thehouseinreview Community, Legislative Council, Privilege and Procedure

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

thehouseinreview Privilege and Procedure

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

thehouseinreview Committees, Legislative Council, Portfolio Committee No. 1 - Premier and Finance, Portfolio Committee No. 7 - Planning and Environment, Public Accountability, Public Works

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

thehouseinreview Legislative Council, Private members' business

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

thehouseinreview Legislative Council

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

thehouseinreview Legislative Council

International Women’s Day 2021: A focus on leadership and participation

This International Women's Day, get to know just some of the women who are part of the Legislative Council, playing an important role in the making and passing of New South Wales legislation, and in holding the Government to account Established by the UN, the theme for International Women's Day 2021 (March 8) is Women … Continue reading International Women’s Day 2021: A focus on leadership and participation

thehouseinreview Legislative Council, Private members' business

In the House – Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 February 2021

Things were a little different this sitting week, with private members' business taking centre stage over two consecutive days. Here's what happened... Wednesday, 17 February In short: On Wednesday, the House agreed to a motion indicating its disagreement with the Legislative Assembly's transmission of the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2020 to the Governor for assent, notwithstanding … Continue reading In the House – Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 February 2021