When does a Member who does not recontest their seat at the next election effectively retire? Is it at the dissolution of the House?

Thanks for your question.

Yes, you’re right! A member of the House of Representatives who does not recontest –  seek re-election – a federal election ceases to be a member from the date of the dissolution of the House. Dissolution refers to the act of closing the House of Representatives prior to calling a federal election.

A white hand is putting a green piece of paper in a white box labelled 'House of Representatives/GREEN/Ballot Papers'

Casting a vote for the House of Representatives.

Australian Electoral Commission

Casting a vote for the House of Representatives.

A white hand is putting a green piece of paper in a white box labelled 'House of Representatives/GREEN/Ballot Papers'

Australian Electoral Commission

Description

A green ballot paper is put into a ballot box labelled 'House of Representatives/GREEN/Ballot Papers'.