Backbench members of parliament are the people who sit behind the government’s ministers or the opposition’s shadow ministers.
Backbenchers are those Members of Parliament who are neither party leaders, ministers or shadow ministers.
Backbenchers may be members of the House of Representatives or the Senate.
They are often known as private members.
The main task of backbenchers is to represent their electorates and support their party in parliamentary debates and votes. Often dismissed as of lesser importance than frontbenchers, the ordinary private member is also at the electoral frontline.
A significant power of backbenchers is their ability to elect and remove party leaders.
- Overview of Backbenchers – the types of backbenchers, their roles in parliament, the party and the electorate, and factors affecting their operation.
- First Speeches – samples of first, or maiden, speeches to the House and the Senate, many with audio or video
Archived Posts
- November 29, 2017: Sen. Jordon Steele-John (Greens-WA) – Maiden Speech
- April 1, 2017: Who’s Left – The Surviving Members Of Every House Of Representatives Since 1949
- September 2, 2016: How The Turnbull Government Lost Control Of The House
- March 26, 2016: Sharman Stone, Liberal Member For Murray, Announces Retirement From Parliament
- October 15, 2013: Orientation Day For New Members Of The House Of Representatives
- June 6, 2013: John Murphy On Rupert Murdoch: We Are Not Frightened Of You
- November 27, 2012: Labor MP Kirsten Livermore To Retire At 2013 Election
- October 25, 2012: Political And Media Wankers
- September 11, 2012: Backbencher Kevin Rudd Seeks International Adviser, Preferably Chinese-Speaking
- November 15, 2010: House of Representatives Debates Gay Marriage Resolution
- November 4, 2010: Giving Substance To The Words
- June 3, 2010: Petro Georgiou: Valedictory Speech
- February 18, 2008: Craig Thomson (ALP-Dobell) – Maiden Speech
- March 14, 2007: Petro Georgiou Attacks Government Over Citizenship Test
- January 15, 2001: City-Country Switch For Federal MPs As Roxon And Zahra Swap Seats
- November 11, 1998: Julia Gillard (ALP-Lalor) – Maiden Speech
- May 4, 1989: Michael Cobb Introduces Private Member’s Bill On Flag Desecration