APPENDIX 4

APPENDIX 4

Previous recommendations from the 2011 inquiry into the performance of the Department of Parliamentary Services

Inquiry into the performance of the Department of Parliamentary Services, Interim report recommendation:

Recommendation 1

5.24 The committee recommends that the Commonwealth Government provide the Department of Parliamentary Services a one-off additional appropriation of $100,000 to be used, together with the existing Department of Parliamentary Services allocation of funds, for the completion of the document, The Architect's Design Intent for Parliament House, Canberra: Central Reference Document, by Ms Pamille Berg.

 

Inquiry into the performance of the Department of Parliamentary Services, Final report recommendations:

Recommendation 1

10.12         The committee recommends that the funding and administration of the Department of Parliamentary Services be overseen by the Senate Appropriations and Staffing Committee and the House Appropriations and Administration Committee meeting jointly for that purpose, and that standing orders be amended as necessary.

Recommendation 2

10.19         The committee recommends that the Department of Parliamentary Services implements appropriate training programs for managers in relation to bullying and harassment and ensures that adequate processes are in place so that all employees are confident in reporting bullying and harassment.

Recommendation 3

10.20         The committee recommends that the Department of Parliamentary Services develop a bullying register to record information about bullying such as details of the incident, where it happened and what action that has been taken so that any trends can be quickly and easily identified.

Recommendation 4

10.21         The committee recommends that if areas with systemic bullying issues are identified, that the Department of Parliamentary Services undertake a pre-emptive investigation of the area rather than wait until formal complaints are received.

Recommendation 5

10.22         The committee recommends that the Department of Parliamentary Services approach Comcare to undertake a further audit, including a survey of all staff, before the end of 2013 to measure improvements, if any, in the management of bullying and inappropriate workplace behaviour in the Department of Parliamentary Services.

Recommendation 6

10.26         The committee recommends that the Department of Parliamentary Services ensure that all recruitment processes are open, transparent and based on merit.

Recommendation 7

10.27         The committee recommends that the Department of Parliamentary Services ensures that all staff involved in the conduct of selection processes receive adequate training and that a review of recruitment processes and tools be undertaken to ensure that they are relevant and appropriate.

Recommendation 8

10.28         The committee recommends that the Department of Parliamentary Services investigate the use of systems, including electronic recruitment, to better manage recruitment and ensure efficient processes.

Recommendation 9

10.29         The committee recommends that the Department of Parliamentary Services approaches the Merit Protection Commissioner to establish independent selection advisory committees for forthcoming recruitment processes.

Recommendation 10

10.32         The committee recommends that the Department of Parliamentary Services review rates of personal leave in order to identify any underlying causes of the high levels of personal leave taken in the department.

Recommendation 11

10.33         The committee recommends that the Department of Parliamentary Services undertake a work health and safety audit within Hansard services to identify any factors contributing to overuse injuries.

Recommendation 12

10.41         The committee recommends that the Presiding Officers arrange for the installation of a plaque within the Parliamentary Precincts, during the building's 25th anniversary, commemorating the contribution made by Mr Romaldo Giurgola, as well as all those who worked on the planning, design and construction of Parliament House.

Recommendation 13

10.49         The committee recommends that the Presiding Officers table in both Houses, on a biennial basis, a report devoted specifically to the building and its contents including information on the condition of the building and its contents, costs of upkeep of the building, heritage concerns and any other related matter so as to fully inform the Parliament and the public about the building.

Recommendation 14

10.53         The committee recommends that the Department of Parliamentary Services undertake capability reviews in relation to design integrity, project management and technical areas including fire safety and engineering services.

Recommendation 15

10.55         The committee recommends that the Department of Parliamentary Services undertake an audit of fire safety in Parliament House and consider reviewing the standard of building documentation.

Recommendation 16

10.58         The committee recommends that the Department of Parliamentary Services provide more accurate, meaningful and transparent information, including information about costs and construction projects undertaken in Parliament House, in its annual report.

Recommendation 17

10.63         The committee recommends that the Department of Parliamentary Services undertake a full audit of the Parliament House status A and B furniture with particular regard to condition, conservation measures, use of furniture, and past disposal practices.

Recommendation 18

10.66         The committee recommends that the Department of Parliamentary Services ensures that all staff involved in contract development and management have relevant skills and receive appropriate training where necessary.

Recommendation 19

10.68         The committee recommends that the Department of Parliamentary Services review the way in which it develops and manages contracts.

Recommendation 20

10.69         The committee recommends that the Department of Parliamentary Services consider approaching the Auditor-General to undertake an audit by arrangement of DPS contract development and management.

Recommendation 21

10.72         The committee recommends that the Security Management Board review the criteria for the issue of photographic security passes for Parliament House.

Recommendation 22

10.74         The committee recommends that, as a matter of priority, arrangements should be completed for the transfer of responsibility for mobile and multifunction devices to the Department of Parliamentary Services.

Recommendation 23

10.77         The committee recommends that the Commonwealth exempt the Department of Parliamentary Services from any future one-off, additional efficiency dividends.

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