The House of Representatives has been formally dissolved ahead of the federal election.
The Official Secretary to the Governor-General, Paul Singer, read out a proclamation on Monday proroguing the parliament and dissolving the House of Representatives at the front entrance of Parliament House in Canberra.
The ceremony, watched by hundreds of people, concluded with a 19-gun salute by the Federation Guard.
The action effectively ended the 46th parliament so writs can be issued for the federal election, due to be held on May 21.
A copy of the proclamation was then posted at the door of the House of Representatives chamber.
