Are we there yet?
The Australian Constitution allows the House of Representatives to operate for three years from its first meeting after a federal election. Once three years have elapsed the House expires and another federal election must be held. However, the government can dissolve the House of Representatives at any time and call an earlier election.
The election (which must be held on a Saturday) cannot be held less than 33 days after the expiry or dissolution of the House, and it cannot be held more than 68 days after the expiry or dissolution of the House.
The last general election was held on 9 October 2004 and the new House of Representatives will first met on Tuesday 16 November 2004. Therefore, this House will expire on Thursday 15 November 2007, and the next election for the House of Representatives must be held on or before Saturday 19 January 2008.
Over at the mother ship, I have started work on the next Federal election.