Can crossbench MPs withdraw their support from a minority government? If so, would that force the government to hold a new general election?

The Australian Government is formed in the House of Representatives by the party or coalition of parties with the support of the majority of members of the House. If, after a federal election, no party or coalition of parties achieves a majority in the House, government can be formed with the support of independent and/or minor party members. This type of government is known as a minority government.

If a minority government lost the support of the majority of members in the House of Representatives, an election would not automatically be held.

Firstly, the government could negotiate with independent and/or minor party members in order to secure a new majority.

If the government was unable to secure a majority, the Governor-General could approach the Leader of the Opposition to see if the opposition was able to secure the support of the majority of the House. If the Leader of the Opposition was able to secure a majority, the Governor-General could appoint the opposition as the government.

If both the government and opposition could not get the support of the majority of members of the House, an election for the House of Representatives may then be held.