Legislative Council of Tasmania: Bicentenary 2026

Selected firsts and facts about the Legislative Council of Tasmania (Upper House).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this timeline may contain images or names of people who have died.;xNLx;;xNLx;Images © Parliament of Tasmania unless otherwise noted.;xNLx;;xNLx;Cultural statement:;xNLx;This timeline traces the history of the Legislative Council of Tasmania from its establishment in 1826, when the island was known as Van Diemen’s Land, to its place in the current-day Parliament of Tasmania. The Legislative Council meets in Nipaluna/Hobart, on the unceded lands of the Muwinina people. ;xNLx;;xNLx;The Legislative Council originated as a colonial governing body during a time of invasion, dispossession, and violence against Aboriginal peoples, resulting in profound disruption to Aboriginal law, governance, and society. While the Council has evolved—from an appointed body to an elected House—these colonial foundations are acknowledged.;xNLx;;xNLx;The Parliament of Tasmania recognises the enduring presence and resilience of Tasmanian Aboriginal people and affirms that understanding the Council’s past is inseparable from the impacts of colonisation. Engaging with this history supports ongoing efforts toward truth‑telling, accountability, and reconciliation in Lutruwita/Tasmania.

1802-06-01 00:00:00

Aboriginal Communities

Aboriginal people lived in the area around what is now Nipaluna/Hobart. They called it Nibberloone or Linghe. ...

1803-06-01 00:00:00

Colony of Van Diemen's Land

Under British colonisation the island becomes known as Van Diemen’s Land, and is governed by the Colony of New South Wales.

1824-05-10 00:00:00

First sitting of the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of Van Diemen's Land, one of the three branches of government, meets for the first time.

1825-12-03 00:00:00

Van Diemen's Land separates from New South Wales

Van Diemen’s Land officially separates from New South Wales, following approval by the British Parliament in 1823. ...

1825-12-03 02:00:00

First meeting of the Executive Council

The Executive Council, which advises the Lieutenant-Governor, meets for the first time at Old Government House. ...

1826-04-12 00:00:00

First meeting of the Legislative Council

The Legislative Council meets for the very first time. ...

1826-06-21 00:00:00

First formal sitting

The Legislative Council holds its first formal sitting.

1829-05-01 00:00:00

Legislative Council grows in size

The Legislative Council doubles in size to 14 Members. ...

1837-05-01 00:00:00

First Legislative Council Chamber

The first dedicated Legislative Council Chamber (special meeting room) opens at Old Government House. ...

1841-06-19 00:00:00

Move to Customs House

The Legislative Council moves into the 'Long Room' in Customs House (now known as Parliament House).

1845-10-31 00:00:00

Walk out of the 'Patriotic Six'

Most of the 'non‑official' Members (MLCs who are not Government officials) walk out of the Chamber to protest a new tax meant to pay for the convict system. ...

1850-05-01 00:00:00

The first elected Members

A new law (Australian Constitution Act 1850) grants limited democratic rights to citizens of Van Diemen's Land. ...

1852-12-01 00:00:00

First elected Speaker

Sir Richard Dry is elected as the first Presiding Officer of the new 'blended' Council, and given the title of Speaker. ...

1853-05-01 00:00:00

Convict transportation ends

Convict transportation ends, and two Committees are appointed to begin drafting a new constitution for the colony.

1855-10-24 00:00:00

Constitution Act 1855

The Constitution Act 1855 commences, paving the way for a new bicameral (two House) Parliament with a 15-Member Upper House.

1856-01-01 00:00:00

Van Diemen's Land becomes Tasmania

The name of the colony officially changes to Tasmania. ...

1856-02-07 00:00:00

Introduction of the secret ballot

The 'secret ballot' is introduced so people can vote in private - a major innovation for elections.

1856-12-01 00:00:00

A new Chamber

The Council moves into a new ornate Chamber, designed by architect William Porden Kay. ...

1856-12-02 00:00:00

A new two House Parliament

The new bicameral (two House) Parliament meets for the first time. ...

1858-10-29 00:00:00

Parliamentary Privilege Act 1858

The Parliamentary Privilege Act 1858 commences, which protects freedom of speech for Members. ...

1859-05-01 00:00:00

Six year fixed terms

Members begin serving six-year fixed terms. ...

