The new Parliament's first bill was passed and the first committee report tabled. Debate on the Address-in-Reply to the Governor's speech continued, two new members gave their first speech and an Assembly bill was declared urgent.
In the House – Tuesday 28 May
Membership of committees confirmed, two new members sworn in, first speeches given by three new members, and the first referral of a bill in this Parliament to a committee.
The House Last Week – 20-22 November 2018
In the final sitting week of the 56th Parliament before the March 2019 State election, the Legislative Council completed all government legislation on the books and farewelled members who will not be returning next year.
In the House – Thursday 15 November 2018
On the day set aside for private members' business, the Council considered the reuse of graves after 25 years, cleaning up the air around coal-fired power stations and the battle-lines for the next State election. The House also briefly continued debate on "Zoe's Law" bill.
In the House – Tuesday 13 November 2018
Legislation on reproductive technology, the Mental Health Commission, a residential college at Sydney University and the ways the Government may purchase goods and services was passed by the Council on Tuesday. The first day of the second last sitting week also saw the first farewell speech from one of a number of members who will not be returning in the next parliament.
In the House – Thursday 21 June 2018
The House finished the week by again considering the Government’s compliance with orders for papers, and the House’s powers to compel the production of these documents – in particular Cabinet documents. The House also agreed to Assembly amendments to the Modern Slavery Bill 2018 introduced by Mr Green (Christian Democratic Party). This is the second time this Parliament that a private members’ bill originating in the Council has been agreed to by the Assembly. Several other items of private members’ business were considered, before the House finished the day by agreeing to the budget bills and returning them to the Assembly without amendment. The House stands adjourned to Tuesday 14 August 2018.
In the House – Tuesday 22 May 2018
The week started with Ministers Harwin and Blair giving notice of four new government bills, which are expected to be introduced this week. The House agreed to two government bills introduced in the Council the previous week: the Road Transport Legislation Miscellaneous Amendment Bill 2018 and the Health Legislation Amendment Bill (No 2) 2018. The bills are now with the Assembly for consideration. The House was also informed of the receipt of the report of the Independent Legal Arbiter on a disputed claim of privilege concerning certain documents produced last month relating to Sydney Stadiums. The report is available for inspection by members of the Legislative Council.
In the House – Thursday 17 May 2018
Thursday was a busy day for private members’ business in the Council. Two bills were introduced, debate commenced on two motions and the House agreed to order the production of papers relating to the Tune report on the out-of-home-care system. The House also voted to amend its proposed order of business to prioritise debate on the establishment of a new select committee, which was ultimately agreed to.
In the House – Wednesday 16 May 2018
On Wednesday the House returned two government bills to the Legislative Assembly without amendment. One of these bills was the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (Commonwealth Powers) Bill 2018, making New South Wales the first jurisdiction to ‘sign up’ to the national redress scheme. A further two government bills were introduced and debate was adjourned for five calendar days.