How often does the Senate get re-elected in Australia?

Question

I thought it was the same as the lower house, but apparently I'm mistaken. Why is this?

Answer 1

Senators in the Federal Parliament serve a six year term.

There ARE Senate elections at every Federal election, but that is because HALF the Senate is up for election every time.

The crossover is deliberately designed to ensure there is continuity in the Senate.

Cheers :-)

Answer 2

The Australian Senate is a little bit complicated.

Each of the six states has twelve Senators. Under normal circumstances, they serve approximately six years each (compared to the approximately three years served by the lower House). As such, at a typical election, six of the twelve Senators is up for re-election,

The two territories have two Senators each. Unlike the Senators from the states, the Senators from the territories serve the same term as the lower House.

An exception to this rule is in the case of a double dissolution which can happen if the Senate repeatedly blocks the same legislation. Under that circumstance, both houses are dissolved and all Senators are up for election.

I don't know the underlying reason but I would guess it has something to do with putting some brake on the majority of the lower House.