DPS Hansard Temporary Employment Register 2026/2027

About the Department of Parliamentary Services

The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) supports the functions of the Australian Parliament and the work of Parliamentarians through the provision of professional services, advice and facilities, the ongoing maintenance of Australian Parliament House (APH); and ensuring the building, and the important activity that takes place within, are accessible.

Employing over 1,000 people, DPS works to deliver a diverse range of services including: security, reporting and broadcasting, library research, catering, visitor experience, art collections, building design integrity, Hansard, information technology and maintenance. The Department also has corporate and administrative functions including Human Resources, to support a growing diverse workforce.

Are you what the Australian Parliament House Hansard team are looking for?

The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) seeks to attract, develop and maintain a pool of non-ongoing transcribers and editors within Hansard at Australian Parliament House. Hansard is responsible for the production of the reports of the debates and proceedings of the Parliament of Australia and its committees. A Temporary Employment Register has been established to identify people with suitable transcription and/or editing skills who are interested in non-ongoing employment in Hansard. The positions are physically based in Canberra. Non-ongoing work may be offered during periods of peak workload, particularly parliamentary sitting weeks and Senate estimates weeks. Non-ongoing work is generally offered between Monday and Friday, and often includes night work. Work may be offered on an hourly, part-day or daily basis depending on operational requirements.

We work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment and are looking for people who can deliver under pressure, manage competing priorities and respond quickly and flexibly to change. Hansard transcribers and editors:

• have excellent attention to detail;


• have proficiency in spoken and written English comprehension;


• are reliable, organised, punctual and prepared to work long and irregular hours;


• have a strong interest in current affairs;


• thrive on deadlines;


• enjoy working in a team environment.


• a willingness to learn and develop in the workplace is also a must.

If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you!

The Temporary Employment Register

This register is designed to establish a database of appropriately skilled and experienced individuals, who may, at short notice, be further assessed to fill temporary non-ongoing positions for up to 18 months. Non-ongoing (temporary) employment opportunities may be offered on a full-time, part-time or intermittent / irregular (casual) basis.

You will only be contacted regarding your application if a vacancy arises that matches your skills and experience. There is no guarantee that an offer of employment will be made whilst your application remains on the register.

About the opportunities

Transcriber - PSL3

Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 3

Employment Type: Non-Ongoing

Branch: Digital Recording Services

Section: Hansard

Immediate supervisor: Hansard Assistant Director (PEL1)

Security assessment: Baseline

Duty Statement

A Hansard transcriber will, under specific direction, undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for Parliamentary Services Level 3. The duties will include but are not limited to the following:

1. Transcribing, logging, and monitoring committee proceedings in a timely and professional manner. This involves:
   
   
   
   1. Accurately transcribing proceedings to produce a substantially verbatim record in accordance with Hansard standards and style guides.
   
   
   2. Applying established procedures and instructions to prepare draft material for use and/or review by colleagues and senior staff.
   
   
   3. Identifying and escalating any uncertainties, inaudible or confusing passages, or potential errors for review and resolution by senior staff.
   
   
   4. Working within defined workflows and quality expectations and proactively seeking guidance when encountering unfamiliar or complex material.
   
   
   5. Contributing to timely production by meeting performance targets, under supervision.
   
   
   
   

Editor - PSL5/6

Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 5/6

Employment Type: Non-Ongoing

Branch: Digital Recording Services

Section: Hansard

Immediate supervisor: Hansard Assistant Director (PEL1)

Security assessment: Baseline

Duty Statement

Under broad direction, undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for Parliamentary Service Level 5/6.

The PSL5 Hansard duties will include but are not limited to the following:

1. Transcribing and editing chamber and committee turns in a timely manner, to a standard suitable for publication with minimal subediting while under supervision. This involves:
   
   
   
   1. Transcribing and editing Hansard transcripts to produce high quality parliamentary records that meet Hansard’s style, accuracy and timeless standards.
   
