What is the crossbench and who sits there?

Thanks for your interesting question, Bjorn.

The crossbench is where independent senators and members, and minor party members sit.

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

While major party members usually vote together to support or reject an idea, independent and minor party members can make up their own mind as to how they will vote.