Why isn't the Clerk and the Serjeant-at-Arms allowed to vote in the House of Representatives?

Thanks for your question, Phoebe.

The Clerk and Serjeant-at-Arms have important roles in assisting the work of the House of Representatives. But they are not elected members of the House, so they can’t take part in votes. They work for the House.

Only the elected members of the House of Representatives are allowed to make decisions on proposed laws and other issues.

Like all parliamentary staff, the Clerk and Serjeant-at-Arms had to apply for their position and be successful at a job interview. They will usually have worked in other positions at Parliament House and have a lot of experience with how the Parliament works.

The green House of Representatives. There are people sitting in seats arranged in a U-shape.

The House of Representatives.

DPS Auspic

The House of Representatives.

The green House of Representatives. There are people sitting in seats arranged in a U-shape.

DPS Auspic

Description

This image is of a large room with green furnishings. The seats are arranged around a large central table. There is a large chair at the open end of the U-shaped seats that is elevated above the other chairs. There are people sitting in the seats and papers on the desks.