Seminars for Public Servants
Seminar Program 2012
Our full-day seminar, Introduction to the Senate, provides a general overview of the Senate’s role in the Australian system of government. New public servants should attend this seminar before enrolling in any other seminars offered by the Senate,
as it provides a valuable overview of the Senate and its work. For this reason
many government departments include it as part of their induction program for new graduates. The half-day and two-hour seminars focus in more detail on operational and procedural aspects of the Senate and its committees, and it is assumed that those attending them will be familiar with Australia’s system of government and with the legislative process.
Introduction to the Senate
9:00am–3:30pm
This seminar provides an introduction to Australia’s system of parliamentary government with particular emphasis on the role of the Senate. Experienced Senate officers with expertise in parliamentary practice and procedure give presentations on:
- the Senate, the Constitution and accountability;
- the powers of the Senate;
- the Senate’s business on a sitting day; and
- the Senate committee system and estimates process.
Presenters use video clips to illustrate the proceedings of the Senate and its committees and may conduct a simulated committee hearing. The seminar includes a tour of the Senate and House of Representatives chambers and, where possible, a presentation by a senator about his or her work and life as a parliamentarian.
Dates:
21 February, 27 March, 12 April, 17 April, 17 May, 14 June, 2 August, 28 August, 4 October and 6 November
Cost: $330.00 per person
Delegated Legislation and the Senate
9:30–11:00am
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, factors of interest to the Regulations and Ordinances Committee, the disallowance timetable and consequences of disallowance.
Dates:
15 May and 6 September
Cost: $150.00 per person
Getting bills through the Senate
1:30–4:30pm
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 passage of bills through Parliament, the role of the Scrutiny of Bills Committee, the referral of bills to committees for inquiry and report, disagreements between the two houses, and royal assent and commencement. This seminar is aimed at public servants who advise ministers in the Senate chamber on the passage of bills, or who may perform an advisory role in the future.
Dates:
3 April and 8 August
Cost: $230.00 per person
Senate Committees
1:30–4:30pm
This seminar provides a detailed examination of the structure and operation of the Senate committee system and is aimed at those who may be required to write submissions for committees, appear as witnesses, or monitor the progress of committee inquiries. It covers the powers, composition and operating procedures of committees, and the law and practice of parliamentary privilege. It also offers practical advice on how to write submissions and prepare for committee hearings, and explains the rights and obligations of witnesses who appear before Senate committees.
Dates:
5 June and 22 October
Cost: $230.00 per person
The budget and the Senate estimates process
1:30–4:30pm
This seminar is designed for public servants who attend Senate estimates hearings, monitor the estimates process or provide information to Senate committees considering the estimates of expenditure contained in the budget. Topics covered include the budget cycle, the passage of the appropriation bills through the Parliament, how Senate committees consider estimates and how they monitor the performance of departments and agencies.
Dates:
2 February, 2 May, 3 May, 31 July, 25 September and 26 September
Cost: $230.00 per person
Parliament, privilege and accountability
1:30–4:30pm
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.
Dates:
7 March, 13 June, 7 August and 15 November
Cost: $230.00 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.
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.
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
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
Website feedback: web.senate@aph.gov.au
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