Why do some members and senators not attend divisions?

Divisions are formal votes of the Parliament, and although it is expected that all senators and members will attend these votes, there is no requirement to do so.

There are several reasons why a member of parliament may not attend a division:

  • They could be abstaining from the vote, which means they have left the House of Representatives or Senate and are intentionally not participating in the division. This might happen if they disagree with their party’s position but do not want to cross the floor, or if they prefer not to have their vote recorded on a sensitive issue.
  • The member or senator may be unwell, on leave, or undertaking ministerial or other official parliamentary duties.
  • The member of parliament may be part of a ‘pair’. Pairing is an informal arrangement between political parties organised by the party whips. Pairing is when a member or senator on one side misses a vote when someone from the other side is absent (for agreed reasons) to balance the vote.
A large red room where senators sit in rows of chairs. The Usher of the Black rod guards the door into the room.

The Senate during a division

Penny Bradfield/DPS AUSPIC

The Senate during a division

A large red room where senators sit in rows of chairs. The Usher of the Black rod guards the door into the room.

Penny Bradfield/DPS AUSPIC

Description

A division – formal vote – happening in the Senate. Senators are divided into two groups. Those voting 'aye' or 'yes' sit on one side of the Senate and on those voting 'no' sit on the other side. Two senators stand and count the votes. The votes are recorded by the Clerks who are sitting at the main table in the middle of the Senate. The Usher of the Black Rod guards the door as senators are not allowed to enter or leave the room until the count is completed.

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.