If members have a pecuniary interest in an issue, are they allowed to vote on it, and what legislation is involved?

Thank you for your question about the pecuniary – money related – interests of members of parliament.

In the House of Representatives, matters to do with pecuniary interests of members are governed by Standing Orders 134 and 231, and by resolutions – decisions – of the House.

House of Representatives Standing Order 134(a) states that, 'A member may not vote in a division about a matter, other than public policy, in which he or she has a particular direct pecuniary interest.'

All senators and members of the House of Representatives are required to list their pecuniary interests in a register of interest. The purpose of this register is to place on the public record members' interests which may conflict, or may be seen to conflict, with their public duty.