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Members of the Legislative Council
For details of individual current Members, including contacts, see Members of Parliament.
There are 42 Members of the Legislative Council elected to represent the approximately 6,640,000 citizens of New South Wales. This page takes a look at the roles and responsibilities of Legislative Council Members, and the process by which they are elected.
Election of a Member
Members of the Legislative Council are elected for a term of eight years. One-half of the house (ie: 21 Members) are elected at each general election for the Legislative Assembly, which occurs every 4 years.
Unlike members in the Legislative Assembly, who each represent the voters of a particular electorate, members of the Legislative Council are elected by all voters with the whole State as one electorate. They therefore represent all the people of New South Wales. The system of election for the Legislative Council is known as proportional representation. Members are elected in proportion to votes received after the distribution of preferences.
Members’ Profile
Members of the Legislative Council may belong to the government party, to one of the major opposition parties, to a minor party, or be independent. Members from minor parties and independents are known as cross bench members, a term which refers to the location of the benches where they sit in the Legisaltive Council chamber. There tends to be more cross-bench members in the Legislative Council than in the Legislative Assembly, because of the different voting systems used to elect the Members of each House.
Members have a wide range of political, social and personal interests reflecting the interests and cultural backgrounds of New South Wales people. There are Members from all walks of life, including lawyers, teachers, pharmacists, union officials, trades people, doctors, architects, farmers, parents, environmentalists, police officers and retailers.
Members may also be government Ministers (responsible for particular government portfolios) or opposition Shadow Ministers (who follow or "shadow", the areas of responsibility of particular government Ministers).
In the Chamber
Discussion, speeches, debate, question time and voting make up a typical day of business in the Chamber when the House is sitting. The work in the chamber is structured to make sure that the passing of the legislation is a matter of public record.
When the Legislative Council is in session, Members:
- initiate, debate and vote on bills (i.e. proposed laws)
- ask government Ministers questions relating to their administrative responsibilities (at Question time)
- present petitions to the House on behalf of citizens
- ask the House or the government to take action on particular issues by 'moving a motion'
- make statements to the House regarding issues of public concern
Most bills and motions are initiated by government Ministers. However, one day each week is set aside for Private Member’s business. On this day, Members who are not Ministers have the opportunity to introduce their own bills and motions. This can also occur on other days but special procedures are required.
Outside the Chamber
The work of Members continues outside the Chamber. They make representations to Ministers and officials of Government departments on issues affecting the people of NSW. Sometimes these issues may affect only a small group with a particular interest. At other times the issue may affect people across the whole state, for instance a drought or an industrial dispute.
They also:
- consult on issues under review by the Committees or before voting on Bills (legislation),
- bring issues to the attention of the media and make public statements to express their opinions,
- manage their office and research staff,
- attend functions and speak to groups, clubs or organisations, and
- try to assist citizens and organisations in their dealings with government.
Working on Committees
An important part of the role of Members is working on parliamentary committees. Committees are appointed by one or both of the Houses to inquire into particular issues. Committees allow Members to examine issues in more detail, and with more public input, than if the matter was considered by the House as a whole.
When a committee receives an inquiry, it usually conducts background research and calls for written submissions from relevant experts in the field, and the wider community. After this, the committee will hold public hearings, where Members of the committee can speak directly to people about matters relevant to the inquiry.
Viewing a sitting
Members of the public can view the Members at work in the Chamber.
The Chamber is open on sitting days, normally Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of Parliamentary sessions. Sometimes the House will also sit on a Monday and Friday. Sittings commence at the following times:
- Monday from 11 am, Question time at 4 pm if applicable
- Tuesday from 2.30 pm, Question time at 4 pm
- Wednesday from 11 am, Question time at 12 midday
- Thursday from 11 am, Question time at 12 midday
- Friday from 11 am, Question time at 12 midday if applicable.
The dates of sitting days are published on the home page of this website, are displayed in the foyer, and can be confirmed by ringing the Legislative Council Attendants on 9230 2319.
The public can view the proceedings from the galleries. There is no need to make a booking. Wheelchair access can be arranged through the Legislative Council Attendants' desk on 9230 2319.
Proceedings are also webcast.
Contacting a Member
You may wish to contact a Member on various issues of importance or interest to you. Members can help resolve problems, present petitions or seek information.
Members' contact details and descriptions of their particular interests and portfolios can be found in the 'Members' section of this website.
Members' Code of Conduct
The Legislative Council has adopted a code of conduct for its Members for the purposes of section 9 of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988. The Privileges Committee is required to review the code of conduct at least once in each period of two years (s. 72C(6), Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988).
The Preamble to the Code of Conduct states that: "Members of Parliament recognise that they are in a unique position of being responsible to the electorate. The electorate is the final arbiter of the conduct of Members of Parliament and has the right to dismiss them from office at regular elections.
Members of Parliament accordingly acknowledge their responsibility to maintain the public trust placed in them by performing their duties with honesty, integrity, respecting the law and institution of the Parliament, and using their influence to advance the common good of the people of New South Wales".
To download a copy of the Code of Conduct see "Members' Code of conduct" under Publications produced by the NSW Legislative Council.
Principal Contact:
Mr David Blunt
Clerk to the Privileges Committee
(02) 9230 2323
Mr Stephen Frappell
Director - Procedure
(02) 9230 3594
Members' Guide
This Guide provides information to Members of the Legislative Council on their salaries, allowances and entitlements as a member of Parliament. The guide also covers staffing matters, equipment and facilities, pecuniary interests, ethics, and services of the Parliament.
Last modified 21/02/2008 18:12:00 : Update this page