   
   2. Exercising judgement to identify and resolve ambiguities, balance the accuracy and intent of contributions and apply Hansard style to a publication ready standard.
   
   
   3. As part of a team and under supervision, applying established Hansard editorial guidelines, policies, and style documents.
   
   
   4. Under supervision, managing time and workflow to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality products, in line with established performance metrics. 
   
   
   5. Escalating matters and engaging with colleagues or senior staff to quickly clarify content, expectations, style, headings, or other any other similar issues as these arise.
   
   
   
   


2. Logging and monitoring committee hearings.

The PSL6 Hansard duties will include but are not limited to the following:

1. Transcribing, editing and subediting chamber and committee turns in a timely manner, to a standard suitable for publication with minimal subediting while under limited supervision. This involves:
   
   
   
   
   1. Transcribing, editing, and/or subediting Hansard transcripts to produce high quality parliamentary records that meet Hansard’s style, accuracy and timeless standards.
   
   
   2. Exercising judgement to analyse and resolve more complex ambiguities, balance the accuracy and intent of contributions, and apply Hansard style to a publication ready standard.
   
   
   3. As part of a team and under broad direction, applying established Hansard editorial guidelines, policies, and style documents.
   
   
   4.  Managing individual time and workflow to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality products, in line with established performance metrics
   
   
   5. Escalating complex matters and engaging with colleagues or senior staff to quickly clarify content, expectations, style, headings, or other any other similar issues as these arise.
   
   
   
   


2. Logging and monitoring committee hearings.

Administrative Assistant

Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 4

Employment Type: Non-Ongoing

Branch: Digital Recording Services

Section: Hansard

Immediate supervisor: Hansard Assistant Director (PEL1)

Security assessment: Baseline Vetting

Duty Statement

Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for Parliamentary Service Level 4. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Provide administrative support to Hansard for parliamentary committee transcription including:
   
   
   
   1. administering committee bookings,
   
   
   2. maintaining related documentation in the Parliamentary Information Management System (PIMS),
   
   
   3. allocating committee related duties to Hansard staff, and
   
   
   4. assisting with data entry of committee transcript corrections.
   
   
   
   


2. Liaise with, respond to enquiries from, and maintain effective stakeholder relationships with committee secretariat staff; senators, members, and their staff; officers of parliamentary and executive departments; Hansard staff; and other stakeholders as applicable.


3. Provide general administrative support to Hansard including reception and general office duties, including being the main point of contact for the Hansard generic email inbox and phone line.


4. Provide support to members of the team during periods of peak operational activity.


5. Develop a working knowledge of the range of services offered by the team and the section.


6. Undertake other duties relevant to the role and in support of Hansard outcomes.

Hansard Editorial Support Officer

Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 5

Employment Type: Non-Ongoing

Branch: Digital Recording Services

Section: Hansard

Immediate supervisor: Hansard Assistant Director (PEL1)

Security assessment: Negative Vetting Level 1

Duty Statement

Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for a Parliamentary Service Level 5. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Prepare and publish Hansard transcripts online within prescribed deadlines.


2. Provide advice on and assist in the preparation and formatting of procedural and other parliamentary material for incorporation in Hansard transcripts.


3. Provide system support for the Parliamentary Information Management System and first-level hardware and software support to Hansard staff.


4. Prepare rosters and undertake administrative tasks.


5. Provide web publishing and social media support for Hansard.


6. Undertake project work to progress organisational capability.


7. Other duties as directed.

Senior Editorial Support Officer

Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 6

Employment Type: Non-Ongoing

Branch: Digital Recording Services

Section: Hansard

Immediate supervisor: Hansard Assistant Director (PEL1)

Security assessment: Negative Vetting Level 1

Duty Statement

Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the Parliamentary Service Level 6. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Supervise the day-to-day duties and operations of the Hansard Support Unit (HSU) team


2. Build team capability through coaching, career development, conflict resolution and managing team performances and Individual Work Plans (IWPs).


