The Short Title of this Act is “The Legislative Council Act Amendment Act, 1897.”

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in “The Legislative Council Act, 1891,” or the Standing Orders of the Legislative Council, it is hereby declared as follows: Whereas the term for which the present Speaker of the Legislative Council has been appointed may expire when Parliament is not in session, be shall, subject to the provisions of the said Act, continue to hold office until fourteen days after the commencement of the next session which shall be held after the expiration of such term, or until the election of his successor, whichever event shall first happen.

If the office of Speaker of the Legislative Council shall become vacant, the Chairman of Committees for the time being, or the last-elected Chairman of Committees, of the said Council shall have all the powers, rights, and privileges of the Speaker until the election of a Speaker.