CLASS: Clerk of the House, David Wilson

David Wilson is the Clerk of the House of Representatives and has kindly agreed to join us to discuss the way the Clerk provides advice to the Speaker on procedure and privilege, the working relationship Clerks have with Speakers and related matters of interest.

The Clerk of the House of Representatives is an independent statutory officer, appointed by warrant by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Speaker. The Clerk’s core purpose is to provide constitutional support for the House. Central to the role is its independence. As the person primarily responsible for advising the Speaker and members about parliamentary law and practice, the Clerk is closely identified with the institution of Parliament and has a role of advocating for the principles that underpin the parliamentary system. The Clerk is also the professional leader of the officers who serve the House.