As a military band welcomed the newly sworn-in Governor, and pomp and ceremony filled Australia’s oldest parliamentary chamber, NSW’s house of review was straight to work.

Its first job last week was to elect an assistant president. Father of the house, Christian Democrat Fred Nile, has had the job since 2007. It was his reward for supporting the government of the day.

Christian Democrats' Fred Nile has held a critical role in the NSW upper house for many years. Credit:Jon Reid

For many years, Nile, known to be a seasoned legislator, has been a kingmaker in the upper house. But the octogenarian, who was first elected in 1981, lost the balance of power at the March election.

His colleague, Paul Green, was not elected, leaving the Christian Democrats a one-man band and forcing Nile to give up roomy parliamentary offices so the more successful One Nation could move in.