The Legislative Council for the Territory of Papua and New Guinea in session

Abstract

The Legislative Council for the Territory of Papua and New Guinea in session. The Legislative Council was inaugurated in 1951; its members included the Administrator as President, 16 official members, nine nominated non-official members including three native members and three elected members. As a result of amendments to the Papua and New Guinea Act passed by the Commonwealth Parliament in October, 1960, the composition of the Legislative Council was altered to consist of 37 members; the Administrator as President; six elected native members and six appointed native members; six elected and four appointed non-native members; and 14 official members. The Administrator's Council, which assists and advises the Administrator in the making of regulations affecting the Territory, consists of the Administrator (ex officio) and six members, three of whom are official members, and three other members of the Legislative Council. The First Session of the Fifth Council of the reconstituted Legislative Council was opened by His Excellency the Administrator of the Commonwealth of Australia, General Sir Reginald Alexander Dallas Brooks, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O., D.S.O., K.St.J., on 10th April, 1961. Eventually, elected members will be chosen by voters of all races registered on a common roll.