1864-05-01 00:00:00

Edward Abbott and Australia's first cookbook

Edward Abbott, one of the first MLCs, is celebrated for publishing Australia’s first cookbook: “The English and Australian Cookery Book: cookery for the many, as well as for the "upper ten thousand”.

1900-05-01 00:00:00

The Black Rod

The 'Black Rod' is the symbol of the authority of the Legislative Council and its Presiding Officer, the President. ....

1904-05-10 00:00:00

Oldest President

William Dodery holds the record as the oldest President of the Legislative Council, elected at age 84. ...

1914-05-01 00:00:00

MLCs in World War One

During World War I, many future Members of the Legislative Council served in the armed forces: ...

1920-10-01 00:00:00

Limited voting rights for women

Women who served as war nurses are given the right to vote in Council elections. ...

1924-05-01 00:00:00

Constitutional crisis #1

In 1924, Premier Joseph Lyons faces a crisis when the Council refuses to pass his Budget. ...

1926-07-27 00:00:00

Longest serving President

Tetley Gant is the longest serving President of the Legislative Council, spending 19 years in the Chair (1907 to 1926). ...

1928-05-30 00:00:00

Compulsory voting

Compulsory voting is introduced for State elections. ...

1939-05-01 00:00:00

MLCs in World War Two

The following MLCs served in the armed forces during World War II: ...

1941-05-01 00:00:00

More voting rights

The voting franchise is extended to all 'servicemen and women in any war', and the voting age reduces from 30 to 21.

1943-04-01 00:00:00

First woman runs for election

Edith Waterworth is the first woman to run for election to the Council. ...

1946-07-01 00:00:00

Lower age limit to run for election

The age of eligibility to run for Legislative Council elections reduces from 30 to 25.

1948-05-01 00:00:00

Constitutional crisis #2

The Council forces the Government to an election by refusing to grant supply (pass the Budget).

1948-05-02 00:00:00

A powerful House

A defining feature of the Tasmanian Legislative Council is that unlike the Lower House, it cannot be dissolved. ...

1948-05-08 00:00:00

First woman elected

Margaret McIntyre OBE becomes the first woman to be elected to the Legislative Council. ....

1954-02-22 00:00:00

Royal visit

Queen Elizabeth II opens the fifth session of the 30th Tasmanian Parliament. ...

1954-12-21 00:00:00

Slow progress towards full voting rights for women

The spouses of electors are given the right to vote in Legislative Council elections.

1968-05-01 00:00:00

First Australian woman to lead the Government in an upper house

The Hon Phyllis Benjamin MLC becomes the first woman in Australia to lead a government in an Upper House. ...

1969-07-01 00:00:00

Full adult franchise

Full adult franchise finally comes into effect: all adult citizens (aged 21 years and older) are granted the right to vote in Legislative Council elections. ...

1970-07-10 00:00:00

TV crew in the chamber

TV cameras are allowed in the Legislative Council chamber for the first time. ...

1973-05-01 00:00:00

18 year olds can stand for election

The age to stand for Legislative Council elections is lowered from 21 to 18.

1979-06-05 00:00:00

Official Hansard introduced

The first substantially verbatim record of debates for the Legislative Council ('Hansard') begins. ...

1995-05-23 00:00:00

"One vote one value"

The Legislative Council Electoral Boundaries Act 1995 commences. ...

1995-10-02 00:00:00

First Tasmanian-born Governor

The Hon Sir Guy Green is appointed as the first Tasmanian-born Governor.

1995-12-01 00:00:00

Aboriginal Lands Act 1995

After years of campaigning for land returns and several defeated Bills, the Aboriginal Lands Bill 1995 passes. ...

1998-08-29 00:00:00

Reduction to 15 Members

After years of extensive debate, the Legislative Council reduces from 19 to 15 Members. ...

1998-08-30 00:00:00

How many Members?

The size of the Legislative Council has changed several times over its history. ...

2001-05-05 00:00:00

Youngest person elected

The Hon Allison Ritchie MLC is elected at age 26, the youngest person ever in the Council.

2001-06-20 00:00:00

Aboriginal MLCs

The Hon Paul Harriss MLC is the first Member of the Legislative Council to publicly state to be 'a person of Aboriginal descent'. ...

Legislative Council of Tasmania: Bicentenary 2026

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