Leader of the Opposition
Get to know the role of the Leader of the Opposition with this fact sheet. Learn how the Leader of the Opposition is chosen and their responsibilities.
What will I learn?
- The Leader of the Opposition is the chief spokesperson for the opposition.
- They are selected by the second largest party in the House of Representatives.
Who is the Leader of the Opposition?
The Leader of the Opposition is a member of parliament who is in charge of the opposition – the largest party, or coalition of parties, that is not in government. The Leader of the Opposition is chosen by members of their party. By convention – tradition – the Leader of the Opposition is a member of the House of Representatives.
Responsibilities
The Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives
Paul Furness/DPS Auspic
The Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives
Paul Furness/DPS Auspic
Description
The Leader of the Opposition speaking from the Despatch Box in the House of Representatives.
Copyright information
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.
The Leader of the Opposition is responsible for leading the opposition in Parliament and managing its work. This includes helping develop the opposition's policies – plans and ideas for addressing issues – and scrutinising the government by closely examining its decisions, actions and proposed laws. Their duties include:
- acting as the main opposition spokesperson
- selecting members of their party or coalition to be shadow ministers
- running party meetings and shadow Cabinet meetings where the opposition discusses policies and examines bills – ideas for new laws
- leading federal election campaigns for their party
- presenting the opposition as an alternative government.
The Leader of the Opposition also carries out their usual responsibilities as a member of House of Representatives, including representing the people of their electorate, taking part in debates and voting on bills.
In the House of Representatives
The Leader of the Opposition sits at the central table opposite the Prime Minister.
If the Prime Minister makes a speech to the House, the Leader of the Opposition usually has the 'right of reply', which means being given equal time to speak on the issue. The Leader of the Opposition usually asks the first question of the day and leads the questioning of the government during Question Time.
