Public Consultation on Independent Review of the Parliamentary Support System

The Special Minister of State, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, has established an Independent Review of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Support System (the Independent Review) to ensure it is fit for purpose and meets community expectations.

The Independent Review is examining the legislative frameworks that support the work of Commonwealth parliamentarians and their staff, including the work of agencies that perform functions under those frameworks.

The Independent Review is also examining the implementation of the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Set the Standard report, and the safety and security arrangements for parliamentarians and their staff.

The issue paper ’Overview of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Support System’ has been published to assist the Independent Review to develop its thinking on key issues. The paper has been designed to elicit views from current and former Commonwealth parliamentarians and their staff, others with experience working in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces, agencies providing services under the current framework, academics and civil society groups with an interest in public administration, and members of the broader Australian community.

We welcome submissions from all in the Australian community, noting that the Independent Review is particularly interested in those with experience working in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Support System. The paper includes prompter questions which may assist with framing any feedback. We invite comments and suggestions on any aspect relevant to the Terms of Reference of the Independent Review, including those not covered in the paper.

Privacy Notice

Your personal information is protected by law, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Privacy Act), and is collected to inform the Independent Review. The personal information collected in the submissions will be disclosed to employees working on the Independent Review to support analysis and the development of recommendations for the final report. 

Please do not provide any personal or sensitive information relating to another person, unless you have sought that person’s consent to provide their information for this purpose and have shown them this Privacy Notice. Additionally, we ask that responses do not include any unnecessary personal or sensitive information, and note if it is provided, it will be collected.

Additionally, the information provided may also be analysed by contracted third party service provider artificial intelligence software to assist and inform analysis of submissions. Third parties who contract with the Department of Finance, for the purposes of supporting the  Independent Review, are contractually bound to protect personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act. The Department of Finance will not use or disclose the personal information collected in the submissions for another purpose without your consent unless required or authorised by law.

For more information about how the Department of Finance handles your personal information, including information about access to or correction of your personal information, please visit our Privacy Policy at: https://www.finance.gov.au/publications/policy/department-finance-privacy-policy.