In today's blog we take a look at the public health orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of the Legislative Council in scrutinising 'delegated legislation'… What is delegated legislation? Delegated legislation, also known as 'subordinate legislation', is legislation made by the executive government rather than by Parliament, under the authority of an … Continue reading Scrutiny of COVID-19 public health orders
Looking back: Women’s enfranchisement in NSW
Friday 27 August 2021 marked the 119th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote in NSW under the NSW Women's Franchise Act 1902. This was an important step in the enfranchisement of women, however, it was but the first stage in an uphill battle towards women's social and political equality in the state. This … Continue reading Looking back: Women’s enfranchisement in NSW
In the House – Tuesday 14 September 2021
On Tuesday the Legislative Council met for the first time since June, albeit looking a little different than usual! Screens were installed at the rear of the Chamber to allow members to appear remotely, while only a 'quorum' of members were physically present. The sitting lasted for just under an hour, before the President left … Continue reading In the House – Tuesday 14 September 2021
In Committees: Recent reports from the Upper House
Talk about busy! The Legislative Council's committees have released eight inquiry reports over the last several weeks, touching on everything from plastic waste reduction to a particular breed of 'zombies'. Scroll down to find information on each of the new reports, or use the links below if you wish to jump directly to a specific … Continue reading In Committees: Recent reports from the Upper House
Twin Peeks: Meet the Speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, the Hon Patteson Oti
Through the parliamentary twinning program, the NSW Parliament is paired with the parliaments of Solomon Islands and Bougainville. In this edition of Twin Peeks, we feature an interview with the Honourable Patteson Oti, Speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands… Can you give us a quick overview of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands? … Continue reading Twin Peeks: Meet the Speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, the Hon Patteson Oti
(Un)Precedented times in parliament
Although history may not necessarily repeat, in difficult times it can bring us the comfort of repetition. But just how much has the Parliament's response to pandemics changed in the 100 years since the Spanish Flu first arrived on our shores in 1919? Is the response to COVID-19, as Shirley Bassey famously sang, "just a … Continue reading (Un)Precedented times in parliament
Budget Estimates hearings go virtual
The role of the NSW Upper House in holding the government to account continues through COVID, with eight Budget Estimates being held virtually between 18 August and 3 September. Read on for quick overview of these preliminary hearings, and how you can watch. What is Budget Estimates? Each year, the Budget Estimates process allows Upper … Continue reading Budget Estimates hearings go virtual
The Legislative Council in lockdown
The House was due to sit this week, but the August sittings have been postponed to September. What happened and how? And where to from here? THE LONG WINTER (BREAK) With the Delta variant of COVID-19 circulating in Sydney, Parliament was locked down throughout July. The building continues to remain closed to the public, and … Continue reading The Legislative Council in lockdown
Splitting up is hard to do… but the Council manages just fine!
Our blog post for the last sitting week included a comprehensive explanation of the proceedings on the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Local Government Elections) Bill 2021. This week we're taking a closer look at the unusual procedure the House used to divide or 'split' the bill. This is a rare occurrence in the Legislative Council, having … Continue reading Splitting up is hard to do… but the Council manages just fine!
Twin Peeks: A closer look at parliamentary ‘twinning’
Parliamentary twinning is a program that pairs parliaments across the Pacific, but what does that mean in practice? Find out more in this quick overview, as we aim to keep connected to our colleagues in Bougainville and Solomon Islands, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. TWINNING BASICS The twinning program, initiated by the Commonwealth … Continue reading Twin Peeks: A closer look at parliamentary ‘twinning’