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The major party, or coalition of parties in parliament, which has the next highest number of seats. The opposition forms a shadow cabinet that mirrors the structure of the government and holds it to account. The leader of the opposition is the most prominent critic of the Prime Minister and is regarded as the alternative government-in-waiting.

The protection that allows a member of parliament to say anything while in the chamber without fear of prosecution for defamation or slander. Parliamentary privilege also extends to witnesses appearing before committees. It exists to ensure that members can speak freely in the public interest, though statements made outside parliament do not carry the same protection.

A method of voting that allows eligible electors to cast their ballot by mail rather than attending a polling place in person on election day. Voters must apply for a postal vote, after which ballot papers are sent to them to complete and return before the close of counting. Postal voting is available to people who are unable to attend a polling place due to illness, disability, distance, religious observance, or other accepted reasons. In Australian federal elections, applications are managed by the Australian Electoral Commission.

A voting system whereby voters are required to rank candidates in order of preference rather than simply picking one. If no candidate wins an outright majority of first-preference votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their preferences are distributed to remaining candidates. This process continues until one candidate holds a majority.

The leader of the parliamentary majority party and the chief minister in a state government. Each of Australia's six states has a Premier. The equivalent role in the territories is called Chief Minister. Premiers lead state cabinets and are responsible for the administration of state government.

The internal process by which a political party chooses its candidates for an election — typically decided by local branch members or a central committee. Winning preselection for a safe seat is often more consequential than winning the election itself, as it effectively guarantees the candidate a seat in parliament.

The head of the federal government and leader of the party or coalition holding a majority in the House of Representatives. The Prime Minister chairs cabinet, sets the government's agenda, represents Australia internationally, and advises the Governor-General on constitutional matters. The role is established by convention rather than the Constitution.

A system of voting designed to elect representatives in proportion to the amount of support each receives from the electorate. This system is used to elect senators at the federal level and members of most state upper houses. It tends to produce more diverse outcomes than preferential voting, giving minor parties and independents a realistic chance of winning seats.

A set, daily period of time in parliament providing an opportunity for members to ask questions of ministers without notice, concerning their portfolios. Question Time is one of the most visible and combative parts of the parliamentary day, regularly reported by the media. Questions may come from both government and opposition members, though opposition questions tend to be more adversarial.

The minimum number of members that must be present for parliament to conduct its business and make valid decisions. If a quorum is not present, business cannot proceed and a bell is rung to summon members to the chamber. Quorum requirements vary between houses and jurisdictions.