Voting in Parliament - Mar 2023

Throughout the parliamentary day, various matters are moved in the House.  Many motions pass ‘on the voices’ because they are uncontested.  But a vote, or Division, is called if more than two people say ‘the noes have it’.  Divisions may relate to procedural matters, Bills or amendments.   As of this week, I have voted in 92 Divisions.  

When a Division is called, the bells ring for four minutes and Members run from all over the building into the House of Representatives. Members supporting the motion sit on one side of the House, Members opposing the motion sit on the other side and the votes are counted. 

As an independent who answers only to my community, I personally need to decide how to vote on every Division.  On big pieces of legislation like the National Anti-Corruption Commission or the Safeguard Mechanism I may have weeks to consult, research and analyse before voting.  On urgent amendments or procedural issues, I may have days, hours or even minutes to determine my vote.   

My focus in Parliament is always to reflect the values of my community, so in deciding how to vote, I consider fairness, financial responsibility, balancing competing interests and improving transparency and accountability.  I take every vote seriously and seek balanced information wherever possible. 

I recently analysed my voting record to see how frequently I have supported motions put by different political groups. It turns out that so far I have supported motions proposed by the Government 50% of the time; by the Opposition 44% of the time; by the Greens 38% of the time and by the Crossbench 94% of the time.  There have been the most Divisions on Industrial Relations, the Anti-Corruption Commission and procedural matters. 

I know that everyone in Curtin won’t agree with every vote I cast.  But it’s important you know that I invest considerable effort into every vote.  In the coming weeks I will be publishing my voting record and summary of reasons for my votes on my website.  

Related article: The teals play the long game with integrity (22 Dec 2023)