We recently asked Tina, the Usher of the Black Rod, five questions about her work at the Parliament of NSW.   

What is the role of the Usher of the Black Rod? 

The Usher of the Black Rod is a senior parliamentary officer role in the NSW Legislative Council, with ceremonial, protocol and corporate responsibilities.  

When the Legislative Council is sitting, the Usher’s main responsibility is to help the President maintain order in the chamber. The Usher also has ceremonial responsibilities in relation to visits by the Governor and other dignitaries, as well as responsibilities related to the management of security, the use of areas within Parliament House and oversight of exhibitions. 

The Usher’s role dates back to 14th century Britian. The title comes from the ebony rod the Usher carries as a symbol of parliamentary authority.  

 

 

What kind of background / qualifications / attributes do you need to do your job?  

Parliamentary and management experience is essential in undertaking the Usher role, including a strong understanding of parliamentary procedure and experience managing teams and working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including high level officials. 

As the work can be diverse, project management and organisational skills are also helpful. In terms of personal attributes, being able to stay calm and work well under pressure is also beneficial. In a political and high-pressured environment, these qualities ensure that I remain focused on the big picture. 

 

 

Could you describe a typical day at work?  

My workday varies depending on whether it is a sitting day or not. If it is a sitting day, I have responsibilities associated with the sitting, including announcing the President into the chamber at the start of the day, and being a clerk at the table to support the sitting. This can include timing debate, managing divisions and recording minutes of proceedings.  

During non-sitting periods, my work varies greatly. It can involve: 

• attending dignitary visits with the President’s Office, welcoming Consul Generals, Ambassadors and Ministers from other jurisdictions to the Parliament of NSW 

•  providing support for regional roadshows, which focus on developing leadership skills in senior school students and promoting democracy 

• supporting other events at Parliament, including conferences such as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Youth Parliament programme 

• providing corporate support for the department, including communications and digital engagement 

• developing and leading a team of parliamentary officers in the Office of the Black Rod, ensuring the team is effectively supporting the President and other members in the Council. 

 

 

What do you love about working at Parliament House?    

I have worked at Parliament since 2014 and still appreciate the privilege of walking into this amazing and historic building each morning. It’s such an important place – where key decisions and policies are made that impact everyone.  

I am lucky to work with a wonderful team of people – all of whom are extremely committed and passionate about their work and roles. I worked as a solicitor for years, and in various government policy and project roles before that but working at Parliament is genuinely very special. It’s become my other home, and our department is like one big family.  

 

Why do think an excursion to Parliament House is important for students?  

The Chamber and Support team, part of the Black Rod Office provide highly engaging tours to students, the public and other visitors on non-sitting days. The team does an incredible job, explaining to students who’s who in the chamber and the legislative process, ensuring everyone walks away with a better understanding of how Parliament works. 

It’s important for students to visit in person if they can – to feel and see the historic chambers and other public areas of the Parliament. From the Acknowledgment of Country sculpture out the front – which shows how far we have come in strengthening our relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities – to the art on the walls capturing historic figures over time – visiting in person lets students feel the atmosphere in the building, a thriving hub with democracy at its core.