What is Parliament?

The Parliament of Australia is where our laws are made. It has three parts:

1. The King (represented by the Governor-General) — gives Royal Assent so bills become law.
2. The House of Representatives — 151 elected members ("MPs"). One per electorate. The party (or coalition) with a majority forms government, and its leader becomes Prime Minister.
3. The Senate — 76 senators. 12 from each state and 2 from each territory. The Senate reviews and can amend or block bills passed by the House.

Both houses must pass a bill in identical form before it can become law. Each state and territory also has its own parliament that makes laws in areas like schools, hospitals, roads and policing.

Why two houses? The Senate exists as a "house of review" — it stops government rushing laws through and gives smaller states and minor parties a voice.

Sources: Parliament of Australia, Australian Constitution s.1.