This background note provides a general overview of: the double dissolution process, including some unsettled issues; 'triggers’ for double dissolutions and legislation in the 42nd Parliament that could potentially constitute a trigger for a double dissolution election; double dissolutions and elections; the possible composition of the Senate following a double dissolution election, and proposals to...

The rules on the admittance of visitors or ‘strangers’ within the parliamentary chambers have a long history in the Westminster tradition of parliamentary practice. Over the past 30 years there has been a dramatic increase in the representation of women in Parliament and some of them have given birth while in office. In response to...

This research paper analyses the 2009 Queensland state election and argues that the result demonstrates that despite running a budget deficit resulting from a large spending program, a Labor government can still be re-elected.