What is the oath of office that is taken by new senators and members of the House of Representatives when they are sworn in?
Thanks Wayne for your question about the oath or affirmation that new members and senators swear. The oath and affirmation are in the Australian Constitution:
OATH
I,....., do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, His heirs and successors according to law. SO HELP ME GOD!
AFFIRMATION
I,....., do solemnly and sincerely affirm and declare that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, His heirs and successors according to law.
The schedule of the Australian Constitution requires senators and members of the House of Representatives to affirm their allegiance to the Crown. Senators and members are required to both make and subscribe – sign – an oath or affirmation. The same oath and affirmation have been used since Federation and can only be changed by a referendum. Senators and members can decide whether they would like to swear the oath or the affirmation.
A senator being sworn-in
David Foote/DPS Auspic
A senator being sworn-in
David Foote/DPS Auspic
Description
A new senator stands in the Senate. He holds a holy book and reads an oath of allegiance to the Crown while other senators watch. When new senators are sworn-in they typically do so on religious text, however it is not mandatory. Senators can choose to take the oath or affirmation on any holy book that is significant to their faith.
Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.