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
In Committees: new reports tabled
Four new reports have been published by our Upper House committees in recent weeks, detailing inquiry findings and recommendations relating to cyber security, the remediation of coal ash dam sites, government grants and new dams and water infrastructure in NSW. Read on for more… CYBER SECURITY THE INQUIRY: This inquiry of the Premier and Finance … Continue reading In Committees: new reports tabled
In the House – Tuesday 23 March 2021
Along with being the last day of the Hon John Ajaka's term as President of the Legislative Council, Tuesday saw two bills agreed to by the Council – one relating to government grants and the other to extend certain COVID-19 measures. We also have an update on the non-compliance with order for papers from last … Continue reading In the House – Tuesday 23 March 2021
In the House – Thursday 18 March 2021
From a censure to the passage of bills, read on for a recap of what happened in the Legislative Council on Thursday, 18 March A return to Government business on Thursday saw the passage of two bills, relating to increased penalties for animal cruelty offences and COVID-19 pandemic arrangements, as well as a new sessional … Continue reading In the House – Thursday 18 March 2021
In the House – Wednesday 17 March 2021
Take a look back at the key things to happen in the House on private members' day on Wednesday, 17 March... It was another jam-packed private members' day, with a number of interesting procedural matters up for discussion. There was debate on the rules governing the election of President of the Legislative Council, as well … Continue reading In the House – Wednesday 17 March 2021
In the House – Tuesday 16 March 2021
Here's what happened during a legislation-packed day in the House... On Tuesday, the Leader of the Government was required to 'attend in his place' to explain why the Modern Slavery Act 2018 had not been commenced. The House also agreed to two bills relating to community land development and management, and another relating to marine … Continue reading In the House – Tuesday 16 March 2021