Posted 29/09/2010 by Janet Wilson
The
House of Representatives Practice, states, on p. 318:
“It has been claimed that the loss of control of the business of the House is a matter over which Governments should resign ... During 1962 and 1963, when the Menzies Government had a floor majority of one, it suffered a number of defeats and, although it did not resign, its precarious majority was a factor which led to the early dissolution of the House.“
The votes lost by the Government in 1962 were:
• A closure motion on
21 August 1962 (Votes and Proceedings, p. 194)
• A closure motion on
3 October 1962 (Votes and Proceedings, p. 217)
• Opposition’s dissent from Chairman’s ruling on
27 November 1962 (Votes and Proceedings, p. 307-8)
• An Opposition amendment to the Repatriation (Special Overseas
Service) Bill 1962 on
5 December 1962 (Votes and Proceedings, p. 348-9)
In addition, five votes were lost by the newly-commissioned caretaker government on
11 November 1975. These were motions to adjourn, to suspend standing orders, to close the debate (twice) and a want of confidence motion moved by former Prime Minister Whitlam.
The
House of Representatives Practice, provides further information on want of confidence and censure motions.