Category: Legislative Council

You might remember parliamentary twinning as the program that pairs parliaments across the Pacific, which we've been exploring through our ongoing 'Twin Peeks' series. Last December, Twin Peeks introduced Ruby Garnean, a senior Procedure Officer in the Bougainville House of Representatives. Now meet her colleague, Deputy Clerk Peter Topura, who feels a deep commitment to … Continue reading Twin Peeks: Meet the Deputy Clerk of the Bougainville House of Representatives, Peter Topura

Thursday's sitting saw a number of significant events take place: the House farewelled long-serving Greens member David Shoebridge; the Procedure Committee tabled its recommended new standing orders for the House following only the fourth full review in 166 years; and the House commenced debate on the Roads and Crimes Legislation Bill... which in turn, at … Continue reading In the House – Thursday 31 March and Friday 1 April 2022

Wednesday was jam-packed with a variety of private members' business, including further debate on the high profile Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill and other proposed legislation, the introduction of a new bill, and debate on various motions. Of course the House also dealt with a number of orders for papers, but also begun debate regarding the … Continue reading In the House – Wednesday 30 March 2022

The sitting week commenced with a government business day that saw new member the Hon Chris Rath sworn in, additional Budget Estimates hearings agreed to, and debate on bills regarding motor sports and major events, the regulation of tattoo parlours, and the creation of the Greater Cities Commission. Find out more in today's blog... NEW … Continue reading In the House – Tuesday 29 March 2022

The House was all systems go on Thursday – a Minister was called to give a special explanation to the House, a new member was elected, a new office holder appointed, a first speech given, the flood emergency was debated and a bill establishing the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust was passed following a contentious committee … Continue reading In the House – Thursday 24 March 2022

Wednesday was private members' day – and as usual, the House utilised the opportunity to consider a variety of business. Three bills were debated, seven orders for papers were agreed to, and five general motions were discussed. Sadly, we were also advised of the Hon Don Harwin's resignation following 23 years of service to the … Continue reading In the House – Wednesday 23 March 2022

The first March sitting week started with some milestone moments – the election of a new Deputy President, and a farewell to long-serving member and former President and minister the Hon Don Harwin. The House also agreed to two bills and agreed to a model for an Independent Compliance Officer. Keep reading for all the … Continue reading In the House – Tuesday 22 March 2022

Rounding out the first sitting week for 2022, Thursday began with a joint sitting with the Legislative Assembly, where a new member of the Legislative Council was elected. The House then went on debate a disallowance motion concerning floodplain harvesting, discuss school performance measures as a matter of public importance, and pass two bills. Read … Continue reading In the House – Thursday 24 February 2022

The first private members' day of 2022 was legislation-packed, with the introduction of a bill to enable eligible people with a terminal illness to access voluntary assisted dying, and the House debating a further three bills. In committee of the whole, members also considered a message from the Legislative Assembly regarding its amendments to a … Continue reading In the House – Wednesday 23 February 2022

While our Upper House committees have been busy since January, this Tuesday members headed back to the chamber for the first sitting day of 2022. A government business day, there were a number of general motions and announcements, as well as the passage of two bills. Before we get stuck into the recap, a quick … Continue reading In the House – Tuesday 22 February 2022