The Senate is one of the two houses of the Australian Federal Parliament.
It consists of 76 Senators, twelve from each of the six states and two from each of the mainland territories.
The Senate shares the power to make laws with the other House of Parliament, the House of Representatives. The Senate is also a check on the government of the day.
The Senate conducts much of its work through an established committee system, including the budget estimates accountability process.
To find out more about the Australian Parliament, including the Senate:
- Parliament of Australia - More information on the Parliament of Australia.
- The current Parliamentary Sitting Calendar - lists the parliamentary sitting days for when the House of Representatives and the Senate are in session, including Senate Estimates hearing days.