Expenditure is also examined by parliamentary committees. The normal sitting pattern for the House extends from February to March, May to June and August to December. During these periods the House usually meets in blocks of two sitting weeks followed by two non-sitting weeks. Normally the House sits from Monday to Thursday each sitting week. On Monday, 'private Members' day', time is reserved for debating reports from parliamentary committees and business sponsored by both government and non-government backbenchers.
All proceedings are open to the public.
The House has a comprehensive system of standing committees. They take evidence from the public and report to the House with recommendations for government action. There are several joint committees on which both Members and Senators serve together, for example, the Public Accounts and Audit Committee. The photograph at left shows the Chamber of the House in action. At the centre is the Speaker's Chair and the Table of the House.