President of the Queensland Legislative Council
The President of the Queensland Legislative Council, also known as the Presiding Officer of the Council, was the presiding officer of the Queensland Legislative Council, the upper house of the Parliament of Queensland from 1860 until 1922 and analogous to the President of the Australian Senate.
The role of the President
The President was a Member of the Queensland Legislative Council, and was the ceremonial head of that Council. The President therefore performed ceremonial duties, and represented the Council to other organisations. In conjunction with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland, the President was responsible for the administration of the Parliament of Queensland. When the Council was sitting, the President enforced procedures, maintained order and put questions after debate. The President also made decisions and formal rulings with regards to the chamber's standing orders.
The President was appointed by the Governor of Queensland on recommendation from the Government. It was not seen as a political role.
List of Presidents of the Legislative Council
| President | Term in office |
|---|---|
| Charles Nicholson | 22 May 1860 – 26 Aug 1860 |
| Maurice Charles O'Connell | 26 Aug 1860 – 23 Mar 1879 |
| Joshua Peter Bell | 3 Apr 1879 – 20 Dec 1881 |
| Arthur Hunter Palmer | 24 Dec 1881 – 20 Mar 1898 |
| Hugh Nelson | 13 Apr 1898 – 1 Jan 1906 |
| Arthur Morgan | 19 Jan 1906 – 19 Dec 1916 |
| William Hamilton | 15 Feb 1917 – 27 Jul 1920 |
| William Lennon | 18 Aug 1920 – 23 Mar 1922 |
References
- Alphabetical Register of Members (Queensland Parliament)
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