NSW Parliament Concludes First Sitting Week of 2026 with Focus on Public Safety and Tributes

Legislative Assembly and Council Convene for Final Session of the Week

The New South Wales Parliament is concluding its first sitting week of the 2026 legislative year today, Thursday, 5 February. Both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council have convened at Parliament House on Macquarie Street to finalize the opening week’s agenda, which has been heavily influenced by recent public safety concerns and the legacy of prominent state figures. This session marks the return of full parliamentary activity following the summer recess and a period of significant state mourning.

Tributes to Dame Marie Bashir

A primary focus of today’s proceedings involves formal tributes to Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO, the former Governor of New South Wales. Following her state funeral held yesterday, Wednesday, 4 February, at St James’ Church, members of parliament from both sides of the aisle are expected to offer condolences and record her contributions to the state. Dame Marie, who served as Governor from 2001 to 2014, is being remembered today for her immense dignity and her trailblazing role as the first woman to hold the office in New South Wales.

Public Order and Security Debates

The Minns Government faces ongoing scrutiny today regarding the extension of special police powers and protest restrictions. Earlier this week, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon extended a restriction on public assemblies for an additional 14 days, citing security requirements for the upcoming visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. These powers, which were enacted by the government following the events at Bondi in late 2025, remain a point of intense debate during today's session.

• Protest Restrictions: The current declaration prevents the authorization of marches in certain designated areas of the Sydney CBD to ensure community safety.
• Police Discretion: Opposition members and crossbenchers have raised questions regarding the duration of these increments and the balance between public order and the right to peaceful assembly.
• Bondi Legacy: The shadow of the December 2025 incidents continues to inform legislative priorities, particularly regarding mental health resources and emergency response funding.

Looking Ahead to the February Schedule

As the session wraps up this afternoon, the government is expected to outline the priority bills for the remainder of the month. Parliament is scheduled to return for its next sitting block on Tuesday, 10 February. Key items on the horizon include further deliberations on cost-of-living measures and the continued rollout of housing infrastructure projects across Greater Sydney. Today's adjournment will mark a brief transition before the state gears up for several high-profile diplomatic and leadership summits scheduled for later this month.