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.
The Usher of the Black Rod in the Senate.
Penny Bradfield/DPS Auspic
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.
Copyright information
Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.
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:
- escort the President of the Senate in and out of the Senate while carrying the Black Rod, and announce their arrival
- assist the President to maintain order
- stand guard during a division when all doors to the floor of the Senate are locked
- deliver formal messages from the Senate to the House of Representatives
- play an important role in ceremonial occasions, such as the opening of Parliament.
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.
