Opposition Day Debates are a chance for the opposition to choose the subject for debate. These debates are often used by the opposition to weaponize emotive issues. This typically involves using an emotive headline to drive a narrative of division that makes it sound that the opposition is the only party that cares.
It is important to remember that Opposition Day Debates cannot change the law. In practical terms, these votes change nothing – they are just debates. There is then a vote at the end of proceedings, but this is only a vote on a statement and does not change government policy or any laws or legislation.
This intentionally misrepresents Government policy, in a manner that is deliberately designed to cause division, frame headlines for the Opposition Party, and has allowed frontbenchers in the past to use abusive language in the chamber.