Australian and US politicians are criticised for the proportion of work days either spent in the US Congress or Australian Parliament House. The data shows Australian lawmakers sit far fewer days than their American counterparts.

In 2021, the US House of Representatives met for 160 days and plans to meet for 112 days in 2022. Last year the US Senate met for 158 days and is scheduled to meet for 171 days this year. Meanwhile, in Australia, the House of Representatives sat for 67 days last year and is scheduled to meet for 41 days in 2022. The Senate met for 52 days in 2021 and is scheduled to meet for 32 days this year. On average, this means US elected officials are spending three times the number of days in the Capitol than their Australian counterparts.

Number of sitting days for the US Congress and Australian Parliament

Number of sitting days for the US Congress and Australian Parliament
Source: USSC

Sources: Ballotpedia; Parliament of Australia. Notes: The 117th US Congress convened on 3 January 2021, and will conclude on 3 January 2023; days for 2022 are scheduled.