Seminar program 2013
Two introductory seminars, About Parliament and The Senate at work, provide a general overview of the Australian parliamentary system of government. Developed with graduates and new public servants in mind, they provide a valuable overview of the work of the Parliament and lay the groundwork for other seminars in the series which examine in detail the Senate’s legislative work, the Senate committee system and the estimates process.
It is recommended that officers new to the Public Service enrol in these introductory seminars before other seminars in the series.
About Parliament
9.30am–12.30pm
This seminar provides an introduction to Australia’s parliamentary system of government and what the Parliament does. It offers a solid understanding of the parliamentary system, including the constitutional provisions for the federal system of government and the functions of the parliament. This seminar includes a tour of the House of Representatives and the Senate chambers.
Target audience: APS Graduates and those new to the public service
Dates: 9 April, 2 July, 24 September and 5 November
Cost: $350 (individual), $300 (three or more) or $250 (10 or more)*
The Senate at work
9.30am–12.30pm
This seminar provides an introduction to the work of the Senate, featuring the legislative process and the Senate committee system. It shows how to keep track of Senate business and how to access key chamber documents online. The seminar may also include a presentation by a senator about his or her work as a parliamentarian.
Target audience: APS Graduates and those new to the public service
Dates: 5 March, 23 April, 16 July, 15 October and 12 November
Cost: $350 (individual), $300 (three or more) or $250 (10 or more)*
Delegated Legislation and the Senate
9.30am–11.30am
This seminar covers the tabling, consideration and disallowance of delegated legislation in the Senate, including the work of the Senate Regulations and Ordinances Committee. It is aimed at those involved in preparing delegated legislation and explanatory statements. Topics include requirements for making and tabling delegated legislation, the work of the Regulations and Ordinances Committee, the disallowance timetable and consequences of disallowance.
Target audience: APS officers engaged in preparing delegated legislation or those who may perform this role in the future
Dates: 1 May and 5 September
Cost: $160.00 per person*
Getting bills through the Senate
9.30am–12.30pm
This seminar is designed to give participants a detailed understanding of the legislative process and the skills needed to monitor and facilitate the progress of bills through the Parliament. It provides an overview of the legislative process including the passage of bills through Parliament, the amendment of bills, the role of Senate committees, disagreements between the two houses, and royal assent and commencement.
Target audience: APS officers involved in advising ministers or their officers in the Senate chamber on the passage of bills or those who may perform this role in the future
Dates: 18 April and 14 August
Cost: $250.00 per person*
Senate committees and the estimates process
9.30am–12.30pm
This seminar provides a detailed examination of the powers and operation of Senate committees and the estimates process. It is designed for public servants who prepare submissions for Senate committees or who attend Senate estimates hearings, monitor the estimates process or provide information to Senate committees considering the estimates of expenditure contained in the budget.
Target audience: APS officers involved in preparing submissions for Senate committees or who monitor or attend Senate estimates
Dates: 7 May, 4 July, 26 September and 17 October
Cost: $250.00 per person*
Engaging with the Senate – Senior Executive Service training
9.30am–12.30pm
This seminar for SES officers focuses on the accountability of public servants to Parliament. Topics covered include the relationship between the public service, ministers and the Parliament; the role of the Senate in the accountability process; the law and practice of parliamentary privilege, particularly as it relates to the operation of Senate committees; and the rights and obligations of public servants who appear before them as witnesses.
Target audience: Senior Executive Service officers
Dates: 27 March and 13 November
Cost: $250.00 per person*
Further information
Customised courses
We can arrange courses to meet your specified needs. Customised courses can be held at Parliament House or at your office.
We can also schedule additional seminars on demand.
Parking
Information on parking arrangements will be made available at the time of registration.
Cancellation policy
The seminar fee will be waived only if a cancellation is notified in writing (or by email) five or more working days prior to the seminar. If a participant is unable to attend, a substitute from the same organisation may attend.
Seminar Cancellation
Due to unforeseen circumstances a seminar may need to be cancelled. In this event, participants will be advised of this cancellation at least five working days in advance and no fee will be charged.
For bookings and registration please contact the Seminar Coordinator:
Research Section
Department of the Senate
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Phone (02) 6277 3072 or (02) 6277 3074
Fax: (02) 6277 5838
Email: senate.seminars@aph.gov.au
Seminar program 2013 (PDF 329KB)
To register for a Senate seminar, please complete this registration form and send it via fax (02 6277 5838) or email to senate.seminars@aph.gov.au
* Prices as at 18 December 2012