Who is the speaker of the house, what do they do and how long do they hold that position?

The Speaker of the House of Representatives is a member of the House of Representatives. They are elected by a vote of all the members of the House to run the meetings of the House.

The Speaker has several responsibilities, including:

The Speaker does not usually participate in debates and only votes if there is a tie.

The Speaker is usually elected by members of the government for the term of the parliament. They may continue as Speaker if the government is returned at the next election.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Speaker's chair, which is a large wooden chair on a platform.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives

Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic

The Speaker of the House of Representatives

The Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Speaker's chair, which is a large wooden chair on a platform.

Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic

Description

The Speaker is a member of the House of Representatives who has been chosen to run the meetings of the House. In the House of Representatives the Speaker sits in a large, green, elevated chair behind a desk. From this position, the Speaker can see and hear all other members and all other members can see the Speaker.