What is the crossbench and who sits there?

The crossbench is made up of independents and minor parties. These members of parliament sit on the seats that curve around at the end of the Senate or the House of Representatives between the government and opposition. This area is called the crossbench, but the term is also used to describe the people who sit there.

Crossbench senators and members are elected members of parliament and represent their state or territory, or electorate. They take part in debates and votes, and can introduce bills – proposed laws – called private member’s or private senator’s bills..