In accordance with section 13 of the Constitution,[3] the Senate resolved that in each State the three senators who received the most votes would sit for a six-year term, finishing on 31 December 1906 while the other half would sit for a three-year term, finishing on 31 December 1903.
[4] The process for filing of casual vacancies was complex, with an initial appointment followed by an election.
[a] The status of political parties varied, being national,[b] State based,[c] and informal.
[d][i] George Pearce, who died in 1952, was the last surviving member of the 1901-1903 Senate.
Robert Best was the last surviving Protectionist member, and John Clemons was the last surviving Free Trade member.