Senate Chamber
History making moments.
Location
Main floor
The Senate Chamber has seen many firsts.
In 1943, Dorothy Tangney was the first woman elected to the Senate. Neville Bonner became Australia’s first Aboriginal federal parliamentarian when he was appointed to the Senate in 1971.
Senator Neville Bonner presiding over the Senate, 1975. MoAD Collection
Dorothy Tangney and Enid Lyons walk through the front doors of Parliament House in 1943. Australian War Memorial
Queen Elizabeth II opened parliament here during the royal tour in 1954. This room has seen it all.
Queen Elizabeth opens parliament in 1954.
NLA 133856378
Plan your visit
There are some small steps into the chamber. Some areas are not accessible to wheelchair users.
Opportunity to sit down.
You may also be interested in...
Howard Library
Follow the 11-year long prime ministership of John Howard.
Writs to Referendums: Celebrating Australia’s Unique Electoral System
Behind the scenes of a federal election.
Top Secret Tour with Tim the Yowie Man
Join Tim on this after-dark tour, snooping around the secret spaces of Old Parliament House.
Chifley's Walk
Hear stories about Ben Chifley's time in office and visit the rooms he worked in.
Party Games
Can board games teach us about democracy and how it works?
Home Away From Home
On this tour discover how Old Parliament House became a home away from home for its politicians.