The Opposition

What is the Opposition?

The Opposition is the party or coalition that holds the second largest number of seats in the House of Representatives after the government party or coalition. It is the main alternative to the Government of the day.

What does the Opposition do?

The Opposition keeps a check on the actions of the Government and has an important role in guaranteeing responsible government. The Opposition scrutinises all areas of government activity and policy and makes sure that the Government is answerable for its decisions. Question Time is an example of public scrutiny in action.

As the main political alternative to the Government, the Opposition must present voters with a realistic choice. To do this, it develops its own policies on all areas of government administration. The Opposition may suggest changes to government bills or propose its own bills.

Most of the time, the Opposition and the Government work together to ensure that the House’s business is completed. Committees are a good example of this, as they are made up of government and opposition Members working together on the same issue.