Inside the Department of Parliamentary Services: Your 60-Second Guide to a Rewarding Government Career 📈
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS)? We’ve done the heavy lifting and dissected their annual report, so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about DPS – from their key functions and financials to the skills and qualifications they’re seeking in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or a fresh graduate, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate your path to a rewarding government career. Read on to learn how DPS keeps the heart of Australian democracy beating!
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department: Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS)
Location: Parliament House, Canberra, ACT, Australia
CEO (Secretary): Rob Stefanic
Total Revenue: Approximately $190 million (funded by government appropriations + own-source revenue)
Total Number of Employees: 1,202 (as at 30 June 2024)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO DPS
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited
Business Management – Helps streamline projects and manage stakeholder relationships effectively.
Information Technology – DPS relies on secure, modern ICT systems for parliamentary broadcasts, Hansard production, and more.
Project Management – Useful for coordinating diverse projects across facilities, infrastructure, or ICT domains.
Hospitality or Culinary Arts – Contributes to managing catering events and VIP functions at Parliament House.
Horticulture or Landscape Management – Supports the upkeep of Parliament House’s iconic gardens and landscape areas.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited
Project Management Professional (PMP) or PRINCE2 – Ensures the delivery of complex projects on time and within budget.
IT Security Certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM) – Critical for maintaining robust cyber and information security frameworks.
Hospitality/Events Management Certificates – Enhances the hosting of official functions.
Trade Certificates (e.g., Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical) – Keeps the building’s facilities functioning smoothly.
First Aid and WHS Certifications – Ensures a safe environment for employees, visitors, and dignitaries.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited
ICT Specialists – Essential for managing secure networks and parliamentary broadcasting systems.
Chefs and Catering Professionals – Provide top-quality food services and event support for parliamentary functions.
Security Officers – Protect the building and occupants with vigilance and professionalism.
Maintenance and Technical Trades (e.g., Electricians, Carpenters, HVAC Technicians) – Maintain the building’s infrastructure and design integrity.
Librarians and Researchers – Offer in-depth research, reference, and archival services crucial to parliamentary work.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited
Team Collaboration – DPS projects often span multiple branches; teamwork is crucial.
Written and Verbal Communication – From liaising with senators and members to producing official documents.
Technical Troubleshooting – Vital in resolving IT, broadcasting, or facilities-related issues promptly.
Customer Service Mindset – Ensures positive experiences for employees, visitors, and dignitaries.
Adaptability – Flexibility to respond effectively to the parliamentary sitting schedule and evolving priorities.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited
Public Sector or Government Administration – Familiarity with government protocols and policies.
Project Delivery and Coordination – Demonstrates capability in handling multifaceted initiatives.
Hospitality / Events Experience – Adds value to DPS’s events, conferences, and catering services.
Facilities or Property Management – Useful for maintaining a complex building environment.
Data Analysis / Research – Aids in evidence-based decision-making for policy and parliamentary support.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Department of Parliamentary Services
Name of CEO (Secretary): Rob Stefanic
Location: Based in Canberra, serves nationally (Parliament House, Canberra, ACT)
Year Founded: 2004 (DPS as currently structured, under the Parliamentary Service Act)
Main mission and purpose of the department
DPS supports the functions of Australia’s Parliament, delivering a range of services including Hansard, broadcasting, ICT, security, visitor services, library research, and the maintenance of Parliament House.
Real-World Impact: By managing Parliament House operations—like broadcasting debates and preserving the building’s design—DPS helps the Parliament function smoothly and remain accessible to all Australians.
Main duties of the department
Parliamentary Support: Provide research, Hansard transcription, and library services.
Security and Access: Maintain safety standards so visitors can engage with representatives.
Infrastructure Management: Oversee building works, facilities, and grounds maintenance.
ICT and Broadcasting: Deliver modern technology platforms and broadcast parliamentary proceedings.
Visitor Experience: Offer tours, exhibitions, and events that connect Australians with their democracy.
Real-World Impact: These duties shape everything from IT support for senators to how school groups discover the democratic process.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives
Digital Transformation: Upgrading ICT systems for efficient digital access.
Building Modernisation: Preserving architectural integrity while updating infrastructure to meet modern standards.
Parliamentary Broadcasting Upgrades: Providing high-quality, accessible coverage of parliamentary sessions.
Visitor Experience Enhancements: Expanding tours and displays to foster deeper civic understanding.
Did you know?
DPS manages one of the largest flags in Australia—the one flying atop Parliament House, which is nearly the size of a double-decker bus! 🇦🇺
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 1,202
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: (Not specifically listed in the annual report.)
Salary Bands: Typically aligned with Australian Public Service classifications (APS 1–EL 2, plus SES). Salaries range broadly from entry-level administrative roles through to senior executive positions.
Average Salary in the Department: (Not specified in the annual report.)
Total Revenue: Approximately $190 million
Average Revenue per Employee: About $158,000 (i.e., $190 million / 1,202 employees)
GETTING A JOB AT DPS
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Business Administration, Information Technology, Hospitality, Horticulture, Security Operations
Why it’s useful: These courses offer hands-on skills for entry-level roles in customer service, admin, events, or facilities.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Degrees in Public Policy, ICT/Computer Science, Engineering, Law, Communications, Project Management, Accounting
Why it’s useful: These qualifications enable mid-level to senior roles in management, analysis, stakeholder engagement, IT, or building engineering.
PhDs:
Specialist research roles in policy analysis, library services, or technical innovation
Why it’s useful: Deep expertise can inform parliamentary research, strategic planning, or advanced system design.
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Building maintenance, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, horticulture, audiovisual, hospitality, and security. These roles keep Parliament House operational, secure, and welcoming.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Prior government experience, program or event coordination, library/research roles, facilities management, or ICT support. Demonstrating familiarity with public-sector frameworks, large building operations, or service delivery can be a big plus.
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft skills
Communication and stakeholder engagement
Team collaboration and customer service
Problem-solving and creative thinking
Technical skills
Networking and cybersecurity (for ICT roles)
Building maintenance and technical troubleshooting
Data analysis and project management software
General skills
Organisation and time management
Basic computer literacy (for administrative tasks)
Adaptability to fast-changing parliamentary schedules
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Having a passion for Australian history and government, architecture, cultural events, technology, or event hosting and food services can enrich your contributions at DPS.
WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THIS DEPARTMENT?
Contact the department
Address: Department of Parliamentary Services, Parliament House, PO Box 6000, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
Telephone: (02) 6277 7111
Email: dps@aph.gov.au
Website: www.aph.gov.au/dps
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