Cecil Clarke Elected Speaker of House

Members of the Legislative Assembly today, March 3, unanimously elected Cecil Clarke as Speaker of the House of Assembly.

A former cabinet minister, Cecil Clarke was first elected to the House of Assembly in March 2001. Mr. Clarke was project manager for the Sydney Mines Renewal Association. He is a former manager of BCA Holdings Ltd. in Sydney.

Mr. Clarke thanked members of the House for the honour.

"I will do my best," he said, "to uphold the prestige and honour of the office."

The Speaker of the House presides over the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly, maintaining order, and regulating debate in accordance with the House rules and practices. The Speaker decides questions of order, rules on questions, ensures that all viewpoints are heard, protects the rights of all members and casts the deciding vote in the event of a tie.