What is the role of parties in parliament?

Political parties aim to get members elected to the Australian Parliament so their ideas can affect the way Australia is governed. Members of the same party generally work as a team and vote the same way on issues and bills – ideas for new laws.

If a party has the support of a majority of members in the House of Representatives then it will be able to form government.

You can discover specific details about a particular political party by visiting their website.

In a room with green seats and carpet there is a large table where the Leader of the Opposition sits. There are 5 rows of seats behind him occupied by members of the Opposition.

The opposition side of the House of Representatives

Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic

The opposition side of the House of Representatives

In a room with green seats and carpet there is a large table where the Leader of the Opposition sits. There are 5 rows of seats behind him occupied by members of the Opposition.

Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic

Description

Opposition members sit together in rows in the House of Representatives during a meeting. The Leader of the Opposition sits in a chair at the main table. The opposition is the largest party or coalition of parties that does not have the support of the majority of members in the House of Representatives. 

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.