What is the crossbench and who sits there?

Thanks for your interesting question, Bjorn.

The crossbench is a group of seats situated between the government and opposition in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

If you are elected to the Australian Parliament and are not a member of the government or opposition, you sit on the crossbench. This is where independent senators and members, and minor parties members sit.

Crossbench senators and members represent their state or territory, or electorate in the same way as those who belong to the government or opposition. 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.