The Chair of Committees is a role both in the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Chair acts as the Deputy Presiding Officer in the Chamber, when the Speaker or the President is unavailable. This means they oversee proceedings when the President or Speaker cannot.

The Chair of Committees has a special role during the passage of legislation. If a Bill passes the Second Reading in either House, it can go into the Committee stage, when the Bill is closely examined by Members and they can propose amendments or changes to the Bill. When this happens the Presiding Officer (President or Speaker) leaves the room and the Chair of Committees oversees the discussion.  The Chair of Committees sits at the Table between the Clerk and the Deputy Clerk.