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.