About the House of Representatives

The House of Representatives has a number of important functions: it determines the government, debates and passes laws, watches over government administration and expenditure, and provides a forum for public debate on issues of national importance. It shares the power to make laws with the other House of Parliament, the Senate.

Members are chosen at a general election to represent the interests of the community. Each member represents an area of Australia called an electorate. Members are elected for a maximum 3-year term. When in parliament, they can help plan and debate proposed laws, while representing the views of the people in their electorate.