In a report to the Parliament in 1915, the Joint Library Committee requested the publication of 'a Commonwealth Parliamentary Handbook, giving a short political biography of all Members of both Houses since the initiation of Federation, with portraits in most cases, particulars of every election in the same period, with other information likely to be useful'. The first edition of the Handbook, published later that year, had the title Biographical Handbook and Record of Elections for the Parliament of the Commonwealth. Since then a new edition has usually been published with each new Parliament.

The Parliamentary Handbook has developed into a comprehensive reference work on many aspects of the Commonwealth Parliament and the Australian political system. Since 1999, the full text of the Handbook has been available electronically, and updated regularly, on the Parliament's web site at www.aph.gov.au/library/handbook/ and through Parlinfo Search.

This 31st edition of the Parliamentary Handbook sets out detailed information about the

42nd Commonwealth Parliament. The parliamentary service and political careers of Senators and Members are presented, together with details of parliamentary committees and elections up to and including the November 2007 poll. The biographical information is correct as at

30 September 2008.

Roxanne Missingham

Parliamentary Librarian

Department of Parliamentary Services

This edition of the Parliamentary Handbook was compiled by staff of the Parliamentary Library, principally Martin Lumb, with assistance from Stephen Barber, Scott Bennett, Margaret Cazabon, Brian Keenan, Margaret Krikorian, Chris Lawley, Rob Lundie, Deirdre McKeown, Cathy Madden, Leanne Manthorpe, Sarah Miskin, Richard Ryan and Janet Wilson.

Others who have assisted the department include Howard Moffat and the Government Photographic Service (AUSPIC), Chris Burroughs (Australian Electoral Commission), Ian O'Connor, Peggy Bright, Josephine Lamech and Sally Anstess (Blue Star Print Group).

Front cover photograph by Richard Ryan (not included in this online document).