Can the Prime Minister also be the Speaker?
The Speaker of the House of Representatives
Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic
The Speaker of the House of Representatives
Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic
Description
The Speaker is a member of the House of Representatives who has been chosen to run the meetings of the House. In the House of Representatives the Speaker sits in a large, green, elevated chair behind a desk. From this position, the Speaker can see and hear all other members and all other members can see the Speaker.
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Although both the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the House of Representatives are members of the House of Representatives, it is not possible for the same person to do both jobs. The positions are quite different and each has many responsibilities.
The Prime Minister is the leader of the Australian Government. Their role includes:
- meeting with top-level ministers in Cabinet to decide government policy
- acting as the chief government spokesperson
- representing the Australian Government overseas.
The Speaker also has many responsibilities, including:
- running meetings of the House of Representatives.
- participating in ceremonial events
- being responsible for the Department of the House of Representatives.
It would not be possible for one person to take on both the role of the Prime Minister and the Speaker. It would be too much work. More importantly, it would be impossible. The Prime Minister is the leader of the Government. Their job is to work towards the Government's goals. The Speaker is neutral in debates. Their job is to make sure that the rules are followed and meetings of the House run smoothly; not to make sure one side wins.