Senate composition at 9 July 1974 Government (29) Labor (29) - (2 seat minority)[a]
[2] However, in fact, the Senate was dissolved on 11 November 1975 for another double dissolution election on 13 December 1975.
At the May 1974 election, Labor won 29 seats, the Coalition won 29 seats and the balance of power was shared by Liberal Movement Senator Steele Hall and Independent Michael Townley.
[4] Thus the Labor government needed the support of both cross-bench senators to pass any legislation.
Field was sworn in on 9 September 1975, however he was given leave from 1 October,[5] not to attend the Senate pending a High Court challenge to his eligibility.