This article summarises results for the general elections to the Australian House of Representatives and Senate, respectively the lower and upper houses of Australia's federal bicameral legislative body, the Parliament of Australia.
The current federal government structure was established in 1901 by the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act, 1901.
After winning its first election in 1949, the Liberal Party of Australia stayed in power for approximately 22 years.
Although government has been a two-party system, since 1955 Australians have consistently elected Senators from multiple parties.
Although the DLP ceased to be a force after Gough Whitlam took power in 1972, the Liberal Movement and its successor the Australian Democrats carved out their own niche.
By 2007, the Democrats' federal parliamentary representation had disappeared, while the Greens have emerged at the national level to take their place.
The Nationals' representation has also steadily declined, with their percentage of the vote hitting new lows.
With the high-profile defection of Senator Julian McGauran to the Liberals in 2006, questions have been raised about the Nationals' viability, and proposals for a Liberal-National party merger have increased in strength.
Labour and the Protectionists return to Government in 1905 when Reid loses the confidence of the parliament.
Alfred Deakin regains the Prime Ministership as leader of the new Commonwealth Liberal Party.
(1968–) (1963–) A two-party system has existed in the Australian House of Representatives since the two non-Labor parties merged in 1909.
The Senate has included representatives from a range of political parties, including several parties that have seldom or never had representation in the House of Representatives, but which have consistently secured a small but significant level of electoral support, as the table shows.
The full Senate has been contested on eight occasions; the inaugural election and seven double dissolutions.