What are the roles of the shadow ministers?

Thanks for the question Jennifer. 

The shadow ministers are a group of opposition members who have responsibility for scrutinising – closely examining – the work of the government and individual ministers. Each shadow minister concentrates on the work of a particular minister and government department and also acts as the opposition spokesperson for the areas they are assigned.

In a room with green seats and carpet there is a large table where the Leader of the Opposition sits. There are 5 rows of seats behind him occupied by members of the Opposition.

The opposition side of the House of Representatives

Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic

The opposition side of the House of Representatives

In a room with green seats and carpet there is a large table where the Leader of the Opposition sits. There are 5 rows of seats behind him occupied by members of the Opposition.

Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic

Description

Opposition members sit together in rows in the House of Representatives during a meeting. The Leader of the Opposition sits in a chair at the main table. The opposition is the largest party or coalition of parties that does not have the support of the majority of members in the House of Representatives. 

Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.