The **Parliament of Australia**, officially the Parliament of the Commonwealth, serves as the nation's federal legislature, blending British Westminster traditions with U.S. congressional elements to enact laws, represent citizens, form governments, and scrutinize executive actions.[1][2][5] Established in 1901 under the Australian Constitution following federation, it comprises three core elements: the monarch (represented by the Governor-General), the **Senate** (upper house with 76 senators—12 per state, 2 per mainland territory), and the **House of Representatives** (lower house with 151 members elected from single-member electorates).[1][2][7] Its primary functions include passing bills through debate, committee scrutiny, and votes in both houses before royal assent, with the Senate acting as a powerful "house of review" capable of amending or rejecting most legislation (except certain money bills originating in the lower house).[1][4][6] Committees—domestic, legislative scrutiny, and joint—play pivotal roles in oversight, rights impact assessments, and inquiries, ensuring accountability on budgets, regulations, and privileges.[1][3] Key achievements encompass foundational laws shaping Australia's federation, from trade and external affairs to modern reforms in technology and business, such as digital economy frameworks and innovation policies under Sections 51-52 of the Constitution.[7] The system's preferential voting fosters stable coalitions, enabling responsive governance amid economic shifts.[7] Currently housed in Canberra's iconic Parliament House (opened 1988), it operates with quorums (Senate: 19 members; House: 31) and color-coded chambers (green for House, red for Senate).[1][6] As of 2025, it remains a dynamic bicameral powerhouse, driving tech regulations like AI ethics and cybersecurity amid global business pressures, while adapting to representation demands in a federated democracy.[2][5] This resilient institution underpins Australia's economic stability, making it essential reading for busines