Leader of the Opposition (New South Wales)
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The role of Leader of the Opposition in New South Wales is a title held by the leader of the largest minority party in the state lower house, the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. He or she acts as the public face of the opposition, leading the government on the floor of parliament. They thus act as a chief critic of the government and ultimately attempt to portray the opposition as a feasible alternate government. They are also given certain additional rights under parliamentary standing orders, such as extended time limits for speeches. Should the opposition win an election, the Leader of the Opposition will be nominated to become the Premier of New South Wales.
The current Leader of the Opposition is Barry O'Farrell of the Liberal Party of Australia. He has been in the role since April 4, 2007, having been elected unopposed after the resignation of Peter Debnam. Debnam had stepped down as leader after the party's loss in the 2007 state election.
