About Parliament

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

The Parliament of South Australia consists of two chambers, the House of Assembly or Lower House, and the Legislative Council or Upper House. The main function of the Legislative Council is to act as a 'house of review' for proposed legislation from the House of Assembly. Bills must pass through both houses of Parliament in order to become law.

There are 22 members who sit in the Legislative Council, who are elected for terms of eight years by proportional representation, with 11 members facing election every four years. The system of election for the Legislative Council is similar to its federal counterpart, the Senate. Debates are presided over by the President and administration of the chamber is managed by the Clerk and Usher of the Black Rod.