Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

THE HONOURABLE JANE AAGAARD, MLA

The Honourable Jane Aagaard, MLA, holds the position of Speaker and is the Presiding Officer of the Legislative Assembly. Mrs Aagaard has held this position since 29 June 2005 – the commencement of the 10th Assembly. She was re-elected to the position of Speaker unopposed for the 11th Assembly on 9 September 2008.

As Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Mrs Aagaard has three main roles, that is:

a procedural role as the Presiding Officer for the Legislative Assembly who presides over the sittings of the parliament;

a ceremonial role – representing the parliament at official ceremonies and state visits and receiving official delegations to the Territory including High Commissioners, Ambassadors and Heads of State; and
an administrative role – to act as a non-cabinet Minister for the Legislative Assembly with responsibility for the State Square precinct including the Parliament House building itself. This responsibility includes ensuring Members are supplied with an office, staff, facilities and financial resources in order to allow him or her to conduct the business of an elected member. A heavy emphasis is also placed on parliamentary education, including to remote parts of the Northern Territory.

Mrs Aagaard has been living in the Territory since 1985. She lives in Nightcliff with her husband and three children. She has been the Member for Nightcliff since 2001.

Contact Details
Ms Emaleena Norman
Office of the Speaker
Phone: (08) 8946 1433
Fax: (08) 8981 3284
Email: LA.Speaker@nt.gov.au

GPO Box 3721
DARWIN NT 0801
AUSTRALIA

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