Purpose

The department’s purpose, as set out in its corporate plan, is:

To support the House of Representatives, and the wider Parliament, in the role of a representative and legislative body by providing advice and services of a high standard.

Role and functions

The Parliamentary Service Act 1999 provides for a non-partisan parliamentary service to serve the Australian Parliament. The Department of the House of Representatives is established by and operates under the Act, together with three other parliamentary departments: the Department of the Senate, the Department of Parliamentary Services and the Parliamentary Budget Office.

During 2015–16, the department continued in its role as a service department for the parliament, supporting the work of the House of Representatives, its members and committees, and some joint committees (comprising members of both the House and the Senate). The department also continued to provide assistance to the House and the parliament in maintaining relationships with state and territory, and international counterparts.

Organisational structure

The department is managed by its Executive: the Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Clerk Assistant (Table), Clerk Assistant (Committees) and Serjeant-at-Arms. Their work is carried out through nine offices.

The department’s organisational structure changed in one respect during the year. In October 2015, the Clerk Assistant (Table) assumed responsibility from the Deputy Clerk for the work of the International and Parliamentary Relations Office.

Outcome and program structure

The department’s outcome and program structure for the reporting year is set out in its 2015–16 Portfolio Budget Statements.

The department has one outcome:

Advisory and administrative services support the House of Representatives to fulfil its representative and legislative role.

The department has two programs:

·        Program 1: Departmental—supports five activities
·        Program 2: Administered—supports one activity.

Figure 1 shows the department’s organisational structure at 30 June 2016.  [Text-only description]

Figure 2 shows the department’s outcome and program structure and the activities under each program. [Text-only description]

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