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Annual Report 2007–08You are currently viewing: Annual Report Departmental overview
PurposeThe department’s purpose is: To support the House of Representatives to fulfil its role as a representative and legislative body by providing effective advice and services of the highest possible standard. Role and functionsThe Parliamentary Service Act 1999 provides the legal framework for a nonpartisan Parliamentary Service to serve the Australian Parliament. The Act establishes this department and the other two parliamentary departments—the Department of the Senate and the Department of Parliamentary Services. It provides for the management, leadership and responsibilities of Parliamentary Service employees as well as the functions of the Parliamentary Service Commissioner and the Parliamentary Service Merit Protection Commissioner. The other parliamentary departments report separately to the Parliament. During 2007–08, the department continued its role as a service department for the Parliament, supporting the work of the House of Representatives, including its members in their parliamentary work, its committees, and some joint committees.[1] The department also maintained its focus on assistance to the House and the Parliament in their relations within Australia and internationally. Organisational structureThe department is managed by its Executive, comprising the Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Clerk Assistant (Committees), Clerk Assistant (Table), and the Serjeant-at-Arms. Their work is carried out through nine offices. The department’s organisational structure at 30 June 2008 is depicted in Figure 1. There has not been a change from the previous year. Outcome and output structureThe department has one outcome: The House of Representatives fulfils its role as a representative and legislative body. Five output groups contribute to this: Output Group 1.1 (Chamber and Main Committee); 1.2 (Community awareness); 1.3 (Committee services); 1.4 (Interparliamentary relations); and 1.5 (Members’ services). There has not been a change in the structure during 2007–08. Figure 2 shows the organisational contribution to the outcome, and Figure 3 shows the outcome and output structure of the department. Figure 1 Organisational structure at 30 June 2008
Figure 2 Organisational contribution to the outcome at 30 June 2008
a Jointly funded by the department and the Department of the Senate and administered by the Department of the Senate. Figure 3 Outcome and output structure at 30 June 2008
Financial performanceThe department ended the 2007–08 financial year in a good financial position, reporting an operating surplus of $1.8 million. This result reflects decreased activity levels in an election year. The department has maintained its healthy balance sheet which is important as we move forward with a reduction in baseline appropriation funding. Departmental revenue from government decreased in 2007–08 due to the additional efficiency dividend. Departmental expenses were lower in 2007–08 due to the election break ($23.7 million in 2007–08; $24.8 million in 2006–07). 2008–09 will be a challenging year as activity levels increase for a full financial year of parliamentary activity. Ongoing input cost increases, increasing activity levels, and reduced funding will place the Departmental operating bottom-line under pressure. Service levels may need to be reduced if an operating loss is to be avoided. Figure 4 Financial performance 2002–03 to 2007–08
[1] Joint committees comprise members of both Houses.
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Departmental overview
