This is a list of the members of the Australian Senate in the First Australian Parliament, which was elected on 29 March 1901.[1][2] There were 36 senators in this initial parliament. Terms were deemed to start on 1 January 1901. 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.
Simultaneously a member of the Queensland Legislative Council. Seat made vacant due to prolonged absence without permission. Oldest member of the 1901-1903 Senate
^ abcdAppointments to a casual vacancy only held office until the earlier of the next election for the House of Representatives or the Senate.[5]
^The Free Trade Party, then known as the Australian Free Trade and Liberal Association, was the only national political party at the 1901 election.
^There was no national Labour Party organisation at the time of the 1901 election. Members categorised as "Labour" were endorsed by their various state Labour parties.
^There was no national Protectionist party organisation at the time of the 1901 election. Members categorised as "Protectionist" were those who accepted the leadership of Edmund Barton.
^ abcAlso received Protectonist endorsement; joined the Labour Caucus immediately after the election.[2]
^ abcVictorian Free Trade Senator Frederick Sargood died on 2 January 1903. Robert Reid was appointed as his replacement on 21 January.
^ abcWestern Australian Free Trade Senator Norman Ewing resigned on 17 April 1903. Henry Saunders was appointed as his replacement on 20 May.
^Changes to the Senate in chronological order were McGregor & O'Keefe joined the Labour caucus,[e] Sargood died,[f]
Ewing resigned,[g] and O'Connor resigned.[h]
^Queensland Free Trade Senator John Ferguson was removed from the Senate on 6 October 1903 due to prolonged absence without permission. His vacancy was not filled due to its proximity from the upcoming federal election