What is the role of the Prime Minister in allowing a free vote on an issue debated in the Parliament?

The Prime Minister can decide to give their party members a free vote – sometimes called a conscience vote. This means party members can vote according to their own beliefs and the wishes of their electorate rather than with their party. Free votes have mostly been used to decide issues such as euthanasia, stem cell research or same-sex marriage.

The leaders of other parties can also give their members a free vote. However, it is more common for each parliamentary party to decide if its members are allowed a free vote. Before the issue is debated in Parliament, the Prime Minister and other party leaders usually say how they will personally vote.

 

The House of Representatives with a large table at which the Prime Minister and the Clerks sit. There are 5 rows of seats behind the Prime Minister, with the rear 4 rows also having desks in front of the seats.

The government side of the House of Representatives.

Penny Bradfield/DPS AUSPIC

The government side of the House of Representatives.

The House of Representatives with a large table at which the Prime Minister and the Clerks sit. There are 5 rows of seats behind the Prime Minister, with the rear 4 rows also having desks in front of the seats.

Penny Bradfield/DPS AUSPIC

Description

The Prime Minister and members of the government 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.