Legislative Assembly celebrates 170 years

This year the House celebrates its 170th anniversary on 22 May. Thanks to individuals such as William Charles Wentworth, who tirelessly called for greater self-government and our own Constitution, we can sit in this House and serve the people of New South Wales. Since 1856, this House has preserved many proceedings from the day it first met, including the arrival of the Usher of the Black Rod to request the attendance of members and the swearing-in of members and signing of the roll. These ceremonial practices have been observed at every official opening of Parliament to this day. In the past 170 years, this House has deliberated through moments that have shaped our State: world wars, economic depression and recovery, natural disasters and pandemics. We have also adapted our procedures to ensure we can continue deliberating on the issues that matter to New South Wales. A recent example was changes made during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Representation in 1856 was far from today's level. As our State has become more diverse, so too has the Assembly as it seeks to represent the society it serves. The presence and leadership of women in this Chamber reflect this development. From the 1925 election of Millicent Preston-Stanley, the first female parliamentarian of this House, to the 38 women elected to the Assembly at the last election, women now constitute just over 40 per cent of our 93 members, and seven are Ministers—notably our Deputy Premier, the Hon. Prue Car. While the composition of this Assembly has evolved, effective representation remains a guiding principle of our work, as each member gives voice to their community. Our House's history is shaped by the generations of members who have served here and by the staff of the department, whose professionalism, institutional memory and impartial service provide stability and continuity across successive Parliaments.

Above all, this House belongs to the people of New South Wales. Each Parliament is a temporary custodian of an institution that endures far beyond any individual member or government. Over the past 170 years, our predecessors have carried out their duties with diligence and care. The years ahead will be shaped by how faithfully we do the same. Our task as members is to leave this Assembly stronger, more inclusive and more responsive than we found it so that it continues to serve the people of New South Wales with the confidence and respect it has earned over generations. With that in mind, I advise members that a commemorative photo board will be produced. I hope that members will be proud to be on that photo board as representatives of the changing nature of our Parliament.