Wednesday is Private Members' Business day in the House, and usually a very busy day. This Wednesday was no different, with the House agreeing to a referral to the Procedure Committee, along with 10 motions and 11 orders for papers. In the evening, the House granted leave for Mr John Ajaka, former President of the … Continue reading In The House – Wednesday 9 June
In the House – Tuesday 8 June
On the first sitting day in June, the House considered three bills dealing with law enforcement oversight, wage theft and miscellaneous amendments to a number of current NSW Acts. The President also made a statement about the Bicentenary of the Legislative Council in 2023 and the Opposition announced changes to its leadership in the Council. … Continue reading In the House – Tuesday 8 June
In Committees: New inquiry reports shine light on significant issues and bills
Final reports for a number of parliamentary inquiries have been released over the last several weeks, signalling the wrap-up of seven Upper House investigations into significant issues and bills, plus the finalisation of the Budget Estimates inquiries for 2020/21. Read on to learn more, or use the links below to jump straight to the inquiries … Continue reading In Committees: New inquiry reports shine light on significant issues and bills
In the House – Thursday 13 May
On May's final sitting day, bill amendments took centre stage – including the Mandatory Disease Testing Bill, which saw debate on more than 40 amendments, culminating in a division on the third and final reading. Meanwhile, members debated no fewer than 30 amendments to the Local Government Amendment Bill. Earlier in the day, special guests … Continue reading In the House – Thursday 13 May
In the House – Wednesday 12 May
A total of 19 orders for papers were agreed to on Wednesday, on topics ranging from animal research to primary schools. The Leader of the Government also addressed the House about the status of documents relating to the Parramatta Light Rail Project ordered under Standing Order 52. Members then debated a motion relating to trade … Continue reading In the House – Wednesday 12 May
In the House – Tuesday 11 May
On Tuesday, the Council's newest member, the Hon Peter Poulos, was formally sworn in! Members also debated two bills, as well as a censure motion relating to an order for papers regarding Parramatta Light Rail – see below for more. NEW MEMBER SWORN - THE HONOURABLE PETER JOHN POULOS The Honourable Peter Poulos signs the … Continue reading In the House – Tuesday 11 May
In the House – Thursday 6 May
On the last sitting day of the week, a joint sitting with the Legislative Assembly was held, which saw Mr Peter Poulos elected as the newest member of the House. Members also voted to disallow three regulations, as well as debate a matter of public importance, consider two bills and move a condolence motion following … Continue reading In the House – Thursday 6 May
In the House – from Wednesday 24 March to Wednesday 5 May
From the election of President to new bills and debate on an ICAC referral, here's what happened during recent sittings of the Upper House... Wednesday, 24 March and Tuesday, 4 May ELECTION OF THE PRESIDENT On Wednesday 24 March, the Clerk announced the resignation of the Hon John Ajaka as President and called for nominations … Continue reading In the House – from Wednesday 24 March to Wednesday 5 May
A balance to members’ freedom of speech: Citizen’s right of reply
Freedom of speech – the right to freedom of opinion and expression – is a fundamental universal human right. But what does it mean within the parliamentary context? Freedom of speech allows Legislative Council members to speak freely during proceedings in the House or in a committee, without fear of prosecution or being sued for … Continue reading A balance to members’ freedom of speech: Citizen’s right of reply
Paint it black: The Usher of the Black Rod – then and now
More than just a cool title, the Usher of the Black Rod plays a fundamental role in the operation of the Legislative Council in NSW. However we didn't come up with the role, nor are we the only parliament with an 'Usher'. If this intrigues you, let us usher you through a brief history, from … Continue reading Paint it black: The Usher of the Black Rod – then and now