I'm a diplomat by nature. I help find the middle ground. I crack a joke and use humour to help resolve potentially vicious situations quickly. It gets things in perspective and helps everyone to see that things aren't as bad as they seem.~ Ronnie Wood
David is one of the most diplomatic characters I ever met who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age. Everyone enjoyed working with David as he made the journey of research and policy making enjoyable … Optimist like no other as “The Best is Yet to Come”
The End of Crown Employee Era as David Blunt Clerk to Lordy NSW Upper House retires
The PRESIDENT (12:32): Honourable members, I advised the House on 11 February 2025 that a competitive merit selection process would be conducted for the position of Clerk of the Legislative Council and Clerk of the Parliaments following the retirement of Mr David Blunt, AM. Following a two-week recruitment period, the assessment panel comprising Ms Claressa Surtees, Clerk of the House of Representatives; Mr John Evans, PSM, former Clerk of the Legislative Council; the Clerk of the Parliaments; and me arrived at a unanimous decision.
It is my great privilege to advise the House that the successful candidate for the position of Clerk is Mr Steven Reynolds. Steven's distinguished career in this place began in 1999, marking more than two decades of dedicated service to the Parliament of New South Wales. Throughout these years he has been an invaluable source of knowledge and guidance, demonstrating unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of parliamentary democracy, procedural integrity and fairness.
Since 2006, when he was first appointed as Usher of the Black Rod, Steven has provided expert advice to members, and over the past 14 years he has served with distinction in the Clerk's office as Deputy Clerk, and frequently as Acting Clerk. Steven has been instrumental in ensuring the effective operation of the Legislative Council, providing steadfast support to Presiding Officers, Ministers, members, senior public servants, parliamentary staff and all those who seek his counsel on matters of parliamentary law, practice and procedure. Steven's extensive experience, coupled with his deep understanding of parliamentary conventions, has earned him the respect and confidence of those who have had the privilege of working with him.
As Clerk, Steven will continue to ensure the seamless operation of the Legislative Council, upholding the integrity of parliamentary processes and providing sound advice to members. I am confident that he will approach this role with the same diligence, professionalism and commitment that have been the hallmarks of his career thus far. To ensure a smooth transition, Steven will officially commence as Clerk on 29 March 2025, one day after the retirement of Mr David Blunt, AM. On behalf of all members, I extend our warmest congratulations to Steven on this well-earned appointment.
Clerk of the NSW Parliaments and Legislative Council David Blunt will retire at the end of the month after 35 years of service.
Blunt joined the NSW parliamentary departments in 1990 and has been clerk since 2011.
Prior to becoming clerk, he served as deputy clerk, usher of the black rod, and director of procedure.
Blunt also leaves a significant scholarly legacy through contribution to numerous publications. This includes his recent work as co-editor of Parliamentary Democracy at Work: Essays on the NSW Legislative Council.
In 2023, he was appointed a member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his service to the Parliament of NSW.
Government Legislative Council leader Penny Sharpe said Blunt had left an indelible mark on the Legislative Council.“David has consistently worked in defence of the rights and interests of the Legislature of NSW and its members,” she said.
“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.”
Opposition Legislative Council leader Damien Tudehope echoed the sentiment.
“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,” he said.
“I will always be grateful for his sage advice, practical wisdom, and quiet humour.”
Legislative Council President Ben Franklin announced deputy clerk Steven Reynolds will be the next clerk.
Reynolds’ career follows a parallel path to Blunt’s. Since joining the Parliament in 1999, he has been clerk assistant for committees and Usher of the Black Rod. He has been deputy clerk since 2011.
Reynolds will be sworn in by Governor Margaret Beazley on Thursday.
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