Election The process for choosing the Speaker is set down in detail in the standing orders of the House. These provide for the Speaker to be elected by Members, if the election is contested, by secret ballot. The Speaker is elected for the duration of a Parliament. In practice the office of Speaker is normally filled by the nominee of the governing party or parties. The Speaker remains a member of his or her political party, and may choose to attend party meetings.
Speakers also take part in election campaigns.
On taking office the Speaker continues to carry out his or her duties as an ordinary Member of Parliament and retains an 'electorate role' of representing and assisting constituents. Title A Member elected Speaker is entitled, while Speaker, to the title 'Honourable', which, with the approval of the Sovereign, may be retained for life. This privilege is usually only given to those who have served as Speaker for three years or more. In the Chamber and for ceremonial occasions the Speaker may wear a black gown. Traditionally, Speakers from the non-Labor parties have worn the formal dress but Speakers from the Australian Labor Party have not done so.