Are the votes in Parliament done in secret?

No, votes are not secret in Parliament. The votes that take place in the Senate and House of Representatives are public so that everyone can see how each member of parliament voted. This transparency lets Australians see what their representatives are doing and helps to keep them accountable.

There are 2 ways to vote in the Australian Parliament – a vote on the voices and a division. Both of these votes are publicly conducted in the parliament, and are recorded in the Hansard – the record of what is said and done in the Australian Parliament.

The green House of Representatives. Members are standing and walking across the room, or are already sitting down on the benches.

The House of Representatives during a division

DPS AUSPIC

The House of Representatives during a division

The green House of Representatives. Members are standing and walking across the room, or are already sitting down on the benches.

DPS AUSPIC

Description

A formal vote called a division happening in the House of Representatives. Members are dividing into two groups. Those voting 'aye' or 'yes' are moving to sit on one side of the House and on those voting 'no' are moving to sit on the other side. 

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.