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
- Sen. Jordon Steele-John (Greens-WA) – Maiden Speech November 29, 2017
- Who’s Left – The Surviving Members Of Every House Of Representatives Since 1949 April 1, 2017
- How The Turnbull Government Lost Control Of The House September 2, 2016
- Sharman Stone, Liberal Member For Murray, Announces Retirement From Parliament March 26, 2016
- Orientation Day For New Members Of The House Of Representatives October 15, 2013
- John Murphy On Rupert Murdoch: We Are Not Frightened Of You June 6, 2013
- Labor MP Kirsten Livermore To Retire At 2013 Election November 27, 2012
- Political And Media Wankers October 25, 2012
- Backbencher Kevin Rudd Seeks International Adviser, Preferably Chinese-Speaking September 11, 2012
- House of Representatives Debates Gay Marriage Resolution November 15, 2010
- Giving Substance To The Words November 4, 2010
- Petro Georgiou: Valedictory Speech June 3, 2010
- Craig Thomson (ALP-Dobell) – Maiden Speech February 18, 2008
- Petro Georgiou Attacks Government Over Citizenship Test March 14, 2007
- City-Country Switch For Federal MPs As Roxon And Zahra Swap Seats January 15, 2001
- Julia Gillard (ALP-Lalor) – Maiden Speech November 11, 1998
- Michael Cobb Introduces Private Member’s Bill On Flag Desecration May 4, 1989
