What does an MP do?

A Member of Parliament (MP) represents about 110,000 people in an electorate. Their job splits three ways:

1. In Parliament

• Debate and vote on bills.
• Sit on committees that scrutinise laws and question public servants.
• Ask questions of ministers during Question Time.

2. In the electorate

• Run a local office where constituents can raise problems with Centrelink, Medicare, immigration, veterans' affairs and other federal agencies.
• Attend community events, listen to residents, advocate for local funding.

3. In their party

• Attend party room meetings and vote on party positions.
• Support the leader — or occasionally challenge them.

MPs are not lawyers or judges. They can raise your case with a department, but they cannot override court decisions or change how a law is applied to you personally.

Sources: Parliamentary Education Office, aph.gov.au — Role of a Member.