The Speaker's Role
The speaker has three roles: being the independent and impartial representative of the Legislative Assembly on constitutional matters, representing the institute of the NSW Parliament, and overseeing the operation of the Parliament alongside the President of the Legislative Council.
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The Speaker delivering his first speech at the Opening of the 58th Parliament, 9 May 2023
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Constitutional Role: Legislative Assembly's independent and impartial representative
Section 31 of the NSW Constitution Act 1902 stipulates that the Legislative Assembly shall elect one of their members as the Speaker, who is 'the Presiding Officer of the Legislative Assembly and is recognised as its independent and impartial representative'.
When the Legislative Assembly is sitting, the Speaker presides over the proceedings to maintain order, put questions after debate and conduct divisions. In maintaining order, the Speaker interprets and applies the Standing Orders and practice of the House by making rulings and decisions. The Speaker's decisions are, however, subject to the will of the House exercised through a motion of dissent.
When the Speaker is not presiding, he or she may take part in any debate or discussion or vote on any question before the Legislative Assembly. During the 58th Parliament, Speaker Greg Piper initiated a Private Member's Bill of his own which was subsequently passed by both Houses in a rare event recorded in March 2024.
Members of the NSW Legislative Assembly who resign do so to the Speaker as part of his constitutional duty. Under section 70 of the Parliamentary Electorates and Elections Act 1912, the Speaker issues writs to fill vacancies caused by anything other than a general election.
Did you know…
The Speaker holds office from the date of election, during the period of dissolution to the election of a successor.
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Representing NSW Parliament
Another important function of the Speaker is to perform various duties relating to visits from foreign Heads of State, receive foreign delegations, lead parliamentary delegations overseas and represent the Assembly at various national and international conferences.
Overseeing the operation of the Parliament
The Speaker also has extensive administrative functions, being responsible (alongside the President of the Legislative Council) for the overall direction of the Parliament. In this, the Presiding Officers are advised by the Clerks of both Houses and the Executive Manager of the Department of Parliamentary Services.
The Speaker is solely responsible for the operation of the Department of the Legislative Assembly.
History of the Speaker's role
The office of Speaker dates back more than 800 years to 14th-century England. In medieval times, the Speaker was known as Parlour (mouth), Prolocutor (chairman) or Procurator (agent). Each of these terms signify a person who acted as a spokesperson or mouthpiece – a 'Speaker' – who would communicate with the King or Queen on behalf of the House of Commons. It could be a dangerous job – if the monarch did not agree with a message being communicated, then imprisonment, expulsion, or even execution potentially awaited. Hence the tradition of the elected Speaker being reluctantly 'dragged' to the chair.
Sir Thomas More (1477 – 1535) was a famous English Speaker of the House of Commons and the only Speaker to be both beheaded and made a saint, although the latter came 400 years after the former! He is the patron saint of politicians and statesmen. A statue of Sir Thomas More is currently located in the Speaker's Garden as a reminder to current and future Speakers of the importance and responsibility of the role.
You can learn more about the history of the NSW Parliament here .
