Why might MPs try to leave House of Representatives before a vote?
When a decision is made in the House of Representatives, it is put to a vote. Members can vote yes or no, or they can choose to abstain from the vote which means to not vote at all.
In a division – a formal vote – members must be in the House of Representatives to be counted. If members choose to abstain, they need to leave the House of Representatives to prevent being counted. Members usually have 4 minutes to enter or leave the House of Representatives, unless more than one division vote is held in quick succession, in which case members have 1 minute.
The Senate has the same procedures for voting and abstaining as the House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives during a division.
DPS Auspic
The House of Representatives during a division.
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 milling around, especially at the end of the central table.
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.