President of the Victorian Legislative Council

President of the Legislative Council
Incumbent Bruce Atkinson (Liberal) since 21 December 2010
Style	The Honourable
Appointer	Elected by the Victorian Legislative Council
Inaugural holder	Sir James Frederick Palmer
Formation	21 November 1856
Website	http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/council/president

The President of the Victorian Legislative Council, also known as the Presiding Officer of the Council, is the presiding officer of the Victorian Legislative Council, the upper house of the Parliament of Victoria and equivalent to the President of the Australian Senate. The current President is Bruce Atkinson.

The President is always a Member of the Victorian Legislative Council, and is the ceremonial head of that Council. The President performs ceremonial duties, and represents the Council to other organisations. In conjunction with the Speaker of the Victorian Legislative Assembly, the President is responsible for the administration of the Victorian Parliament. When the Council is sitting, the President enforces procedures and assists the smooth running of Council meetings. The President is assisted in their duties by a Deputy President.

The President of the Legislative Council is an elected position. When a new President is required, any Member of the Legislative Council may propose, during a Council sitting, any other present Member for the position of President. If more than one Member is proposed and seconded, all Members must agree to one particular candidate. After election, the President presents his or herself as the choice of the Council to be their President.