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Like many aspects of the Legislative Assembly, the role of the Clerk was adapted from House of Commons practice.
| 1 | Origin in the House of Commons. The history of the Clerk of the House of Commons is recorded as far back as 1315. The title ‘clerk’ originally referred to someone who could read and write, valuable skills in a largely non-literate society. | ||
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The early Clerks’ duties were to: |
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read aloud bills, petitions and other documents to members; |
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record the proceedings of the House in a journal; |
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provide procedural advice to the Speaker and members. |
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These responsibilities continue in the modern era, though they are now highly specialised and more complex. |
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Link to the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly |
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Ceremonial Dress. The clerks at the table dress in a way to reflect the formality of their role. In the past it was customary of the clerks to wear full Windsor Court uniform and a wig. In the mid 1980s the Speaker indicated that the clerks' dress should be less ceremonial, and simply wear a black gown over a black suit. Since late 1999, the clerks have not worn their wigs. |
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Link to interview with a former Clerk of the Legislative Assembly |
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Impartiality of Office. The Clerk does not rule on any matter in the House, because the Clerk must carry out all duties independently according to the oath of office. The Clerk takes an oath of office before the Governor swearing to ‘at all times and in all things discharge the duties of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly to the best of my knowledge and ability without fear, favour or affection’. |
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Return to Fact Sheet 21 Index : Current Responsibilities in the Legialative Assembly >
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