators will be divided into two classes: short-term senators whose terms expire on 30 June 2019, and long-term senators whose terms expire on 30 June 2022. Four territory senators will serve a three-year term (the same as the House of Representatives).
Last renewal dates 2 July 2016
(View details)
CONTACT INFORMATION
Address The Senate
Parliament House
CANBERRA, A.C.T. 2600
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Phone (612) 6277 33 50
Fax (612) 6277 31 99
E-mail clerk.sen@aph.gov.au
Website http://www.aph.gov.au/

This page was last updated on 14 December 2017
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