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’
Under scrutiny: Reflecting on the power of review in the Upper House
The Legislative Council is known as the 'House of Review', and the exercise of its 'review' function – and in particular the volume of activity in this space – is setting the 57th Parliament apart from ones that have come before. Let's take a look at how the Council's powers of scrutiny have been used … Continue reading Under scrutiny: Reflecting on the power of review in the Upper House
In The House – Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 June
It's Budget week! Did you catch our explainer on the budget process and appropriation bills? We've packaged all our commentary into one for this week, as arrangements relating to the Budget and a covid outbreak in Sydney saw the sittings condense for the week. Read more below!
Explainer: Budget Week and the annual appropriation bills
It's Budget Week! While most people have heard of the Budget, the key pieces of legislation contained within it – the annual appropriation bills – are less often discussed. This explainer looks at what exactly these bills are, their role, and the options available to the Legislative Council during its consideration of these bills. What … Continue reading Explainer: Budget Week and the annual appropriation bills
In The House – Thursday 10 June
The final day of June's first sitting week, Thursday involved the passage of two bills, the introduction of a third, and debate on a range of matters - from a regulation concerning the burning of native forest bio-materials, to the Government's energy program, which was debated as a matter of public importance. A message from … Continue reading In The House – Thursday 10 June
In The House – Wednesday 9 June
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