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.

 

A large green room with a table in the centre. A man in a suit stands to give a speech at the table. Men and women in suits sit in rows of seats behind him.

The government side of the House of Representatives.

Penny Bradfield/DPS AUSPIC

The government side of the House of Representatives.

A large green room with a table in the centre. A man in a suit stands to give a speech at the table. Men and women in suits sit in rows of seats behind him.

Penny Bradfield/DPS AUSPIC

Description

The Prime Minister stands and speaks at the table in the House of Representatives. Members of the government sit in the 5 rows behind him.

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.