Commonwealth government publications

About parliamentary practice

Information about parliementary practice can be found in the publications House of Representatives practice and Australian Senate practice.

The first five editions of the publication Australian Senate practice were edited by James Odgers, Clerk of the Senate, so it is commonly known as Odgers. It sets out practice and procedure in the Senate and provides historical background to current practices.

House of Representatives practice provides detailed information on procedures and practice in the Commonwealth House of Representatives. It includes extensive historical background material on the House of Representatives and related matters such as elections.