The first meeting of the Legislative Council took place at Government House on 25 August 1824.

This room known as the Members Lounge was originally the Surgeon’s Quarters. The room has been used for many purposes since 1816 including a library and a meeting space to support the Legislative Council Chamber since 1856. The Legislative Council Chamber is actually a prefabricated structure, made in Scotland and originally intended for use on the Victorian goldfields.

The Members Lounge and Legislative Council Chamber have recently been restored by heritage professionals.

The Members Lounge has returned to its original proportions by raising the ceiling to the original height, levelling the floor with new flooring and installation of improved lighting, and new air conditioning. The conservation has enabled the original window shutters to be used once again.

The Legislative Council Chamber was restored in 2023 to address mould, health, and safety issues. Historic furniture was restored using traditional methods, upholstery replaced, varnish stripped backed and traditional french polishing applied. Existing light fittings were carefully upgraded with new sustainable lighting, and conservation of the gilding on the fittings was applied by hand. Carpet was replaced with historically appropriate reproductions. New wall and ceiling paper was created by hand based on early silk screens. Technology and mechanical services in the Chamber were upgraded to meet the needs of members.

The Legislative Chamber Restoration Project won the Interiors and Objects category of the 2024 NSW National Trust Awards, recognising the best practice conservation and celebrating all people involved.