I am pleased to present the Secretary’s Review.

The 2016–17 financial year saw the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) focus on strengthening a culture of accountability, developing innovative thinking, maintaining stability and improving individual and collective performances. Reflecting on my second year in the role, I am profoundly appreciative of the entire DPS team for their enormous contribution and resilience as we strive to provide high quality, connected services, to the Parliament, parliamentarians, visitors and the broader community.

Following the launch of the 2016–17 DPS Corporate Plan in August 2016, our department has focussed on delivering our strategic themes and objectives that support the functions of Parliament and the work of parliamentarians with professional services, advice and facilities. These I point out further in my review as we have achieved many significant milestones and are working tirelessly to address minor set-backs.

I thank the Presiding Officers, the President of the Senate the Hon Stephen Parry and the Speaker of the House of Representatives the Hon Tony Smith MP for their continued support of me and of DPS over the past year. I also thank the heads of the parliamentary departments—the Clerk of the Senate, Richard Pye, retired Clerk of the Senate, Dr Rosemary Laing, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Mr David Elder, and the Parliamentary Budget Officer, Mr Phil Bowen PSM FCPA—for their continued goodwill and collegiality as we seek together to better serve the Parliament and parliamentarians. This collegiality was on display during the official opening and early months of the 45th Parliament, with the parliamentary service working seamlessly to support new and returning senators and members with information and practical support. The double dissolution election resulted in 49 parliamentarians taking their seats in Parliament for the first time—a significant cohort of new senators and members requiring the wrap-around support of the parliamentary service. In addition there were four parliamentarians elected who had served previously. Also during the year our four departments launched the first Strategic Plan for the parliamentary administration. This plan adds a formal dimension to the collaborative engagement which now characterises the work of the parliamentary service. I am encouraged by the progress DPS has made in engaging proactively with the parliamentary departments as partners who collectively support the institution of Parliament.