What is the role of parties in parliament?

Political parties aim to get members elected to the Australian Parliament so their ideas can affect the way Australia is governed. Members of the same party generally work as a team and vote the same way on issues and bills – ideas for new laws.

If a party has the support of a majority of members in the House of Representatives then it will be able to form government.

You can discover specific details about a particular political party by visiting their website.

In a room with green seats and carpet there is a large table at which sits a man in a suite. There are 5 rows of seats behind him occupied by men and women.

The opposition side of the House of Representatives.

Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic

The opposition side of the House of Representatives.

In a room with green seats and carpet there is a large table at which sits a man in a suite. There are 5 rows of seats behind him occupied by men and women.

Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic

Description

The Leader of the Opposition and members of the opposition in the House of Representatives.

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.