What happens if the votes are tied in the House of Representatives and in the Senate?

In both the Senate and House of Representatives if a vote is tied the question is defeated – the result would be 'no'.

For a vote to pass, a majority is required. A majority means more than half of the senators or members voting support the question. If the numbers are exactly equal, that is not enough.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives will only vote if there is a tie. This is called a casting vote. Traditionally, the Speaker votes ‘yes’ if the question will allow the House to continue debate but votes 'no' if the question is to make a decision or a change.

In the Senate, all senators, including the President, usually cast a vote. This makes sure each state is equally represented. It also means a tied vote immediately fails, as the President has already voted and cannot resolve a tie.

These rules are set out in the Australian Constitution.