IN DEPTH roles of the house of reps

Question 1

Initiate and make laws

Answer 1

The main function of the house of representatives is to initiate new laws and as noted above most bills are introduced in this house. This is the role that takes up much of it’s time, as the process of passing and debating bills is a long and considered process

Question 2

Determine government

Answer 2

After an election the political party (or coalition) that has the most members in the house of representatives forms government; or in the case of a hung parliament, has the support of and/or another party so they can form government.

Question 3

Act as a house of review

Answer 3

If a bill has been initiated and passed through the Senate, the house of representatives will be the ‘second house’ to consider whether the bill should become law, and it will therefore act as a house of review. If the house of representatives passes a bill it is sent to the governor general and made into law

Question 4

Control government expenditure

Answer 4

A bill must be passed through both houses of parliament before a government can collect taxes or spend money, but only the house of reps can introduce money bills

Question 5

Represent the people

Answer 5

The house of representatives plays a role in upholding representative government. Members are elected to represent the people and are given authority to act on behalf of people. The proposed laws should therefor reflect the views and values of the majority of the electorate that the member represents