Leader of the Opposition (New South Wales)

The Leader of the Opposition is a title held by the leader of the second-largest party in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, the lower house of the Parliament of New South Wales. There is also a Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council. The leader acts as the public face of the opposition, leading the opposition on the floor of parliament. They 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.

List of leaders of the opposition in New South Wales since 1887

 * Political parties

Deputy Leaders of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly
The Deputy Leader of the Opposition is a position in the New South Wales Parliament held by a second-largest political party or coalition member. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition assists the Leader of the Opposition in their duties and may act as the Leader of the Opposition if the position becomes vacant. The position was established in New South Wales in 1986, with Peter Collins becoming the first person to hold it in its formalised capacity. Before this, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition was largely informal, with no clear mandate or responsibilities.

Deputy Leaders of the Opposition in the Legislative Council
The Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council plays an important role in assisting the Leader of the Opposition in managing and leading the opposition party's activities in the upper house of the Parliament of New South Wales. The position of Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council dates back to at least 1966, when James Maloney was formally recognized as the first Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council according to the Alphabetical Roll of Members from the Parliament of New South Wales. Maloney served in the position from 31st March 1966 to 26th April 1971. Several individuals have filled the position since then. The Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council is specifically focused on supporting the opposition party's efforts, in contrast to the Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, who assists the Leader of the Government in the Upper House. Despite not having a formally established date, the position of Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council remains an important figure in NSW politics and an essential part of the opposition party's leadership team.