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.
All votes
894 results.
Counter-Terrorism Acts (Designations and Control Orders) Amendment Bill
4 May 2023 · 3rd reading · Party vote
102Aye
10No
0Abstain
7Absent
Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Bill
2 May 2023 · 2nd reading · Party vote
73Aye
44No
0Abstain
2Absent
Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill
6 April 2023 · 2nd reading · Party vote
98Aye
22No
0Abstain
0Absent
Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill
6 April 2023 · 3rd reading · Party vote
98Aye
21No
0Abstain
1Absent
Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Harm Minimisation) Amendment Bill
5 April 2023 · 1st reading · Personal vote
30Aye
89No
0Abstain
1Absent
Increased Penalties for Breach of Biosecurity Bill
5 April 2023 · 2nd reading · Party vote
46Aye
74No
0Abstain
0Absent