EVENT: NSW Parliament Open Weekend

In a little under a month's time, on the 20 and 21 May NSW Parliament House will be holding an open weekend to mark what is being called the Sesquicentenary of Responsible Government in New South Wales. Given a few significant blips (the Bob Askin years spring to mind), I don't suppose you could describe all those years of government as `responsible', but in any case, the first bicameral Parliament in NSW opened on May 22nd, 1856, and authority over NSW passed from the governor to the Premier and his or her Cabinet.

Over the weekend there will be various tours, talks, and a discussion, chaired by Rodney Cavalier, on Writing Party History, which will be held in conjunction with the Sydney Writers Festival.

More information at the NSW Government website. Former NSW Premier Neville Wran's entertaining speech marking the launch of the commemorative books in honour of the Sesquicentenary is also well worth a read.