Parliament is the
legislative arm of the three elements in the system of government. The other two are the
executive (the Cabinet) and the
judiciary (judges and courts). Each has separate functions and acts to balance the power of the others.
The
Parliament of New South Wales is
the law-making body for the State of
New South Wales, directly elected by the people to make state laws, control state finances, and discuss matters of importance to the people of New South Wales. It consists of two democratically elected Houses the
Legislative Assembly and the
Legislative Council.
Parliamentary elections determine the
State Government which is formed by the party with majority support in the Lower House.
The State Premier and Ministers (the Cabinet) develop policy and carry out the laws through government departments. They remain members of Parliament and are
responsible to it.
