The Tasmanian Legislative Council

The Legislative Council is the upper house of the Parliament of Tasmania. It plays a vital role in Tasmania’s democratic system by acting as a House of Review, providing checks and balances on the decisions made by the lower house—the House of Assembly. Having many members serving as independents allows for thoughtful debate and careful scrutiny of laws that affect all Tasmanians.

The Council has 15 members elected using preferential voting in 15 single-member electorates. Each electorate has approximately the same number of electors. A review of Legislative Council division boundaries is required every 9 years, the most recent was completed in 2017.  ​Unlike other Australian state legislatures, the House of Assembly is elected from multimember districts while the Legislative Council is elected from single-member districts. The reverse is the case in most of the rest of Australia; that is, the lower house is elected from single-member districts while the upper house is elected from multi-member districts.  I am the representative in the Huon Division

Election of members in the Legislative Council are staggered. Elections alternate between three divisions in one year and in two divisions the next year. Elections take place on the first Saturday in May. The term of each MLC is six years.

Key Functions of the Tasmanian Legislative Council:

  • Scrutinising and Amending Legislation: Every bill passed by the House of Assembly must be reviewed by the Legislative Council. Members examine the details of proposed laws, debate their merits, and have the power to amend, delay, or reject legislation to ensure it serves the best interests of Tasmanians.
  • Holding Government Accountable: The Council examines the actions and decisions of the government, helping to ensure transparency and responsible governance.
  • Authorising State Finances: Members approve the raising of revenue and the expenditure of public funds, ensuring that taxpayer money is used appropriately.
  • Representing Communities: Each of the 15 members represents a single electorate, giving voice to local concerns and priorities in Parliament.

The Council is unique in Australian politics for its non-partisan tradition. Many members are elected as independents, allowing for more community-focused and less party-driven decision-making