Is an election called if no party wins a majority in the House of Representatives?

Hi Petra! As you know, government is formed in the House of Representatives by the political party or coalition of parties with the support of the majority of members of the House. If no party or coalition wins 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.

As long as a government has the support of the majority of the House, it can continue to govern Australia. This happened from 2010 to 2013 when Australia had a minority government.

If a minority government lost the support of the majority of the House of Representatives, an election would not automatically be held. Firstly, the government could negotiate with independent and/or minor party members to get the support of a new majority.

If the government was unable to secure a new majority, the Governor-General could approach the Leader of the Opposition to see if they were able to get 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 did not have the support of the majority of members of the House, an election for the House of Representatives could be held.

Position of where the government, opposition, minor parties and independents sit.

Layout of the House of Representatives

DPS AUSPIC/Parliamentary Education Office (peo.gov.au)

Layout of the House of Representatives

Position of where the government, opposition, minor parties and independents sit.

DPS AUSPIC/Parliamentary Education Office (peo.gov.au)

Description

Position of where the government, opposition, minor parties and independents sit in the House of Representatives:

  • The government sit in the seats to the right of the Speaker's chair. They take up the most space, needing around half the seats in the room.
  • The opposition sit on the left side of the Speaker's chair. They are the second biggest group. 
  • The minor parties and independents also sit on the left, towards the middle of the room. They are the smallest group.

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.