The 101 on how parliament works | Politics Explained (Easily) | ABC News

The Lower House: House of Representatives00:00:27

The House of Representatives serves as the lower house, determining who forms the government. It consists of 151 seats representing local electorates. Key figures include the Prime Minister, who sets the agenda and selects ministers, and the Opposition Leader, who leads the party not in power.

The Legislative Process00:02:38

Proposed laws, known as bills, must pass through both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Securing a majority in the lower house is essential for government efficiency, often involving coalitions between major parties.

The Upper House: The Senate00:02:56

The Senate acts as a house of review to provide scrutiny of government legislation. Because governments rarely hold a majority here, they must negotiate with crossbenchers, minor parties, and the opposition to pass laws.

Final Approval00:04:08

Once a bill passes both houses, it requires the signature of the Governor-General, representing the Crown, to officially become law. These laws directly impact citizens' daily lives, including healthcare, education, and marriage rights.