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The Speakers' Chair

The Speakers' Chair


The Speakers' Chair has a unique place in the history of the Parliament – it is a chair that has been used by the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly as their Speaker's Chair. 

The Speakers' Chair was first depicted in a watercolour sketch of what is now the Legislative Assembly Chamber in 1853. At that time the Chamber was used by the Legislative Council for sittings, and this was the Legislative Council Speaker's Chair. After the start of the bicameral Parliament in 1856, the Legislative Council's presiding officer became 'the President' and the newly created Legislative Assembly's presiding officer 'the Speaker'. The Chair was then used by the Assembly Speaker during the first sittings of the Legislative Assembly in 1856.​ 

You are welcome to take a seat and a photo on your next visit!

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The Parliament of New South Wales acknowledges and respects the traditional lands of all Aboriginal people, and pays respects to all Elders past and present. We acknowledge the Gadigal people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the Parliament of New South Wales stands.