The Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the Legislative Council, David Blunt AM is set to retire at the end of the month, following 35 years of service to the Parliament of NSW – with his successor named today.
Mr Blunt has served as Clerk of the Parliaments and Clerk of the Legislative Council since 2011. As Clerk, he provides independent and authoritative advice on parliamentary law, practice and procedure to the President of the Legislative Council, ministers and members.
Ahead of Mr Blunt’s retirement, members of parliament and colleagues alike have shared tributes, acknowledging his steadfast dedication and invaluable contributions.
Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, Penny Sharpe MLC said, “With his skill, kindness, discretion, patience, and good humour, David Blunt leaves an indelible mark on the Legislative Council. During his 14 years as NSW Clerk of the Parliaments and 35 years of service to the NSW Parliament, David has consistently worked in defence of the rights and interests of the Legislature of NSW and its members. He should be so proud of the legacy he leaves; the NSW Parliament will be poorer for his absence, and we all thank him for his exceptional service.”
These sentiments were echoed by Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Damien Tudehope MLC.
“Having worked with David over many years as both the Leader of the Government and Leader of the Opposition, I can comfortably say that he is one of the finest public servants in NSW. I will always be grateful for his sage advice, practical wisdom, and quiet humour. David has been an adornment to the Legislative Council and the entire Parliament of NSW is better off for his service,” Mr Tudehope said.
Mr Blunt’s career in the parliamentary service began in 1990. In addition to his time as Clerk, he has held key leadership roles in the Department, including Deputy Clerk, Usher of the Black Rod and Director – Procedure.
In 2023, Mr Blunt was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of his outstanding service to the Parliament of NSW. Mr Blunt also leaves a significant scholarly legacy through contribution to numerous publications, including his recent work as co-editor of Parliamentary Democracy at Work: Essays on the NSW Legislative Council (2025).
Earlier today in the Legislative Council chamber, President Ben Franklin MLC announced that following a competitive external recruitment process, Steven Reynolds will be appointed as the next Clerk.
Mr Reynolds is currently Deputy Clerk of the Legislative Council – a position he has held since 2011. Since joining the Parliament in 1999, Mr Reynolds has held a variety of positions including Clerk Assistant – Committees and Usher of the Black Rod. He will officially be sworn in by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales at a ceremony at Government House on Thursday, 20 March 2025.
The Parliament of NSW expressed its deepest gratitude to Mr Blunt for his decades of exemplary service and leadership. Mr Blunt’s last day of service is 28 March.
