Australia Considers Expanding Its Parliament for the First Time in Four Decades
Australia’s parliament could become larger for the first time in 40 years as the government explores options to expand the number of MPs and shift to fixed, longer terms. A joint parliamentary inquiry has been tasked with examining whether more politicians should represent voters in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as how to set election dates in a fixed schedule rather than at the whim of the prime minister. This inquiry signals a significant debate about how a growing population should be represented in Canberra and how the electoral calendar should operate in the 21st century.
What the Inquiry Is Looking At
The inquiry, chaired by Special Minister of State Don Farrell, is exploring three key ideas: increasing the number of MPs, moving toward fixed four-year terms, and standardizing election timing. The inquiry also revisits political donation regulations, a reform area Farrell implemented in the previous term. Farrell argues that Australia’s population growth—now around 27 million and projected toward 29 million ahead of the 2028 federal election—warrants a discussion about parliamentary capacity. He notes that electorates have grown to roughly 120,000 voters, which places a greater burden on MPs and their staff to deliver services and constituent engagement.
The Rationale for Change
Officials and advocates say that larger electorates can dilute workload in a crowded parliament, improve constituent access, and better reflect demographic shifts. The government has not proposed a specific number of additional MPs, stating only that the question merits careful consideration and should be examined by the body that routinely reviews electoral matters. “We don’t have a particular number in mind,” Farrell said, underscoring that any expansion would be deliberated rather than rushed.
Term Lengths and Election Timing
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has shown support for adopting fixed four-year terms, a model used by the states. However, implementing fixed terms would require a referendum, a political hurdle Albanese has avoided during the term following the Voice referendum that failed to pass. There is also talk of pursuing fixed terms without a referendum by adjusting the current three-year framework, but constitutional experts have yet to weigh in through the inquiry, which is expected to hear evidence and deliver an interim report by mid-2026.
What Could Happen Next?
Any expansion would have to contend with the constitutional “nexus,” which requires the number of MPs in the House to be approximately twice the number of senators. A sizable increase would necessitate careful mathematical balancing across states to ensure proportional representation and the integrity of the overall Senate–House structure, including guarantees that each state retains a minimum representation. The Australian Electoral Commission cautioned that redrawing the electoral map would be a significant undertaking if the population-driven expansion proceeds.
Partisan Reactions and Road Ahead
Responses have already reflected political fault lines. The Coalition has criticized the timing, arguing that resources should instead tackle pressing issues like healthcare, cost of living, and housing. Still, the inquiry itself is designed to be a neutral, evidence-based exploration of how best to adapt Australia’s political institutions to modern needs. The joint committee will begin hearings soon, with preliminary findings and an interim report anticipated in 2026.
Why This Matters to Voters
For voters, the outcomes could redefine how effectively their voices are represented and how often people go to the polls. A system with more MPs may bring MPs closer to communities, while fixed terms could reduce political maneuvering around election timing. However, any changes will require broad consensus, constitutional clarity, and careful implementation to avoid unintended consequences in representation and governance.
As Australia weighs these options, the public will watch how the inquiry balances population growth, governance efficiency, and the long-term health of its democracy. The mid-2020s may mark a turning point in how the nation structures its parliament to meet contemporary needs.
