The Constitution limits the numbers of ministers to 20. The Ministry is answerable to Parliament for its administration. It continues in office only as long as it commands the confidence of the Legislative Assembly. An adverse vote in the Legislative Council does not affect the life of the Ministry. Each member must take an oath or affirmation of allegiance and must declare his or her pecuniary or other interests.
Disclosures are open to public inspection.
Both Houses must meet at least once a year. Most members of Parliament belong to one of the three main parties - the Australian Labor Party, the Liberal Party of Australia and the National Party. The term of office of 21 members expires at each general election, at which time 21 members are elected. The executive officers of the Council are the President and the Chairman of Committees who are chosen by and from the members of the Council. Prior to 1982, the 'National Country Party'.