Parliamentary Business Resources (Preferred Providers) Amending Determination 2020

Overview

The Parliamentary Business Resources (Preferred Providers) Amending Determination 2020 was enacted to refine the framework established by the Parliamentary Business Resources (Preferred Providers) Determination 2017. This determination addresses the need to update the criteria and processes for selecting preferred providers for certain parliamentary business resources. The enacting body is Mathias Cormann, the Minister for Finance, under the authority of section 100 of the Parliamentary Business Resources Regulations 2017. The primary policy objective is to ensure that the provision of specific services, such as constituent management software, aligns with the current practices and requirements of parliamentary operations. By making these amendments, the legislation aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of parliamentary business resources management.

Scope and Application

The Parliamentary Business Resources (Preferred Providers) Amending Determination 2020 applies to the management of parliamentary business resources in Australia, specifically modifying the existing determination regarding preferred providers for certain services. This determination affects entities that provide prescribed services to members of the Government or the Opposition, particularly focusing on the provision of constituent management software as stipulated under the Parliamentary Business Resources Regulations 2017. The determination applies nationally as it amends a Commonwealth regulation. It does not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions but modifies the criteria for the selection of service providers. The scope of this determination is further extended or restricted through the Schedule, which details specific amendments to the original determination. This legislative instrument is effective from the day after its signing, ensuring immediate application of the changes to the preferred provider arrangements for parliamentary business resources.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Parliamentary Business Resources (Preferred Providers) Amending Determination 2020 (henceforth referred to as the "Determination") pertain to the amendments of the Parliamentary Business Resources (Preferred Providers) Determination 2017. Specifically, section 5 of the Schedule within the Determination repeals row 2 of the table in the 2017 Determination and substitutes it with a new provision. This new provision pertains to the provision of constituent management software prescribed under paragraph 66(1)(l) of the Parliamentary Business Resources Regulations 2017, now requiring the service provider or providers nominated by the member’s party to be approved by the Minister. The Determination imposes specific obligations on the parties it governs. Primarily, it mandates that any service provider nominated by a member’s party for the provision of constituent management software must be approved by the Minister. This approval process ensures that only qualified and vetted service providers are engaged, thereby maintaining the integrity and security of parliamentary business resources. The Determination does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches within its text. However, breaches of the amended provisions could potentially lead to administrative or disciplinary actions under the broader framework of the Parliamentary Business Resources Regulations 2017. The exact consequences would depend on the nature of the breach and the specific regulations that are contravened. For instance, if the breach involves non-compliance with the approval process for service providers, it could lead to revocation of the provider’s eligibility to offer services, or more severe administrative actions against the member’s party involved. Overall, while the Determination itself does not detail specific penalties, it is clear that adherence to its provisions is crucial for maintaining the operational standards and security protocols of parliamentary business resources. The overarching regulations and policies would provide the framework within which any breaches are addressed, potentially leading to various civil or administrative penalties as deemed appropriate by the relevant authorities.