Usher of the Black Rod

This fact sheet explores the role of the Usher of the Black Rod, one of the parliamentary officers in the Senate. It looks at their role in the Senate and in the department, the symbolism of the Black Rod and the history of the position.

The Usher of the Black Rod is one of the few people, other than senators, who work in the Senate.

Senate role

The Usher of the Black Rod has several responsibilities within the Senate, including:

  • escorting the President of the Senate into and out of the Senate, while carrying the Black Rod
  • assisting the President to maintain order
  • recording the attendance of senators
  • standing guard during a division vote when all doors to the floor of the Senate are locked
  • delivering formal messages from the Senate to the House of Representatives
  • playing an important role in ceremonial occasions, such as the opening of Parliament.

The Usher of the Black Rod is required to be in the Senate at the beginning of each sitting day, during Question Time, divisions and after meal breaks.

Department role

When not in the Senate, the Usher of the Black Rod works from an office in the Department of the Senate and has several responsibilities, including:

  • organising office accommodation and supplies for senators and staff
  • maintaining security in the Senate areas of Parliament House
  • finance and human resources for the Department of the Senate 
  • printing and publishing Senate business documents
  • organising special ceremonial occasions, such as the opening of Parliament.

The Black Rod

The Usher of the Black Rod is also responsible for the Black Rod, which is their official symbol. The Black Rod is 1.44 metres long and made of ebony wood. It has a silver crown on the end above the Australian Coat of Arms. The Usher carries the Black Rod on ceremonial occasions.

History

The role of the Usher of the Black Rod dates back to the fourteenth century in Britain. The Usher was appointed to serve the monarch in the British House of Lords and was originally an officer of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, a British order of knighthood. The Black Rod was used to discipline anyone who offended the Order. From its beginning, the Australian Parliament adopted the practice of appointing an Usher of the Black Rod to serve in the Senate.

Dress

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

The Usher of the Black Rod in the Senate.

A man wearing suit and holding a black staff with a silver crown is walking through an open doorway. Behind him is a red room (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.