3. Oversee the administration of the Parliamentary Information Management System (PIMS), provision of first-line support for PIMS and other Hansard-specific ICT, and internal and external support arrangements for Hansard ICT.


4. Ensure and report on the compliance of HSU outputs within agreed service standards.


5. Manage relationships with clients and service providers to support effective Hansard operations.


6. Coordinate Hansard's web presence on internal and external websites.


7. Undertake HSU functions as required, including work as an on-duty editorial support officer on sitting days for publishing, support and administrative purposes.


8. Other duties as required.

What we can offer

Join our community based on innovative, unified, and client-focused services, where your skills and development will be nurtured. You will also enjoy:  

• flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational needs of the roles


• ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities 


• a competitive remuneration package


• free on-site parking


• free gym membership and access to recreational facilities available at APH


• childcare (pending availability), banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more available at APH.

Conditions of Employment

Employment opportunities at the department are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:

• Australian citizenship: Section 22 of the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 requires that employees of the Parliamentary Service are generally required to be Australian citizens. However, if you are not an Australian citizen you may be considered for engagement on the condition that you are able to gain Australian Citizenship within a specified time. Failure to obtain citizenship within the timeframe could lead to termination of employment.
  
  


• Loss and resumption of Australian citizenship: Under historical provisions of the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 (section 17), some Australian citizens automatically lost their citizenship if they voluntarily acquired the citizenship of another country between 26 January 1949 and 3 April 2002. This loss occurred by operation of law and may not have been known to the individual at the time. Although these provisions were repealed in 2002 to allow dual citizenship, the repeal did not restore citizenship that was previously lost. Individuals who believe they may be affected are recommended to seek advice about resuming their Australian citizenship. Further information, is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.




• Applicants who progress to the offer stage with our department who have been affected by the loss of citizenship as outlined above will be required to demonstrate within a reasonable time that they have resumed, or are actively undertaking the process to resume, Australian citizenship.
  
  




• Security clearance and character clearance: the preferred applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level specified, as well as complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
  
  


• Health assessment: a pre-employment health assessment will be required where there are physical or medical requirements for the role.
  
  


• External Work Approval: Employees must seek approval for any paid employment outside the department and declare voluntary activities that could impact their role.

How to apply

Applicants are invited to register their interest by completing the online application form. Please ensure you nominate your Temporary Employment Register ‘Area of Interest/s’ and ‘Classification’.

You will be required to upload a current resume and provide a 300-word pitch stating why you are interested in working as either a Transcriber or Editor and what skills and experience you can bring to the department.

The information provided in your application must demonstrate that you meet the requirements of the role. As part of your application, you will be able to indicate whether you want to be considered for employment as a transcriber, editor or both. Transcription and/or editing tests will be undertaken as part of the recruitment process.

If you experience any difficulties submitting your online application, please contact the DPS Recruitment Team on (02) 6277 5200 (option 1) or [email protected]

If you would like more information about Hansard or the work available, please contact the Hansard Assistant Directors on (02) 6277 8202 or [email protected]

Important notes

• Employment opportunities may be offered on a short-term, non-ongoing, full-time, part- time, irregular/intermittent or sessional basis for an initial period of up to 12 months)


• There is no guarantee that an offer of employment will be made whilst your application remains on the register.

Classifications

• Parliamentary Service Level (PSL) positions are similar to Australian Public Service (APS) positions.


• Parliamentary Executive Level (PEL) positions are similar to Australian Public Service Executive Level (EL) positions.

Closing Date

Your registration for the DPS Temporary Employment Register will remain active until 11:30pm Wednesday, 30 June 2027. After this time, you will need to renew your registration by reapplying.

Contact details

Name: Assistant Directors

Phone Number: 02 6277 8202

Email: [email protected]

Our purpose and values

We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings and decision-making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.

Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose: to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protect our iconic workplace.

Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building’s architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences – all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people who identify as neurodivergent, and mature aged people.