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...
First Nations Experiences of Democracy
Learn how First Nations Australians have created change in their fight for equality.
Highlights of Old Parliament House
Hear stories of the people and events that shaped Australian democracy in the very place it happened.
PlayUP Takeover
Fun for the whole family on World Children's Day.
Furnished
The unique, original furnishings of Old Parliament House.
Tune in to history in the House of Representatives Chamber
Listen to historic moments from the House of Representatives.
Clerk of the Senate's Office
See the Clerk of the Senate's office as it was on the day of the 1975 dismissal.