After twelve months and 12 days, seven Legislative Council Portfolio Committees have finally wrapped up their Inquiry into Budget Estimates 2019-20 and tabled their reports. Take a look at the reports to find out what dominated the discussion of the Budget Estimates hearings and what your ministers and governments had to say in response!
Upper House blog: COVID-19 legislation and orders for papers
The NSW Legislative Council passed three emergency measure bills concerning COVID-19 and agreed to a range of orders for papers motions as the House continued its role in scrutinising the NSW Government.
Committee reports: Building standards, quality and disputes
The Public Accountability has been busy with a number of inquiries. Last week the committee tabled its final report into the regulation of building standards, building quality and building disputes.
Maintaining scrutiny under challenging circumstances – An orders for papers update
During challenging times, it is more important than ever for the Legislative Council to maintain one of its key functions of scrutinising the Executive Government. As our readers are aware, our members routinely use the well-established order for papers process to assist them in this role. In this space it's been business as usual in … Continue reading Maintaining scrutiny under challenging circumstances – An orders for papers update
Committees spotlight: What is a bill inquiry?
Legislative Council committees are looking at more bills than ever before. So what's involved in a bill inquiry, and how does it inform the work of the House? Read today's blog post to find out.
In (virtual) committees
While the House isn't sitting until September, committees are still busy, now with the added flexibility of holding virtual meetings. Read on to find out more.
It’s a total recall… of the House!
When members of the Council need to meet urgently – the real hero is parliamentary procedure!
It’s not a regular adjournment – it’s a special adjournment!
Unique circumstances call for a special adjournment. Read on to find out how this procedure works and how it was used to amend the 2020 parliamentary sitting calendar.
The House in Review – COVID-19 and bushfire relief legislation
The Legislative Council sat on Tuesday 24 March in order to urgently consider two bills regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and a bill to provide relief for people affected by the recent bushfires in NSW.
Budget Estimates: Round three
Ding! Round three of hearings for the Budget Estimates 2019-2020 inquiry is officially underway this week! Find out more in this week's blog post.