Research Guides: Commonwealth Government publications: Parliamentarians

About

The Parliamentary handbook of the Commonwealth of Australia (title varies) includes biographical information on current members and senators, current and historical information on the Commonwealth Parliament, election and referendum results and lists of current and past ministers.

A new edition is published for each new Parliament, usually about one to two years after the previous general election. This means the online version is generally much more up-to-date.

Other items listed on this page provide:

biographical information on former parliamentarians
lists of ministers and ministries
recent ministers' financial interests
recent ministers' contributions to debates

Online

The Parliamentary handbook of the Commonwealth of Australia from the 42nd parliament (2007) to the current are available online.

Biographies of past and present Senators and Members (mid-1980s to date)
In Advanced Search, click the magnifying glass icon (next to Parliamentary Handbook – Biographies at bottom of screen) to browse records by name or political party. Alternatively, use Advanced Search to search Biographies.
Biographies are for current members and senators as well as past members and senators, dating back to about the mid-1980s. Earlier biographies do not include photographs. Biographies of past senators and members do not include information on careers or activities after leaving Parliament.
OpenAustralia
Track an MP's contributions to parliamentary debate. Read their entry in the official register of financial interests
The Parliamentary handbook of the Commonwealth of Australia by Currant 47th Parliament 2022-
The Parliamentary handbook of the Commonwealth of Australia by Current 43rd Parliament 2010 -
The Parliamentary handbook of the Commonwealth of Australia by 42nd Parliament 2007 to 2010
The Parliamentary handbook of the Commonwealth of Australia by 41st Parliament 2004 to 2007
The Parliamentary handbook of the Commonwealth of Australia by 40th Parliament 2002 to 2004
Biographies include those of members who retired prior to the 2004 general election.
The Parliamentary handbook of the Commonwealth of Australia by 39th Parliament 1998 to 2001

Australian Dictionary of Biography
Research biographical information on notable persons in Australian history.

Print

A biographical register of the Commonwealth Parliament, 1901-1972
Includes brief biographical information on all members and senators elected from 1901 to 1972 and gives lists of sources. Includes party affiliation, seat, political offices, dates of birth and death, marriage and children, religion and occupation.
A biographical dictionary of the Australian Senate by 3 volumes - 1901 to 1983
Volume 1: 1901-1929, Volume 2: 1929-1962; Volume 3: 1962-1983
Includes substantial biographies of all senators. Check 'Locations' tab. Volume 3 only held at SLT (onsite storage) and can be ordered.
A handbook of Australian government and politics
Four editions covering 1890-1999.
Provides lists of Governors-General, lists of ministries, lists of ministers in particular portfolios, summaries of changes to electoral law and results of elections including which parties won which seats.
Ministerial lists 1855-1899: a supplement to a handbook of Australian government and politics 1890-1964
From the series Working papers in political science
Parliamentary handbook of the Commonwealth of Australia (1901 to current)
In five separate editions with variable titles covering period from 1901 to current. Recent editions on open access.
Older editions can be useful for photographs of and biographical information on former parliamentarians.

Commonwealth Government publications

About

Online

Print

State Library Victoria