Seminar Program 2009

About the House

The About the House seminar provides an introduction to Australia ’s parliamentary system of government and what parliament does.

Developed with graduates and people new to the public service in mind, this seminar offers a basic understanding of the parliamentary system, including the constitutional provisions for the federal system of government; the functions of the parliament, executive and judiciary; and the way in which public servants interact with the House of Representatives. We also show you how to follow the work of the House.

Outcomes

This introductory seminar will help you understand:

• the provisions in the Australian Constitution for Australia 's federal system of government

• the function of the parliament, the executive and the judiciary

• the role and responsibilities of the House of Representatives and its members

• how the public service interacts with the House and how to keep up to date with the work of the House

Seminar Outline

1. Australia's system of government

• features of the Australian Constitution

• the functions of the parliament, executive, and the judiciary

2. Parliament’s work

• roles of the House of Representatives and Senate, with particular emphasis on making laws and accountability

3. Working with parliament

• how public servants are involved with the work of parliament

• how legislation passes through parliament, including the budget

• contributing to parliamentary committees

• following parliament’s work

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