Political Scientist Professor Hamid Ghany Defends Senate President Wade Mark’s Use Of Casting Vote

Political Scientist Professor Hamid Ghany says Senate President Wade Mark’s decision to use his casting vote to break a 15-15 deadlock and pass the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Amendment) Bill, 2026, is consistent with previous deviations in the use of casting votes.

The Senate President cast the deciding vote on Monday night, allowing the legislation to pass 16-15 after all 15 Government Senators voted in favour and the six Opposition and nine Independent Senators voted against it.

In explaining his decision, Mr Mark said he was required to exercise a casting vote in the event of an equality of votes and later told senators there was no settled practice regarding the use of the casting vote in relation to maintaining the status quo.