Explainer: What happens when opening a new Assembly?
5 November 2024 
The first sitting day of a new Assembly is called the 'opening', a word we get from the historical tradition of monarchs summoning (opening) and dismissing (closing) parliaments to advise them on issues. The opening of a new ACT Legislative Assembly is unlike most other parliaments in Australia. As the country's youngest parliament and the only jurisdiction without a vice-regal representative, our ceremonies are very modern.
When will the opening take place?
After the Electoral Commissioner declares the results of a territory election, the Speaker of the previous Assembly sets a date no later than a week from the declaration for the new one to meet. This first sitting day is also the opening of the new Assembly.
The first sitting of the Eleventh Assembly is set for the 9.30am on Wednesday 6 November 2024, with ceremonies beginning at 9.00am.
What ceremonies happen during the opening?
There are three ceremonies that occur during the opening of a new Legislative Assembly:
- The Ngunnawal welcome
- The swearing-in of members, and
- The elections of a Speaker and Chief Minister
The Welcome
The first ceremony is a welcome from representatives from the traditional custodians of the Canberra region. It includes a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country. This is an important part of reaffirming the connection between the Assembly, Country, and the Territory's original inhabitants.
The swearing-in of members
The second ceremony is when members-elect are sworn-in as members of the Eleventh Assembly. This is done in front of the Chief Justice. Members make either an oath (religious) or affirmation (secular) required of them by the Oaths and Affirmations Act 1984. This is a public pledge is required before they can exercise the powers of an elected member of the Legislative Assembly.
There are two types and members can choose to make either one or both:
- Declaring allegiance to King Charles III and his heirs and successors
- Declaring service to the people of the ACT and promising to do their job as a member lawfully
Each person signs the members roll, which contains the signatures of every elected members since self-government in 1989, after being sworn in.
Electing a Speaker and Chief Minister
The last ceremony is the election of members to serve as Speaker - the head of the Assembly - and Chief Minister - the head of the government:
First, members votes for a Speaker. If there is only one nomination, that MLA becomes the Speaker. A secret ballot vote is held if there are two or more nominees. When a Speaker is elected, they are 'dragged' to the Speaker's chair at the front of the Assembly. This is a tradition that dates back centuries ago to when being the speaker was a dangerous role that members rarely wanted to hold.
Did you know that the ACT is the only place in Australia that elects its head of government? The Prime Minister, NT Chief Minister, and all state premiers are appointed by a vice-regal representative rather than elected!
Next, members vote for a Chief Minister. If there is only one nomination, that MLA becomes the Chief Minister. A secret ballot vote is held if there are two or more nominees. After their election, they may deliver a speech to the Assembly.
Other formalities include electing a Deputy Speaker, announcing an Opposition Leader, and statements advising the Speaker of leaders of minor parties or if a member is sitting as an independent.
When do we find out who the ministers are?
After the first sitting, the Chief Minister will choose members of the Legislative Assembly to be appointed as ministers. The Self-Government Act 1988 sets the maximum number of people who can be appointed ministers as nine (including the Chief Minister).
Andrew Barr, incumbent Chief Minister and leader of the largest party in the Eleventh Assembly, said in a statement that he plans to announce a new ministry after the first sitting. This is subject to the result of Wednesday's election for Chief Minister and any political agreements that may be reached before then.