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
Break on through to the other side: inviting an Assembly minister into the Council
As promised in our final sitting week blog of 2020, we're back to dissect a unique procedural event that occurred during the marathon debate on the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Bill 2020 – the use of Standing Order 163! What is Standing Order 163 and why is it important? Under the Constitution Act 1902 (NSW), the … Continue reading Break on through to the other side: inviting an Assembly minister into the Council
2020 in the Legislative Council: an unprecedented year
What a year! The stats for 2020 are in and, as with many other parts of life, the year was an unprecedented one for the Legislative Council. Each and every week was notable for both the quantity and diversity of business considered. Interested to see what the Council's work involved? Let's have a closer look…
In the House – Final sitting week of 2020
A marathon all-night sitting, over 250 amendments lodged to one bill and a central constitutional principle is debated – this 'bumper edition' of House in Review dissects a huge final sitting week in the Legislative Council!
In the House – Thursday 19 November 2020
On Thursday, the House debated a number of items, including a motion under Standing Order 163 and a matter of public importance relating to a job plan for Newcastle. Two bills were also debated. Read on for more.
In the House – Wednesday 18 November 2020
On Wednesday, the House debated three bills spanning domestic violence reform, bushfire prevention and management and the funding of ICAC and other independent agencies. The House also agreed to sixteen orders for papers. Read on for more.
In the House – Tuesday 17 November 2020
On Tuesday, the Leader of the Government was required to "attend in his place" to report on the production of documents relating to the Stronger Communities Fund. The Leader of the House also tabled the Budget Papers in preparation for debate on the Appropriation Bills next week. Two bills were also debated and agreed to. Read on for more information.
In the House – 10 to 12 November 2020 – Private members’ business day
It was a busy day on Wednesday, with 21 items of private members' business debated, including seven bills, ten orders for papers and four motions. The House also considered a Remembrance Day motion, following a minute's silence at 11.00am. Read on for more.
In the House – 10 to 12 November 2020 – Part 1: Government business days
It's been a very busy week in the Council – members debated motions to overturn the disallowance of a regulation and to adjudge the Leader of the Government guilty of contempt. This was on top of considering two new sessional orders and passing four bills. Find out more in today's blog.