What is the role of the Governor-General in allowing a conscience vote?
A conscience – free vote – means that members of parliament are not forced to vote with their team; instead, they can vote according to their own beliefs. Each parliamentary party decides if its members are allowed a conscience vote on a particular issue.
The Governor-General is the King’s representative in Australia. Although the Governor-General has a role in both the governing of Australia and the Australian Parliament, they are not an elected member of parliament. Therefore, they are not involved in the process of a deciding if a conscience vote will be held in Parliament.
The House of Representatives during a division
DPS AUSPIC
The House of Representatives during a division
DPS AUSPIC
Description
A formal vote called a division happening in the House of Representatives. Members are dividing into two groups. Those voting 'aye' or 'yes' are moving to sit on one side of the House and on those voting 'no' are moving to sit on the other side.
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