Inside the Department of the House of Representatives: Your 60‑Second Guide to Landing Your Dream Role 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Department of the House of Representatives? We’ve read their annual report so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this federal department—from their key functions and finances to the skills and qualifications they’re seeking in new recruits. Whether you’re an experienced public servant or just starting out, this guide will give you the insights you need for a rewarding government career in Australia.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Department of the House of Representatives
Location: Parliament House, Canberra, ACT
CEO: Clerk of the House, Ms. Claressa Surtees
Total Revenue: Approximately AUD 57.9 million
Total Number of Employees: 192
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Political Science / Public Administration – Builds a strong understanding of government operations and legislative processes.
Law – Equips you to interpret legislation and offer procedural advice.
Business / Commerce / Finance – Useful for budget oversight, corporate governance, and financial reporting.
Human Resources / Management – Essential for recruitment, workforce planning, and staff development.
Information Technology / Computer Science – Critical for managing data systems, digital infrastructure, and innovative ICT solutions.
Top 5 certifications most suited:
Project Management (e.g. PRINCE2 or PMP) – Helps coordinate complex legislative or ICT projects.
Business Administration (e.g. Certificate IV in Business) – Strengthens administrative workflows and processes.
Work Health and Safety (WHS) – Ensures a safe work environment for a high-traffic public building.
Records Management – Maintains the integrity of high-volume official documents and proceedings.
Financial Services (e.g. Certificate IV in Accounting & Bookkeeping) – Aids in efficient budget and financial management.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Parliamentary Officer / Procedure Specialist – Advises on legislation, House operations, and committee procedures.
Administrative Officer / Executive Assistant – Keeps core daily activities coordinated, especially during sitting periods.
ICT Professional (e.g. Developers, Cybersecurity, System Admins) – Maintains and upgrades the digital platforms supporting legislative work.
Corporate Services Officer (Finance / HR) – Oversees budgeting, HR processes, and governance frameworks.
Audio-Visual / Broadcasting Technician – Manages quality broadcasting and recording of parliamentary proceedings.
Top 5 skills most suited:
Research and Analytical Thinking – Essential for preparing committee briefs and legislative advice.
Communication and Stakeholder Engagement – Crucial for interacting with members of parliament, colleagues, and the public.
Attention to Detail – Important for drafting accurate documentation in a legislative environment.
Teamwork and Collaboration – Vital in a setting where projects often span multiple offices.
Adaptability and Flexibility – Required in a rapidly changing parliamentary schedule.
Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Government or Public Sector – Brings familiarity with public service structures and protocols.
Corporate Governance / Compliance – Ensures internal controls and risk management practices.
Customer Service or Client-Facing Roles – Transfers well into handling constituent or stakeholder inquiries.
Financial / Budget Management – Essential for overseeing the department’s funding and appropriations.
Administration or Office Management – Keeps time-sensitive tasks on track during parliamentary sittings.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Department of the House of Representatives
Name of CEO: Clerk of the House, Ms. Claressa Surtees
Location: Based at Parliament House in Canberra, ACT, Australia
Year Founded: Traces its origins to 1901 (the start of Australia’s parliamentary system), formally under the Parliamentary Service Act 1999
Main mission and purpose of the department:
Real-world example: When new legislation is proposed, the department provides procedural advice, manages debates in the Chamber, and ensures the final version is correct before it’s sent for approval.
Main duties of the department:
Facilitates the House of Representatives in passing bills, running committee inquiries, and preserving vital parliamentary records.
Real-world example: If a member of parliament wants to introduce a private member’s bill, the department’s officers help draft it, verify it against constitutional requirements, and publish it for debate.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Modernising core ICT systems that support the Chamber, committees, and public engagement.
Strengthening public awareness and involvement with the Parliament (e.g., websites, social media, and school tours).
Leading and participating in international parliamentary partnerships, especially in the Asia–Pacific region.
Did you know? The department also coordinates official visits, ensuring that guests—from international dignitaries to school groups—receive a well-structured Parliament House experience.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 192
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level (approx.)
Graduate and Entry-Level: ~25
APS / Parliamentary Service Officer Levels (various bands): ~140
Executive Levels and Senior Executive Service: ~27
Salary Bands: Ranging approximately from AUD 53,900 at entry-level roles to around AUD 207,000 for senior leadership.
Average Salary in the Department: Approximately AUD 88,000
Total Revenue: Approximately AUD 57.9 million
Average Revenue per Employee: Approximately AUD 301,000 (57.9 million ÷ 192 employees)
GETTING A JOB AT THE DEPARTMENT OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Certificate in Business Administration – Contributes to day-to-day administrative and office support needs.
Diploma in Government – Provides foundational knowledge for public sector roles.
Certificate in IT Support – Helps maintain essential digital systems for parliamentary operations.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Bachelor of Politics & International Relations – Deepens insight into legislative frameworks and global governance.
Master of Public Policy or Public Administration – Sharpens your ability to influence and enact legislative priorities.
PhDs:
PhD in Law, Political Science, or Public Policy – Equips you for advanced policy analysis and procedural leadership within the department.
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Administration Officers – Handle scheduling, record-keeping, and frontline office tasks.
ICT Specialists (Developers, Cybersecurity, System Admins) – Keep parliamentary networks and data secure and efficient.
Corporate Services / Finance / HR Officers – Oversee budgeting, governance, and HR responsibilities.
Policy Advisors / Procedural Experts – Convert policy objectives into workable parliamentary procedures.
Broadcast and Audio Technicians – Ensure high-quality live coverage and recordings of debates and committee hearings.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Public Sector or Government – Experience navigating public service frameworks.
Policy, Legislation, or Research Roles – Ideal for shaping committee inquiries and legislative drafting.
Financial or Budget Experience – Critical for managing the department’s appropriations.
Corporate Governance – Maintains high standards in risk management and policy compliance.
Administrative and Coordination Roles – Especially valued in a fast-paced legislative environment.
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft skills:
Communication 💬
Collaboration 🤝
Problem-solving 🤔
Professional Resilience
Customer Service
Technical skills:
Legislative Drafting & Analysis 📑
Data Management 📊
IT Infrastructure and Security 💻
Project Management
Knowledge of Parliamentary Procedure
General skills:
Leadership
Stakeholder Engagement
Time Management ⏰
Report Writing
Research & Analytical Thinking
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Reading About Current Affairs and Politics – Keeps you updated on relevant legislative agendas.
Community Service or Volunteering – Demonstrates a strong public-service mindset.
Debating or Public Speaking Clubs – Fine-tunes your presentation and persuasive skills.
Learning Languages – Useful for hosting and meeting international delegations.
Tech/Gadgets Enthusiasm – Aligns with the department’s growing commitment to digital innovation.
Want more information on this department?
Contact the department:
HR / Recruitment Team: saa.reps@aph.gov.au (Serjeant-at-Arms and HR enquiries)
Address: Serjeant-at-Arms, Department of the House of Representatives, PO Box 6021, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
Telephone: +61 2 6277 4444
Website: www.aph.gov.au/dhr/
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