This e-brief outlines how Australian parliaments adapted to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on New South Wales. It highlights how the pandemic affected the ease with which parliaments could fulfil their functions of making laws, controlling state finances, conducting oversight of the executive arm of government, and providing a forum for debate of matters of importance.

An overview is included of the changes made to parliamentary practice and procedure that enabled parliaments to continue operating albeit in a limited form. The role of technology in this is highlighted. Finally, the implications for parliamentary democracy are explored, with consideration of how parliaments can best adapt and respond should similar challenges arise in future.