What is the name for the parliamentary officer who knows the rules of parliament?
The Clerk of the House of Representatives
DPS Auspic
The Clerk of the House of Representatives
DPS Auspic
Description
The Clerk, wearing a traditional black gown, leans in to speak to the Speaker of the House of Representatives in his chair. The Clerk usually sits at the desk in front of the Speaker where they keep sand timers and books including the standing orders – rules – of the House of Representatives.
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.
The Senate and the House of Representatives each have a Clerk, who is the top-level parliamentary officer. They have a thorough understanding of the rules of the Senate and House, called the Standing Orders. The Clerks are the only non-elected people who regularly speak in the Senate or the House.
The Clerks have several responsibilities in the Senate or House, including:
- helping the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives to run meetings.
- helping the President, the Speaker and members of parliament to organise the order of business each day.
- recording the actions and decisions of Parliament .
- assisting with ceremonial occasions, such as the opening of Parliament and the swearing-in of new members of parliament.