The Senate vs the House of Representatives: What's the Difference?
The key differences between Australia's Senate and House of Representatives: who they represent, how members are elected, and their roles.
Australia's federal Parliament has two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Many citizenship test questions check whether you understand how these two houses differ. This guide lays it out simply.
Parliament at a Glance
The Commonwealth Parliament is made up of three parts: the King (represented by the Governor-General), the Senate, and the House of Representatives. This is called a bicameral (two-house) parliament, based on the Westminster tradition from the United Kingdom. Parliament House is in Canberra.
The House of Representatives
Who does it represent?
The House of Representatives is sometimes called the lower house or the people's house. Australia is divided into electorates (also called divisions or seats) with roughly equal numbers of voters, and each electorate elects one member. States with more people have more members.
How long is a term?
Members are elected for a term of up to three years.
Why is it so important?
The party or coalition of parties that has the support of a majority of members in the House of Representatives forms the government. Its leader becomes the Prime Minister. The largest group that is not in government usually forms the Opposition, led by the Leader of the Opposition.
The Senate
Who does it represent?
The Senate is often called the upper house or the states' house. It was designed so that every state has an equal voice, regardless of population. There are 76 senators: 12 from each of the six states and 2 from each of the two mainland territories.
How long is a term?
Senators from the states are usually elected for six years, with half of them facing election every three years. Senators from the territories are elected for three-year terms.
What does it do?
The Senate is known as a house of review. It debates and votes on bills passed by the House of Representatives, and its committees closely examine proposed laws and government activities.
Side-by-Side Comparison
- Other names: House of Representatives — lower house, people's house; Senate — upper house, states' house, house of review
- Based on: House — population; Senate — equal representation for each state
- Members: House — one member per electorate; Senate — 76 senators (12 per state, 2 per territory)
- Term: House — up to 3 years; Senate — usually 6 years for state senators
- Forms government: House — yes; Senate — no
What Do They Have in Common?
Both houses debate and vote on bills, and a bill must pass both houses before the Governor-General can give Royal Assent. Members of both houses are elected by the people, and voting in these elections is compulsory for enrolled Australian citizens aged 18 and over.
Memory Tip
Think of it this way: the House of Representatives represents the people (by population) and decides who governs. The Senate represents the states (equally) and reviews the laws.
Practise Parliament Questions
Parliament is one of the most-tested areas of the government and law topic. CitiZen AU lets you drill these questions by category, with bilingual English and Vietnamese explanations, and track your improvement over time.