What is the definition of a hung parliament?

Thanks for the opportunity to explain this term, Arisa.

A hung parliament is when no political party or coalition has enough seats in the House of Representatives to have a majority.

After a federal election, government is formed by the political party or coalition that wins the majority of seats – 76 or more – in the House of Representatives. If no party or coalition of parties wins a majority in the House, the result is called a hung parliament. The last time this happened was in 2010.

It is still possible for a party or coalition to form government with the support of independent and/or minor party members. This type of government is known as a minority government.

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.