CORPORATE PLAN 1998-2001Message
from the Clerk of the SenateThe Corporate Plan 1998-2001 outlines
the strategic direction of the Department of the Senate in providing non-partisan
advice, support and information to senators, and information about the Senate
and its committees to the public. The plan has been prepared after extensive
consultation with departmental staff. It gives general guidance on the department’s
aims and objectives to departmental staff and to all who use the services of the
department. It also develops the framework established in the 1994-97 Corporate
Plan. This latest plan covers a new and exciting period in Australia’s
history, culminating in the centenary of federation and the first meetings of
the Senate in the new century. The department will participate in celebrating
these important milestones in Australian political and parliamentary history. During
the period in which the Corporate Plan operates, staff will continue to provide
high quality advice and support to meet the needs of the Senate and senators.
We will enhance the comprehensive range of services that we provide by expanding
our knowledge and expertise, by advances in information technology and by effective
management practices. The detailed activities and responsibilities through
which we achieve our mission are in our workplans, published on an annual basis.
Information on progressive implementation of the department’s objectives
is outlined in the department’s Annual Report.
Our aim is to ensure
the highest standards of service through our teamwork, communication, and quality
and excellence in the performance of our primary duty, to serve the Senate and
senators. Our success will be measured by our commitment to the values identified
within this plan over the next three years. Harry Evans
November
1998 Our Mission
To provide the highest quality and cost-effective services and information
to the Senate, senators and the public.
Our ServicesAll staff
in the Department of the Senate contribute to the provision of the following services:
- advice and secretariat support to the Senate, senators and to Senate
and certain joint committees
- education and public awareness programs and publications to promote
understanding of the role and work of the Senate and its committees
- administrative support to senators and their staff
ValuesAs
Senate departmental staff, we will strive to uphold the following values and work
practices: Independence: We will provide professional, impartial
and non-partisan advice and support services to the Senate and all senators. Responsiveness:
We will provide timely, high quality advice and service to senators and
others. Integrity and conduct: We will demonstrate the highest
standard of ethical behaviour and maintain a professional and objective approach
to our work. Respect: We will treat all persons with respect
and courtesy, and cooperate fully with our colleagues. Good management
practices: We will provide effective leadership, practise non-discriminatory
management and ensure that workplace relations are based on consultation and communication.
Continuous improvement: We will focus on results and effectively
managing work performance, and strive for excellence in all that we do by continually
improving our skills and knowledge. Probity and accountability:
We will use resources properly and cost-effectively, and be fully accountable
for our actions to the Senate and, through the Senate, to the public. Strategies
for 1998-2001In order to achieve our mission, we will implement the
following strategies during 1998-2001: Service to senators and others
- Maintain and improve services to the Senate, senators and other users of departmental
resources
- Ensure that all relevant users are aware of the departmental
services and resources available
- Optimise the use of technology and resources
to improve the range and accessibility of information
Provision
of Procedural Advice
- Ensure the highest standard of accurate and prompt procedural advice
- Publish regular updates of Odgers' Australian Senate Practice
- Increase our knowledge of, and expertise in, the constitutional and
procedural bases of the Senate and its committees
Public
Awareness - Expand and enhance public education and information
available on the role of the Senate, its committees, and the parliamentary system
- Promote
public awareness of the centenary of the first Senate and the first parliament
- Produce
effective education programs and resources, and authoritative publications
Ability
to respond to senators and others, to achieve our outcomes - Attract
and retain skilled, motivated and competent staff
- Motivate staff to perform
to their maximum potential by recognising high performance and providing effective
management and support
- Provide staff with the skills and knowledge to
achieve maximum productivity and work satisfaction
- Create flexible staffing
arrangements to improve responsiveness to users of departmental services
Clerk’s
OfficeAdvice on proceedings of the Senate and its committees
Leadership and strategic direction for the department Table
OfficeProcedural advice and chamber programming services
Processing of legislation
Preparation of records of proceedings
and business before the Senate
Maintenance, distribution and storage
of tabled and other documents
Provision of inquiries service Procedure
OfficeProcedural advice and legislative drafting for non-government
senators
Secretariat support for the legislative scrutiny committees
Research on parliamentary matters
Education and information programs
on the role of the Senate and the Parliament for students and members of the public
Committee OfficeAdvisory, administrative,
and research support to the Senate and joint committees served by the Committee
Office
Provision of information on the Senate committee system Corporate
Management OfficeAdministrative advice and support
to senators and staff
People and financial management services Black
Rod’s OfficeOffice support and other services to senators
and the department
Information technology and publishing services
Security services The primary responsibility of the Department of
the Senate is to assist senators We also assist other individuals and
organisations:
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