President
- 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.
- Assist visitors to Parliament House.
- Are supervised by the Usher of the Black Rod.