Does everyone always have to speak in Parliament?
No, but senators and members of the House of Representatives are expected to speak on issues that matter most to the people they represent.
A key part of being a senator or member is giving speeches and debating bills – proposed laws. But not all senators and members speak on every issue. As there are more than 120 bills debated each year, senators and members prioritise speaking on the bills they consider the most relevant.
If a bill is particularly complex or controversial, there may be many senators and members who wish to speak, so it can take some time to debate the bill. There may be other bills with only a few speakers which means these bills can be debated and voted upon quickly.
A member of the opposition speaking in the House of Representatives.
DPS Auspic
A member of the opposition speaking in the House of Representatives.
DPS Auspic
Description
A member of the House of Representatives makes a speech in the House. They are standing amongst members of their party. They are sitting in the seats on the left side of the House of Representatives where the opposition sit. 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.