Management of Human Resources
Staffing Overview
Staff turnover
Staff development and training
External development activities
Workplace relations
Productivity gains
Performance based pay
Australian Workplace Agreements
Non-salary benefits
Other
> Accountability
Internal Scrutiny
Statutory reporting requirements
Commonwealth Disability Strategy
Occupational health and safety
Ecologically sustainable development
Advertising and market research
Freedom of information
Other Specific Reporting Requirements
Consultancy Services
ACCOUNTABILITY
Internal scrutiny
2000-2001 Internal Audit compliance reports
| Report | Findings |
|---|---|
| Review of Travel Procedures | The review indicated a high level of compliance with travel policies, some compliance issues were identified. |
| Information Technology Costing review | The financial data is being recorded in the department's FMIS, middle managers require training in interpretation and use of the reports. |
| Pay Calculations - Quality Assurance | The department's HRMIS accurately calculates salary amounts in accordance with the DPRS Certified Agreement |
| Compliance Audit - Replacement Telephony System Project | The tender process was well controlled and overall complied with Departmental and Commonwealth procurement guidelines. |
| Staff Plan - Costing review | Confirmation of the figures used for the new CSG Staffing Plan |
| External Providers of the Hansard Transcript | Due process was followed in the awarding of the external provider contracts. The process was transparent and would stand the test of public scrutiny. |
| Implementation of the Hansard MIS PRESS and SARMS systems. | SARMS has been successfully implemented. Reporting functionality in PRESS needs to be explored. Some issues have deflected attention from achieving full functionality of the Hansard MIS - remedial action has been taken. |
| Review of Business Continuity Plan | DPRS has taken a professional and pragmatic approach to risk mitigation and disaster recovery. |
Statutory reporting requirements
Commonwealth Disability Strategy
The department's primary services - information technology, broadcasting and transcripts - are aimed at supporting the Parliament and Senators and Members. However, the major product for the community at large is the provision of parliamentary debates. These are accessible in three ways:
- live through a webcast facility;
- in electronic format on the Parliament House website; and
- in hard copy format through Australian Government info shops.
The department also makes available, upon request to its help desk, audio cassettes and videos of parliamentary proceedings.
The Commonwealth Disability Strategy lists three performance requirements for agencies which fit into the provider role of DPRS. The department has broad systems in place to address the issues involved and the next review of the customer service charter will include evidence of the department's commitment to meeting the information needs of people with disabilities.
Occupational health and safety
The department continued its positive program of health and safety awareness for all staff. Individual discussions with all new staff have been a feature. Health awareness programs run this year included the Alexander Technique (dealing with stress and posture), healthy heart, men's health, basic first aid and eyesight awareness. Specific training was provided for manual handling and for ergonomic awareness (tailored for Hansard staff).
The department also trialed a commercial health awareness/self development program - 'Good Health, Great Future' and is evaluating its cost effectiveness.
All staff are eligible for reimbursement of membership of the Parliament House Health and Recreation Centre or another such centre up to the same cost.
The department continued to provide a confidential staff counselling service through Davidson Trahaire. This service is available to staff and their families and covers both work related and other matters.
The department's Comcare premium has fallen from $113,600 for 2000-01 to $97,020 for 2001-02. The number of workers' compensation claims has also reduced:
|
Year |
Claims lodged | Withdrawn | Rejected | Total accepted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994-1995 | 20 | nil | 4 | 16 |
| 1995-1996 | 11 | nil | 2 | 9 |
| 1996-1997 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| 1997-1998 | 9 | nil | nil | 9 |
| 1998-1999 | 10 | nil | 2 | 8 |
| 1999-2000 | 6 | nil | nil | 6 |
| 2000-2001 | 3 | nil | nil | 3 |
Ecologically sustainable development and environmental reporting
DPRS is committed to socially and environmentally responsible policies and practices within the workplace. Long-standing initiatives such as waste paper recycling and use of environmentally and ergonomically sensible furniture and equipment are firmly embedded within the operations of the department.
The department does not administer any legislation dealing with the principles of ecologically sustainable development. Joint House Department is responsible for the Parliament's building services and therefore supervises energy use and its conservation.
There are a number of strategic initiatives that have been undertaken by the department, including:
- recommendations on purchase of information technology and related equipment, which are followed by the parliamentary departments, include analysis of emissions and ergonomic factors. All computing equipment, for example, complies with appropriate energy star ratings and other relevant standards
- all staff utilise the departmental intraNet, known as ParlCom, for distribution of many documents, which reduces the amount of photocopying and printing that is required
Advertising and market research
During the reporting year advertising was limited to classified advertising for tenders and staff recruitment. Expenditure for the year was $79,737, broken down as follows:
- StarCom WorldWide - $76,137
- Tremain Media - $ 3,600
The department did not undertake any market research during the year.
Freedom of information
The department is not subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 1982.