Confidence is about who can govern
In Australia's system of responsible government, a government must be able to command the confidence of the House of Representatives. Confidence is fundamentally about whether a majority of members supports the government remaining in office.
A party or coalition can form government without holding a majority of seats on its own if enough independents or minor-party members provide the support needed on confidence. This is commonly described as minority government.
Supply is about authority to spend
Supply refers to appropriation legislation that authorises public spending needed for government operations. Confidence and supply are often discussed together because losing either can raise serious questions about a government's ability to continue governing.
Supply does not mean every government spending proposal must receive unconditional support. Parliamentary consideration of appropriations still occurs under constitutional and procedural rules.
Support can be limited
A crossbench member who agrees to support a minority government on confidence and supply can still vote against government legislation on other issues. Agreements can specify consultation arrangements or policy commitments, but they do not transform an independent member into a government party member.
That is why a minority government can survive comfortably while still losing individual legislative votes or negotiating amendments bill by bill.
No-confidence votes
A formal no-confidence motion is one clear way the House can test whether the government retains support. Political confidence can also be demonstrated through other proceedings, depending on circumstances and parliamentary practice.
Because confidence concerns the House of Representatives, a defeat in the Senate does not by itself mean the government has lost the confidence required to remain in office.
How to read a close Parliament
When no party controls a majority, focus on written support agreements, public statements from crossbenchers and actual House votes rather than assuming every independent belongs to one bloc. Different crossbench members may support government formation for different reasons.
Also separate the question 'who can form government?' from 'can this bill pass?'. The first turns on confidence in the House; the second may depend on a different coalition of votes and, for legislation, often on the Senate as well.
Primary sources and further reading
We use authoritative Australian institutions as the starting point for this explainer. Follow these links for the underlying rules, official guidance and current details.