Members of the New South Wales Legislative Council who served from 1856 to 1861 were appointed for a fixed term by the Governor on the advice of the Premier.
[27] The 3 judges of the Supreme Court, Sir Alfred Stephen, John Dickson and Roger Therry were all among the initial appointments to the Legislative Council in 1856.
[3] Stephen accepted the position of President and was particularly active in the council, introducing 14 bills, 6 of which were passed by the parliament.
[30] When the council met and the new members were waiting to be sworn in, the President Sir William Burton stated that he felt he had been treated with discourtesy in the matter, resigned his office of president and his membership, and left the chamber.
In the absence of the President and Chairman of Committees, under the standing orders the council was adjourned until the next sitting day.