Whip (politics)

In politics, a whip is a member of a political party in a legislature whose task is to ensure that members of the party attend and vote as the party leadership desires. The term originated in the Parliament of the United Kingdom and derives from the "whipper-in" at a fox hunt. Whip is also used to mean the voting instructions issued to members by the Whip.

Whip in Australian politics

In the Parliament of Australia and in the Parliaments of the six states and two self-governing territories, all the political parties have whips to ensure party discipline and carry out a variety of other functions on behalf of the party leadership. The most important function of the whips' office is to ensure that all Members and Senators are present to take part in votes in the Chamber. Unlike in the United Kingdom Parliament, government whips do not hold official office, but they are recognised for parliamentary purposes and enjoy certain privileges in the Chamber. The Speaker adresses them as "Chief Government Whip" and "Chief Opposition Whip."

Related Topics:
Parliament of Australia - Speaker

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In the House of Representatives, the Chief Government Whip is Kerry Bartlett and the Chief Opposition Whip is Roger Price. The Government Whips are appointed by the Prime Minister in his capacity as Leader of the Liberal Party (that is, they are party appointments not government appointments). The Opposition Whips are elected by the Australian Labor Party Caucus. Each Chief Whip is assisted by two Deputy Whips. On the government side one of the Deputy Whips is always the National Party whip, currently John Forrest.

Related Topics:
House of Representatives - Kerry Bartlett - Roger Price - Liberal Party - Australian Labor Party - Caucus - National Party - John Forrest

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In the Senate the Government Whip is Senator Jeannie Ferris and the Opposition Whip is Senator George Campbell.

Related Topics:
Senate - Jeannie Ferris - George Campbell

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Similar arrangements exist in the state and territory Parliaments.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~