Landmark exhibition chronicles 200 years of the Legislative Council of NSW
Download the media release29 October 2024
The Parliament of NSW offers an enlightening look into the history and impact of Australia’s oldest legislative body in a new exhibition unveiled to mark the Bicentenary of the Legislative Council.
Following the official launch event at NSW Parliament in the presence of His Majesty King Charles III on 20 October, Legacy & Evolution – 200 Years of the NSW Legislative Council is now open to the public. The free exhibition runs until January 2025 in NSW Parliament’s Fountain Court and Reconciliation Wall space.
The exhibition explores the role of the Upper House in shaping the history of the State of NSW – but equally, how the Council has adapted and evolved to reflect the community it represents.
The landmark exhibition charts the Council’s evolution over two centuries, tracing its journey from humble beginnings as an appointed five-member advisory group through to the robust and representative democratic institution that it is today.
“Legacy & Evolution represents a true highlight of our Bicentenary program, offering unique insights and stories from the first 200 years of democracy in NSW, as we look toward the future,” said the Hon Ben Franklin MLC, President of the Legislative Council.
“This exhibition is one of the many ways we’re telling the story of the NSW Upper House, sharing how the Council works and how it has evolved to reflect the very people it represents.”
Pivotal moments in both parliamentary and State history, people, legislation and untold stories are explored across five distinct themes:
- The constitutional evolution of the Council
- The protocol and traditions of the Council
- The powers and privileges that support the Council as a House of Review
- The representative evolution of the Council
- The Parliament’s relationship with the Aboriginal people of NSW
Catering to a broad range of ages and levels of parliamentary knowledge, stories are brought to life by a range of fascinating historical artefacts and images from deep within parliamentary, national and international archives and libraries. The collection offers insights into the Council’s democratic processes, changing roles, surprising facts and curious customs.