The Department of the Legislative Council
About us
The Department of the Legislative Council provides procedural, analytical and administrative support services to enable members of the Legislative Council to effectively perform their parliamentary duties. The parliamentary head of the Department is the President of the Legislative Council and the departmental head is the Clerk of the Parliaments.
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Staff of the Department of the Legislative Council
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The President of the Legislative Council (centre) and Clerk of the Parliaments (left) and Deputy Clerk of the Legislative Council (right)
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The Procedure Office
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The Office of the Black Rod
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The Committee Office
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Our values
Department of the Legislative Council staff work together to provide procedural, analytical and administrative support services to members to effectively perform their parliamentary duties.
We seek to:
- Act with integrity
- Strive for excellence
- Respect others
- Champion democracy
- Balance tradition and innovation
Corporate plans and reports
Working in the Legislative Council program 2026
A program is offered to departmental officers who want to gain first-hand experience of the operations of Parliament, in particular the annual Budget Estimates process.
The Office of the Clerk
The Clerk of the Parliaments, also known as the Clerk of the Legislative Council, provides independent expert advice on parliamentary law, practice and procedure to the President, ministers and members of the House.
The Clerk is also responsible to the President for the efficient and effective administration of the Department, and works collaboratively with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and the Chief Executive of the Department of Parliamentary Services in relation to the administration of matters concerning the New South Wales Parliament as a whole.
The Clerk is assisted in the role by the Deputy Clerk.
The Committee Office
The Committee Office provides research, procedural and administrative support to the various committees of the Legislative Council, including standing, select and joint committees. These committees undertake inquiries into a range of issues, including policy and accountability issues.
Each committee inquiry is supported by a number of committee staff who are responsible for keeping the records of the committee, organising the meeting and hearings of committees and preparing the Chair's draft report.
Each year the Committee Office also organises the annual Budget Estimates hearings.
The Committee Office is managed by the Clerk Assistants - Committees.
Contact details
tel: (02) 9230 3081
The Procedure Office
The Procedure Office supports the operation of the House and the procedural, protocol and research needs of members. The responsibilities of this office include:
- preparation for sittings of the House
- the publication of House business papers and updates on proceedings in the House
- maintenance of data bases on legislation, tabled papers, rules and procedures in the House
- provision of research and advice in relation to constitutional, procedural and privilege matters
- delivery of training and professional development programs for members and their staff, departmental officers and public servants
The Procedure Office is managed by the Clerk Assistant - Procedure.
Contact details
tel: (02) 9230 2431
The Office of the Black Rod
The Office of the Black Rod supports the protocol, ceremonial, corporate and engagement responsibilities of the department. The responsibilities of this office include:
- protocol functions as directed by the Usher of the Black Rod including the management of ceremonial events, international delegations, consular visits, security issues, parliamentary room bookings and the Fountain Court exhibition space
- assisting with visitor inquiries, school and community tours and enhancing the Parliament House and the Legislative Council visitor experience
- coordinating various communications, social media, engagement, outreach and training initiatives on behalf of the department
- preparation for sittings of the House and custodianship of the Legislative Council chamber
- supporting the corporate responsibilities of the department
The Office of the Black Rod is managed by the Usher of the Black Rod, also the Clerk Assistant – Office of the Black Rod.
Contact details
tel: (02) 9230 2319
