What is the role and function of the Senate?

Summary of the role of the Australian Senate.

Role of the Senate

Parliamentary Education Office (peo.gov.au)

Thank you for your question, Ellie. The Senate is one of the 2 houses of the Australian Parliament. Its main role is to:

  • debate and vote on bills – ideas for laws
  • scrutinise – closely examine – the work of the government to make sure its decisions are in the best interest of Australians
  • represent the people of the 6 states and 2 territories
  • discuss issues of importance to Australians.

One of the main roles of the Parliament is to make laws for Australia. A bill can only become a law if it is agreed to by both the Senate and House of Representatives and signed into law by the Governor-General.