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  • The Legislative Assembly meets on 16/04/2024 (01:00 PM)
    Assembly sit 16/04/2024
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    Council sit 16/04/2024
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    Committee meet 08/04/2024

Frequently Asked Questions by Students

 

Legislative Council Chamber Drawing

Legislative Assembly Chamber Drawing

Who is the Parliament in Western Australia?

The Parliament in Western Australia is made up of the Governor (but not resident in Parliament House), the 95 elected politicians (36 Legislative Council members & 59 Legislative Assembly members) and the official staff of each House which includes the Clerks, Officers and attendants.

What is the Mace used for?

The Mace is the symbol of authority of the Legislative Assembly and is the ensign of the Speaker’s Office. It rests on the Table of the House when the House is in session and the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, or an Acting Speaker is in the Chair.

What is the Mace made of and what did it cost?

The Mace is made of silver with gold plate and cost £70 when made in 1887.

Are there set times for members to speak in the chamber?

Most speeches by members are subject to time limits. Digital clocks above the doors on each side of the chamber count down the amount of speaking time remaining.

What is the sand-glass used for?

When a division is called, i.e. a physical count of members voting for or against a motion, bells are rung and members not present in the chamber are allowed two minutes to return for the count. The sand-glass measures the two minutes.

Who sits at the Clerks’ Table (immediately in front of the Speaker) in the Legislative Assembly?

For the most part, the people who sit at this table are referred to collectively as The Clerks-at-the-Table. They include the Clerk of the House, the Deputy Clerk and Clerk Assistants. They are non-elected officials who advise on procedural matters and are responsible for administrative matters in the House. However, during the consideration in detail stage of a bill, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, or an Acting Speaker presides over proceedings from the centre seat at this table.

In the Legislative Council, who sits at the table immediately in front of the President?

Again, the people who usually sit at this table are referred to as The Clerks-at-the-Table and in this case include the Clerk of the House, and the Deputy Clerk and Usher of the Black Rod. During the Committee of the Whole House stage of a bill, the Chairman of Committees, or a Deputy Chairman of Committees presides over proceedings from the centre seat at this table.

Who sits at the table in front of the Clerks’ Table (the table with the two chairs)?

The Hansard reporters sit here. They work in 10-minute relays to record everything said in speeches, debates and Question Time.

What are the uses of the Table of the House (the table with four chairs adjoining the Hansard reporters’ table)?

If a document is tabled in the chamber, it is laid on this table. When this occurs, the document is covered by Parliamentary Privilege. In the Legislative Assembly, the Mace rests on the Table of the House at the appropriate times (see above). During the consideration in detail or the Committee of the Whole House stages of a bill, the minister who introduced the bill, and his/her advisers may sit at the Table of the House.

What are the benches in the Speaker’s/President’s gallery for?

The benches inside the entrance to the chamber (opposite the Speaker/President’s chair) are for the use of guests of the Speaker/President, for example, distinguished visitors, members' guests, officials, and individuals called to assist in matters before the House.

When did Australian Aboriginal people first get the vote?

Australian Aboriginal people won full franchise rights in 1962.

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