President of the Senate (Australia)
The position is provided for by Section 17 of the Constitution of Australia. The Senate elects one of its members as president at the start of each new term, or whenever the position is vacant. This is usually—though not necessarily—a member of the party or coalition that holds the most seats in the Senate. The largest party in the Senate is not always the governing party, as government is determined by the House of Representatives. The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives may consequently be from different parties.
Michael Beahan
He was elected President of the Senate in March 1994, succeeding Kerry Sibraa. At the March 1996 general election he was defeated in his bid for another six-year term as Senator for Western Australia to commence on 1 July. His term as a Senator ended on 30 June, but he nevertheless had the authority to act as President of the Senate until his successor Margaret Reid was elected in August.