How is the Deputy Speaker elected and what is their role?
The Deputy Speaker is a member of the House of Representatives and is chosen by a vote from all House members. They are elected at the start of new Parliament or when the job is vacant. They stay in the role until the end of that Parliament, or they decide to leave the role.
The Deputy Speaker's role is to help the Speaker. They:
- help run meeting in the House of Representatives
- make sure the rules are followed and keep things fair
- chair the Federation Chamber, a second meeting room for the House
- take over the Speaker's job when the Speaker is away.
The role is very important because it helps Parliament work effectively even if the Speaker isn't there.
The House of Representatives
DPS Auspic
The House of Representatives
DPS Auspic
Description
The House of Representatives is a large room with green furnishings. The seats are arranged in rows around a large central table. There is a large chair at the open end of the U-shaped seats that is elevated above the other chairs where the Speaker sits. Members of the House of Representatives sit in the U-shaped seats. Members of the public and the press sit observing from the balconies above the House.
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.