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The Role of Members of Parliament
How Members are Elected
- Legislative Assembly Members are elected for 4 years and represent people of a particular electorate. They have the acronym 'MP' after their names.
- Legislative Council Members are elected for 8 years and represent the State of NSW as a whole rather than particular electorates. They have the acronym 'MLC' after their names.
What Members Do
The work of Members includes much more than debate in the Chamber or serving on Parliamentary Committees. 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, and
- attend functions and speak to groups, clubs or organisations.
Some Members also have special responsibilities such as being a Minister or Shadow (Opposition) Minister of a portfolio (eg: the environment), or have special responsibilities within their party.
Who are Members of Parliament?
Members are politicians elected to the Parliament by the people of NSW either as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (Lower House) or the Legislative Council (Upper House). Legislative Assembly Members are elected for 4 years and they represent people of a particular electorate. Legislative Council Members are elected for 8 years and they represent the State of NSW as a whole rather than particular electorates.
Members of the Legislative Assembly have the acronym MP after their names. Members of the Legislative Council have the acronym MLC after their names.
Last modified 28/02/2008 14:50:33 : Update this page