Federal Parliament

The Federal Parliament of Australia began on January 1st, 1901. This happened when the colonies united. They became states of one single nation. There was an important law agreed upon. It was called the "Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1901". When this Act was agreed upon, Australia became a nation.

The people who began Federal Parliament knew how important Chistianity was. To this day, the following prayer is said each time Parliament opens:

"Almighty God, we humbly beseech Thee to vouchsafe Thy special blessing upon this Parliament, and that Thou wouldst be pleased to direct and prosper the work of Thy servants to the advancement of Thy glory, and to the true welfare of the people of Australia. Our Father, which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen."

Alfred Deakin helped establish the very first Federal Parliament. Here is his prayer:

"God preserve this people and grant its leaders unselfish fidelity and courage to face all trials for the sake of brotherhood. Thy blessing has rested upon us here yesterday and we pray that it may be the means of creating and fostering throughout all Australia a Christlike citizenship."

Each daily session of the Australian Parliament (both Lower and Upper House) opens with prayer. This is the result of a campaign by Churches:

"that there also be embodied in the said Constitution, or in the Standing Orders of the Federal Parliament, a provision that each daily session of the Upper and Lower Houses of the Federal Parliament be opened with a prayer by the President and Speaker or by a Chaplain."