Usher of the Black Rod

Understand the role of the Usher of the Black Rod with this fact sheet. It describes their duties in the Senate and in the department, and the history of the position.

What will I learn?

  • The Usher of the Black Rod is a parliamentary officer who works in the Senate.
  • The Usher of the Black Rod assists with the day-to-day workings of the Senate.
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Glossary words

Black Roddivisionparliamentary officer


The Usher of the Black Rod in the Senate.

The Usher of the Black Rod in the Senate.

Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic

The Usher of the Black Rod in the Senate.

The Usher of the Black Rod in the Senate.

Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic

Description

The Usher of the Black Rod, holding a long black staff with a silver crown at its top (the Black Rod) is walking through the open doors of the Senate. 

Who is the Usher of the Black Rod?

The Usher of the Black Rod is a senior parliamentary officer in the Senate. They assist the Senate to do its work. The Usher of the Black Rod is one of the few people allowed inside the Senate who is not a member of parliament.

Senate role

In the Senate, the Usher of the Black Rod has many responsibilities. They:

Department role

The Usher of the Black Rod also manages a department which provides support to the Senate, Senate committees and Senators at Parliament House. They:

  • provide and maintain office accommodation and equipment
  • maintain security in the Senate areas of Parliament House
  • manage corporate services, such as finance and human resources
  • arrange printing and publishing of Senate business documents
  • organise ceremonial occasions, such as the opening of Parliament

History

The name of the Usher of the Black Rod comes from the black rod they carry. Originally, the Usher of the Black Rod was an officer in a British order of knighthood called the Most Noble Order of the Garter. They were chosen to serve the monarch in the British House of Lords. The Australian parliament adopted this tradition in 1901.

In the past, the Usher of the Black Rod wore a long-tailed coat, knee-breeches or kilt, court shoes, gloves, lace cuffs and sword. Today, the Usher of the Black Rod wears a suit.