Votes

Parliament must vote on a bill at least three times before it becomes law.

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New votes are currently not being added to WhereTheyStand because the underlying data source has changed. Work is underway to fix this.

A bill must have three "readings" in the House of Representatives before enactment. These are called the first reading, second reading, and third reading. Each reading is voted on and succeeds if more members of Parliament vote in favour than against.

There are four types of vote:

  • Voice votes are the simplest type of vote. Members of Parliament shout "aye" or "no" and the Speaker makes an assessment based on how loud each side is. Any member can then call for a more formal vote.
  • Party votes are the most common type of recorded vote. Each party has a number of seats in the House and casts that number of votes (minus any absences) according to its party policy.
  • Personal votes are also called conscience votes. Each member of Parliament decides how to vote on the bill, independent of any party policy.
  • Split party votes are similar to a party vote, except one or more parties may treat the vote as a personal vote while other parties may treat it as a party vote. If a party splits its party vote across more than one position (yes, no or abstain) it must give notice of which members' votes are being allocated to each position.

Other votes may take place during the Committee of the Whole House stage. These votes are on individual amendments to a bill. WhereTheyStand does not currently record these votes.

If a bill passes all three readings it is given Royal Assent by the Governor-General. It then becomes law, although most bills specify in more detail when its provisions come into effect.

Find a vote

If you're looking for a specific bill, check the bills page.

Case-insensitive match on the bill title.

Show votes from this date range.

Vote type
Bill type

The result of the vote to search for.

All votes

894 results.

Parental Leave and Employment Protection Amendment Bill

8 November 2017 · 1st reading · Party vote
115Aye
1No
0Abstain
4Absent

Enhancing Identity Verification and Border Processes Legislation Bill

16 August 2017 · 3rd reading · Party vote
104Aye
14No
0Abstain
1Absent

Maritime Transport Amendment Bill

16 August 2017 · 2nd reading · Party vote
62Aye
54No
0Abstain
3Absent

Racing Amendment Bill

15 August 2017 · 1st reading · Party vote
105Aye
12No
0Abstain
2Absent

Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa Claims Settlement Bill

15 August 2017 · 3rd reading · Party vote
105Aye
12No
0Abstain
2Absent

Commerce (Cartels and Other Matters) Amendment Bill

10 August 2017 · 3rd reading · Party vote
93Aye
26No
0Abstain
0Absent

Employment (Pay Equity and Equal Pay) Bill

10 August 2017 · 1st reading · Party vote
60Aye
59No
0Abstain
0Absent

Thames–Coromandel District Council and Hauraki District Council Mangrove Management Bill

9 August 2017 · 1st reading · Party vote
105Aye
14No
0Abstain
0Absent

Land Transport Amendment Bill (No 2)

3 August 2017 · 3rd reading · Party vote
104Aye
12No
0Abstain
3Absent

Healthy Homes Guarantee Bill (No 2)

26 July 2017 · 2nd reading · Party vote
60Aye
59No
0Abstain
0Absent
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