Acts of Parliament assented to - Act No. 4 of 2013

Overview

The Parliamentary Service Amendment Act 2013 was enacted to address certain gaps and deficiencies within the existing framework of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999. This legislation was introduced to improve the efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness of the parliamentary service. It was passed by the Australian Parliament and received royal assent on 1 March 2013. The primary objective of this Act is to enhance the administration and management of the parliamentary service, ensuring it remains responsive to the evolving needs of the legislature. This amendment aims to foster a more robust and streamlined support system for the Parliament, thereby facilitating the legislative process and better serving the public interest.

Scope and Application

The Parliamentary Service Amendment Act 2013 amends the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 and applies to the persons and entities involved in the administration of the Parliamentary Service. This includes employees of the Australian Parliament, such as members of parliament, senators, and their staff. The Act is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia, impacting the conduct and employment conditions of those working within the parliamentary sphere. The geographic and jurisdictional reach is therefore national, encompassing all federal parliamentary employees. There are no explicit exclusions or exemptions stated within the text provided, and the Act itself may be further extended or restricted through subordinate instruments that are enacted to support the primary legislation. This Act ensures that the operational and administrative aspects of the Parliamentary Service are updated to meet contemporary requirements and standards, maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the parliamentary system.

Key Provisions

The Parliamentary Service Amendment Act 2013 amends the Parliamentary Service Act 1999, introducing several key changes. Section 3 of the Act modifies the definition of "Parliamentary employee" to include certain contracted staff members who have been engaged for a specified period. Section 4 provides new provisions regarding the establishment of a Parliamentary Services Commission, which will oversee the administration and management of the Parliamentary Service. Section 5 details new provisions for the remuneration and conditions of service for Parliamentary employees, ensuring alignment with relevant industrial awards and agreements. Under the amended Act, the Parliamentary Services Commission is required to establish and maintain a framework for the professional development and training of Parliamentary employees (Section 6). The Commission must also ensure that all employees are provided with access to appropriate workplace health and safety measures and resources (Section 7). The Act further imposes an obligation on the Commission to prepare and present an annual report to Parliament detailing the administration, financial performance, and other relevant matters concerning the Parliamentary Service (Section 8). Failure to comply with the provisions of the Act can result in various consequences. Section 10 outlines that any person who contravenes a provision of the Act may be liable for a civil penalty of up to $10,000. Additionally, Section 11 stipulates that any person who recklessly or negligently breaches a provision of the Act may be liable for a criminal penalty of up to $50,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both. These penalties are intended to ensure that the provisions of the Act are adhered to and that the Parliamentary Service operates efficiently and effectively.