Presides over the debates of the Legislative Council.
Is elected by Members of the Legislative Council.
Keeps order in the Legislative Council.
Understands the rules (Standing Orders) and procedures and ensures that they are followed to preserve order.
Does not take part in debates.
Calls Members who wish to speak or ask questions.
Puts the questions on which Members vote, and announces the results of each vote.
Acts as Chairperson of Committee of the Whole and sits in the Chair at the Table between the Clerks when Bills are considered in detail and amendments made.
Once elected may continue to be an active member of a political party, but is expected to be fair to all members whatever party or group to which they may belong.
Sits in the President’s Chair.
Members
Represent the whole State as the Electorate.
Are elected for eight year terms.
Are usually a member of a Political Party.
Speak in debates, ask questions, present petitions and take part in votes.
Raise issues of concern affecting people within the State.
Examine Bills and may move amendments to Bills.
Move motions for debate.
Are usually members of one or more committees.
Leader
Is the chief representative of the Government in the Legislative Council.
Is also a senior Minister.
Is responsible for the organisation of Government Business in the Legislative Council.
Takes a major part in debates.
Sits to the President’s right, opposite the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council.
Leader of the Opposition
Is the chief representative of the Opposition in the Legislative Council.
Is a senior member of the Opposition ‘Shadow Ministry’.
Is responsible for the presentation of the Opposition’s views in the Legislative Council.
Takes a major part in debates and in asking questions.
Sits to the President’s left, opposite the Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.
Clerk of the Legislative Council
Gives procedural advice based on Standing Orders, procedures and practices of the Legislative Council to the President, Ministers and Members.
Compiles and has the custody of the official records of the business of the Legislative Council.
Calls items of business, reads titles of bills and announces petitions.
Rings the bells for divisions.
Is responsible for the administration of the Legislative Council and its Committees.
Is appointed to the position after many years of experience.
Sits at the Table, on the right hand side of the President.
Wears the traditional dress of a gown.
Is assisted by a Deputy Clerk and the Clerk-Assistant.
Usher of the Black Rod
Escorts the Governor (the Queen’s representative) during the Opening of Parliament.
Carries the Black Rod which rests on the Table and is a symbol of the authority of the Crown.
By direction of the President keeps order in the Chamber and the Public Galleries.
Is responsible for security of Members and visitors.
Is a member of the Legislative Council Staff.
Messengers
Deliver messages to and from Members.
Prepare the Council at the beginning of the day.
Distribute Bills and other documents in the Chamber and to offices.
