What Does a Member of Parliament Do in Australia?

Members of Parliament (MPs) are the backbone of Australia's democratic system, but what does the member of parliament do on a daily basis? Whether at the federal or state level, MPs serve a variety of crucial functions in our democracy, from representing constituents to shaping the laws that govern our society. This guide explores what do politicians do in Australia's parliamentary system and how their work affects everyday Australians.

The Core Role of an MP

At its foundation, what does the member of parliament do revolves around five essential responsibilities:

1. Representing Constituents

MPs serve as the voice of their electorate in parliament. This means listening to local concerns, advocating for community needs, and communicating government decisions back to constituents. Effective MPs maintain regular contact with their electorate through community forums, local office hours, and correspondence.

2. Debating and Voting on Legislation

Perhaps the most visible aspect of an MP's job is participating in parliamentary debates and voting on proposed laws. MPs scrutinize legislation, propose amendments, and ultimately decide whether bills should become law. This process takes place during parliamentary sittings, which typically occur for around 20 weeks per year at the federal level.

3. Introducing Bills or Motions

MPs can introduce their own legislative proposals, either as government bills (if they're part of the ruling party), private member's bills, or motions for debate. While government bills have the highest chance of becoming law, private member's bills can raise awareness of important issues and sometimes succeed, particularly in the Senate or when parliaments are closely divided.

4. Committee Work

Much of parliament's detailed work happens in committees, where small groups of MPs investigate specific issues, review legislation, or scrutinize government activities. Committee membership allows MPs to develop expertise in particular policy areas and influence legislation through detailed examination and recommendations.

5. Party Responsibilities

Most Australian MPs belong to political parties and have responsibilities within their party structure. This includes attending party room meetings, contributing to policy development, and sometimes serving in party leadership roles. For those interested in how to become a politician in Australia, understanding party dynamics is essential.

A Day in the Life of a Politician

When asking what does a politician do on a typical day, the answer varies widely depending on whether parliament is sitting or not. Here's a glimpse into both scenarios:

During non-sitting periods, what do politicians do with their time? These weeks are typically spent in the electorate:

• Constituent meetings: Holding appointments with local residents, businesses, and organizations to address concerns, from immigration issues to funding requests
• Community events: Attending local functions, school visits, business openings, and community celebrations
• Local advocacy: Meeting with councils, state representatives, or community groups to address regional issues
• Media engagement: Giving interviews to local outlets and maintaining social media presence
• Administrative duties: Working with staff to manage correspondence, casework, and office operations

Many MPs report that electorate work—helping individual constituents navigate government services or solve problems—is among the most rewarding aspects of their role, though it's often less visible than parliamentary debates or media appearances.

Federal vs State MPs

Australia's federal system means we have MPs at both national and state/territory levels, with different responsibilities:

Federal MPs

Federal MPs in the House of Representatives and Senate focus on national issues outlined in the Constitution, including:

• Defense and national security
• Foreign affairs and trade
• Immigration and citizenship
• Social security and pensions
• Taxation (major taxes)
• Currency and economic policy

State/Territory MPs

State and territory MPs handle matters that directly affect daily life:

• Healthcare systems and hospitals
• Education and schools
• Public transport
• Roads and infrastructure
• Police and emergency services
• Housing and urban development

While their legislative focuses differ, both types of MPs share similar representative functions and parliamentary procedures. State parliaments generally sit fewer days than federal parliament but may have more immediate impact on local issues.

Electorate Work vs Parliamentary Work

MPs divide their time between parliamentary duties and electorate responsibilities, creating a constant balancing act.

Electorate Work

What many citizens don't realize when considering what does the member of parliament do is the extensive work MPs conduct in their local offices:

• Casework: Helping constituents with specific problems involving government departments (for example, NDIS appeals, visa issues, Centrelink claims)
• Advocacy: Supporting local organizations seeking grants or recognition
• Community consultation: Gathering feedback on proposed legislation or community needs
• Local development: Working with councils and state authorities on infrastructure projects

MPs typically employ several staff members to assist with electorate work, including an office manager, electorate officers, and sometimes policy advisors.

Parliamentary Work

In Parliament House, an MP's responsibilities include:

• Speaking in debates relevant to their electorate or areas of expertise
• Voting on legislation according to constituent interests and party positions
• Participating in committee investigations and hearings
• Meeting with industry groups, NGOs, and other stakeholders
• Networking with colleagues to build support for initiatives

The most effective MPs find ways to connect their parliamentary work to their electorate needs, ensuring local voices influence national decisions.

Do MPs Actually Make Laws?

When people ask what does a politician do, they often wonder about MPs' actual influence on legislation. The reality depends on an MP's position:

Ministers and Cabinet Members

Ministers have significant lawmaking power, responsible for:

• Developing major legislation in their portfolio area
• Working with departments to draft bills
• Guiding legislation through parliament
• Implementing laws through regulations and departmental actions

Backbenchers

Backbenchers (MPs without ministerial positions) have more limited but still important influences:

• Contributing to party policy discussions
• Proposing amendments during committee stages
• Introducing private member's bills (though these rarely pass without government support)
• Using parliamentary speeches to raise issues
• Negotiating with ministers to address electorate concerns in legislation

Crossbench MPs (independents and minor parties) can wield substantial influence in closely divided parliaments, where their votes may determine whether government legislation passes.

The reality of Australia's parliamentary system is that most legislation originates from the executive (Cabinet and ministers) rather than individual MPs. However, backbenchers influence this process through party rooms, committees, and direct negotiation with ministers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Representing Australia's Democracy

Members of Parliament serve as the linchpin of Australia's democratic system. When considering what does the member of parliament do, the answer encompasses everything from high-level lawmaking to helping individual constituents navigate government bureaucracy. While their work is often scrutinized and sometimes criticized, MPs play an essential role in representing citizens' voices and interests in government decision-making.

If you've ever wondered about a career in politics, our guide on how to become a politician in Australia provides a detailed roadmap for getting started. Understanding what MPs do is the first step toward considering whether public service is the right path for you.

Remember that MPs work for their constituents. If you have concerns about legislation, need assistance with government services, or want to express your views on important issues, reaching out to your local member is not just your right—it's a vital part of how our democracy functions.