04 Usher of the Black Rod
The Usher of Black Rod in the Senate Chamber
The Usher of the Black Rod is a parliamentary official in the Senate. The Usher of the Black Rod’s main responsibility in the chamber is to help the President maintain order and to organise the details of the Senate’s operation both within the chamber and throughout the Senate building. At the beginning of each day’s session, the Usher of the Black Rod escorts the President into the Senate chamber. The Usher of the Black Rod sits in the chamber at the back of the government seats.
The Usher of the Black Rod has the responsibility in the Department of the Senate to supervise security and provide services that keep the department running, such as office accommodation for senators and Senate staff, printing and publishing Senate business, and organising the payment of senators and Senate staff. On important ceremonial occasions, such as the opening of Parliament, the Usher of the Black Rod leads the ceremony while carrying the Black Rod.
Download: Fact Sheet 04 - Usher of the Black Rod [195KB]
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More information
Odgers' Chapter 5: Officers of the Senate: parliamentary administration
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/pubs/odgers/chap05toc.htm