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

A conscience vote – free vote – means members of parliament are not forced to vote with their political party; instead, they can vote according to their own beliefs. A conscience vote is most commonly used to decide social issues or 'life and death' issues, such as abortion, euthanasia and capital punishment. Each  party decides if its members are allowed a conscience vote on a particular issue.

A man in a dark suit is standing at a desk in a red room. He is speaking. Other men and women also in suits sit at desks around him.

A senator speaking in the Senate.

DPS Auspic

A senator speaking in the Senate.

A man in a dark suit is standing at a desk in a red room. He is speaking. Other men and women also in suits sit at desks around him.

DPS Auspic

Description

A senator speaking in the Senate.

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.