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The Legislative Council is the Upper House of NSW Parliament. We're sometimes called 'the house of review' because of the role we play in scrutinising legislation and holding the government of the day to account. Follow us on Facebook to learn more about our work, and to take a closer look (and take part in!) the various inquiries into key issues and bills that our committees are conducting at any given time. Sign up to The House in Review blog to receive recaps of House sitting days, unpack procedural matters and more: https://thehouseinreview.com/

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At the Parliament of NSW, we're fortunate to frequently welcome visitors and representatives from all around the world —...
15/10/2026

At the Parliament of NSW, we're fortunate to frequently welcome visitors and representatives from all around the world — an enriching experience for all involved. 🌏️🤝

Earlier in the week, members of the Consular Corps in NSW joined members of the Legislative Council for a special reception hosted by Upper House President Ben Franklin. Over a night of conversation and connection, Consuls and Council members traded business cards and stories, united in their missions to serve communities across the State.

The occasion was an opportunity to recognise the tireless work of Consular representatives in supporting the State's communities, strengthening international ties, and fostering connections across countries, cultures and generations.

Yesterday, our members and leadership team attended a special ceremony at Government House for the official Address-in-R...
13/10/2026

Yesterday, our members and leadership team attended a special ceremony at Government House for the official Address-in-Reply to the Governor of New South Wales before the 58th Parliament of NSW concludes early next year.

On 9 May 2023, Lieutenant-Governor the Hon Andrew Bell AC delivered the Opening Speech for the 58th Parliament in the Council chamber on behalf of the Governor. The Hon Ben Franklin, President of the Legislative Council, delivered yesterday’s Reply and presented attendees to Her Excellency the Hon Margaret Beazley AC KC, before all enjoyed the chance to mingle and reflect on the parliamentary term.

The tradition of the Address-in-Reply began in 1843, presented to the first Governor to reside at Government House. The ceremony now forms part of an unbroken lineage to our first parliaments.

Last week, we welcomed British Consul-General Anna Shotbolt to the Parliament of NSW. Meeting with President of the Legi...
12/10/2026

Last week, we welcomed British Consul-General Anna Shotbolt to the Parliament of NSW.

Meeting with President of the Legislative Council, Ben Franklin, the visit was an opportunity to discuss NSW's close ties to the UK, and all that we have in common with the British parliamentary model on which our own is based. 🤝

Did you know? The first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system was invented in the UK in 1840. ✉️

South Korea is a country where tradition meets technology, with thriving cultural and culinary scenes, and where hard-fo...
10/10/2026

South Korea is a country where tradition meets technology, with thriving cultural and culinary scenes, and where hard-fought democracy prevails after a tumultuous history.

In the past week, we welcomed the Consul-General of the Republic of Korea, Mr Yong Jun Choi, to Parliament of NSW to meet with President of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin, where Mr President farewelled Mr Choi before the end of his tenure 🇦🇺 🇰🇷

Did you know? There are over 150 types of kimchi, as documented by the Kimchi Field Museum in Seoul.

On Tuesday, we welcomed the Ambassador of Lebanon, Her Excellency Mrs Mirna Khawly, to Parliament of NSW for a meeting w...
09/10/2026

On Tuesday, we welcomed the Ambassador of Lebanon, Her Excellency Mrs Mirna Khawly, to Parliament of NSW for a meeting with Ben Franklin, President of the Legislative Council.

With a rich history of culture and trade stretching back millennia, and now home to a diverse population of 5.5 million people, Lebanon shares a warm bilateral relationship with Australia, with strong people-to-people connections.

Did you know? Lebanon is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including four ancient cities, five castles, a valley with ancient monasteries, and a complex of buildings designed for a World Fair.

In a collaborative exchange that explores both the unison and fracturing of systems and binaries, q***r artist Michael S...
06/10/2026

In a collaborative exchange that explores both the unison and fracturing of systems and binaries, q***r artist Michael Simms and q***r First Nations (Munanjali) artist Kirk Page present 'This Wild', now on the Parliament of NSW Reconciliation Wall.

On display in the Fountain Court until 26 November, the works use play, gesture, repetition, and disruption to loosen colonial and gender binaries, with both bodies and landscape as an active site of memory key elements in a series seeking to unsettle inherited structures.

Visit the exhibition from 9am to 5pm every weekday.

That's a wrap on three fantastic days at the Parliament of NSW for the Australasian Study of Parliament Group (ASPG)’s a...
02/10/2026

That's a wrap on three fantastic days at the Parliament of NSW for the Australasian Study of Parliament Group (ASPG)’s annual conference!

This year’s theme, ‘Parliaments when democracy is under challenge’, saw presenters tackle how to champion democratic values in the face of new technologies, the proliferation of mis and disinformation, and declining engagement.

The Hon Justice Jeremy Kirk, Judge of Supreme Court of New South Wales, and The Hon John Hatzistergos AM, Chief Commissioner of ICAC NSW, delivered thoughtful keynote addresses, while parliamentary members, staff, and academics presented insightful seminars and panel discussions.

Thank you to all who attended and partook in what was a very fruitful, forward-looking event.

This week, our Upper House Public Accountability and Works Committee handed down its report on the review of the Electri...
01/10/2026

This week, our Upper House Public Accountability and Works Committee handed down its report on the review of the Electric Vehicle (Revenue Arrangements) Act 2021 ⚡

Chaired by Abigail Boyd MLC, the review considered whether, five years on, the Act's policy objectives remain valid, including the proposed distance-based charge for electrical vehicle owners.

The committee's recommendations include reframing the road user charge to avoid constitutional challenges, and making adjustments to ensure any future charge does not make the electric vehicle proposition less attractive for prospective owners. "The last thing we want to do is introduce policy settings that, inadvertently or otherwise, pull in the opposite direction to the broadly supported strategy of electrifying the State's fleet," said Ms Boyd.

Read the report and learn more about the committee's findings at the link in comments 👇️

Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the 1956 revolution in Hungary, this month's exhibition in the Fountain Court at P...
01/10/2026

Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the 1956 revolution in Hungary, this month's exhibition in the Fountain Court at Parliament of NSW pays homage to those who started it, took part in it, gave their life for it, or were forced to leave their homeland for fear of reprisal.

Through archival photos, works from Hungarian artists living in Sydney, family memorabilia, and drawings from young schoolchildren, this commemoration traces the journey that the Hungarian refugees endured, many of whom settled in Australia.

Visit the exhibition from 9am to 5pm every weekday, from now until 29 October.

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Parliament House, 6 Macquarie Street
Sydney, NSW
2000

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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