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The Queensland Parliament is a unicameral parliament, comprised of only one House, the Legislative Assembly (Lower House). The Legislative Council (Upper House) was abolished on 23 March 1922. Queensland is the only unicameral State Parliament in Australia.
The Parliament has 89 Members representing 89 electorates. Queensland's Constitution requires that a state election must be held at least once every three years and during that period Parliament must meet at least once a year.
There are eight parliamentary committees. Each committee has seven Members of Parliament who include Members of the Government, Members of the opposition and Members of any minor parties and/or any independents.
The Queensland Parliament first met on 22 May 1860 in a wing of an old building in the main street of Brisbane. This was a building with a grim past. It had been constructed in 1827 as a Prisoners' Barracks and in the archway of the main entrance convicts had been tied to a triangle and flogged.
Within a few years the Government decided to erect a new and more dignified Parliament House. Work began on the new Parliament House at the end of 1864. Sandstone blocks were quarried from a local quarry. A zinc roof was imported from England. Many fittings were imported, including marble chimney pieces, gaslights and ornamental glass.
This work was completed in 1868. On 4 August 1868, Parliament met for the time in Parliament House. The Queensland Parliament continues to meet in the Legislative Assembly Chamber of this historic building that is situated in the heart of Brisbane city, close to gardens, a university and the Brisbane River.
Legislative responsibilities refer to participation in parliamentary matters including the enactment of legislation, privileged debate on Government policy and serving on parliamentary committees. Constituency responsibilities arise as each Member, the representative of an electoral district, provides advice and assistance to constituents and acts as an advocate of local interests.
The Parliamentary Service Act 1988 establishes the Parliamentary Service to provide administrative and support services to the Legislative Assembly.
These services endeavour to provide Members with support as they fulfil both legislative (at Parliament House in Brisbane) and constituency (in 93 electorate offices across the State) responsibilities.
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