NSW Parliament Convenes as City of Sydney Marks Start of Mardi Gras 2026

Legislative Assembly Holds Friday Session

The New South Wales Legislative Assembly is in session today, Friday, 13 February 2026, as the state government continues to push forward its early-year legislative agenda. While Friday sittings are less common than mid-week sessions, today’s meeting in the lower house is focused on debating newly introduced measures aimed at integrity and public safety. This follows the Minns Labor Government’s introduction of legislation yesterday designed to crack down on crime and corruption across the state.

Lawmakers are expected to address the ongoing tension surrounding recent police actions during protests in the city. Premier Chris Minns has maintained a firm stance today, reiterating his support for the NSW Police Force and declining calls from various community groups for a formal apology regarding the dispersal of demonstrators earlier this week. The debate in the chamber is expected to reflect these local tensions as the government balances its public order policies with community relations.

Official Flag Raising at Sydney Town Hall

At Sydney Town Hall, Lord Mayor Clover Moore and City of Sydney councillors are scheduled to lead the official kickoff of the 2026 Mardi Gras season. The highlight of the day's local government activity is the Progress Pride flag raising ceremony. Scheduled for this evening, the event marks the 48th anniversary of the movement in Sydney. The Lord Mayor will host an indoor reception at 5:00 PM before moving to the Town Hall steps for the public flag-raising ceremony at 6:00 PM.

The ceremony is a significant official function for the City, as it brings together civic leaders and representatives from the LGBTQIA+ community under the 2026 theme of "ECSTATICA." In her briefing, the Lord Mayor noted the event's dual role as both a celebration and a platform for political advocacy, continuing the tradition of the 1978 pioneers.

Lord Mayor Welcomes International Students

In addition to the evening celebrations, the City of Sydney is hosting the official Lord Mayor’s Welcome for International Students at Centennial Hall today. Supported by Study NSW, this government-backed event is designed to integrate thousands of new arrivals into the city’s civic and social fabric.

• Event Highlights: A formal Welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony.
• Government Presence: Keynote addresses from Lord Mayor Clover Moore and representatives of the NSW Government.
• Objective: Connecting students with essential non-profit and government support services to navigate life in Sydney.

The event underscores the city's commitment to its international education sector, which remains a cornerstone of the local economy and urban diversity in 2026.