Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:17 AM AWST
23/07/2026 12:17 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Provide support to Parliament
Provide support to Parliament
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPGOV409A
PSPGOV409A
State Code
C8019
C8019
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/01/2006
Field of Education
080313 - Public And Health Care Administration
Original Release Date
25/01/2006
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit covers the provision of procedural and administrative support and advice to the Parliament, its committees and services. It includes exercising Parliamentary protocols, providing secretariat services, researching and presenting information and advice, assisting in the preparation of proposed legislation, providing community liaison and Parliamentary relations services, and presenting seminars.In practice, providing support to Parliament may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically applying government processes, gathering and analysing information, using advanced workplace communication strategies, etc.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Exercise Parliamentary protocols
- 1.1 Confidential and sensitive issues are identified and confidentiality maintained in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 1.2 Parliamentary conventions and traditions are identified and applied according to the occasion, location and participants.
- 1.3 Strict protocols for Parliament are identified and adhered to, and others are assisted in the application of these protocols in accordance with required behaviour.
- 1.4 Occasions/situations are assessed and conduct is exercised to suit the occasion and comply with public sector standards and code/s of conduct.
- 1.5 Situations where apparently conflicting protocols might apply are assessed and decisions made on appropriate action, or referred for advice in accordance with policy and guidelines.
2. Provide secretariat services
- 2.1 The scope and type of committee/inquiry, and the Chair's role and responsibilities are identified to ensure the provision of advice and administrative support meets committee requirements.
- 2.2 Administrative services are provided to support the committee system and the conduct of individual inquiries in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 2.3 Briefing papers are provided for meetings and information gathering activities in the timeframe set by the relevant committee.
- 2.4 Report drafting services are provided that result in reports that are well structured, defensible, based on comprehensive and balanced information and meet organisational requirements for style, language and content.
- 2.5 Strategies are implemented to ensure the effective promotion of committee reports in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
3. Research and present information and advice
- 3.1 Research is conducted to respond to requests for information/advice and to support the information gathering activities of committees in accordance with organisational requirements.
- 3.2 The context, purpose and audience for the information/advice is determined and a research methodology is developed to suit.
- 3.3 Policy and legislation are analysed, databases searched and interviews conducted as required to obtain the necessary information in accordance with the research methodology.
- 3.4 Information/advice is provided that is logical, balanced and comprehensive, and is analysed and presented in accordance with the purpose for which it was requested.
- 3.5 Requests for information/advice are responded to immediately or information is provided on what steps are being taken to address the request.
4. Assist in the preparation of proposed legislation
- 4.1 Administrative services are provided to support departmental processes for the preparation and submission of proposed legislation in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 4.2 Administrative services are provided to support the Parliamentary and Cabinet process for the enacting of legislation in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 4.3 Administrative support is provided to assist with the drafting of amendments and Private Members' Bills in accordance with organisational requirements.
5. Provide community liaison and Parliamentary relations services
- 5.1 Strategies are implemented to promote public awareness of, and participation in, committee inquiries in accordance with organisational requirements.
- 5.2 Inter-Parliamentary relations are promoted through the provision of advice and support that facilitates the conduct of Parliament's regional and international affairs.
- 5.3 Incoming/outgoing delegations and Parliamentary visitors are assisted in accordance with the agreed program and visit objectives.
- 5.4 International cooperation is facilitated through provision of assistance and information in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
6. Present seminars
- 6.1 Seminar content and supporting documentation is regularly updated and tailored to meet specific audience needs and interests.
- 6.2 Information and education services are provided to promote public knowledge and awareness of, and interaction with, the Parliament in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 6.3 Feedback is obtained from seminar participants to gauge satisfaction and suggestions for improvement, and recommendations are acted on as required in accordance with organisational requirements.
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Others may include:
Members of Parliament
the public
delegations
other visitors
Types of committee/inquiry may include:
standing committees
Senate and states estimates committees
scrutiny of legislation committee
select committees
Report content may include:
evidence gathered
committee's reaction to the evidence
precise and accurate analysis of the strongest features of the evidence
evaluation
option-setting
policy recommendations for government
Information/advice may include:
explanation of the rules and practices of Parliament such as question time
statistical information, such as the volume of legislation passed or before the House
biographical information on current and former Members
background information on the history and policy development of Bills before the House
how to calculate quorums and absolute majorities in the House
how to determine election dates
effects of dissolution of the House
how to find legislation and trace procedural history
how the Speaker's vote is exercised
precedents
electronic voting and secret ballots
Departmental processes for the preparation and submission of proposed legislation and other Parliamentary documents may include:
preparation of a Bill and supporting material
preparation of Cabinet submissions and supporting material
role of instructing officer - debate
preparation of responses to Questions on Notice
preparation of responses to Questions without Notice
preparation of Ministerial Statements, estimates, briefs
tabling of reports
preparation of annual reports, Budget documents
responding to committee reports, petitions
liaison with other departmental representatives
Parliamentary and Cabinet processes may include:
Cabinet processes:
ATP/ATI protocols
community consultation and other stakeholders
authority to prepare submission
authority to introduce submission
role of instructing officer:
preparation of explanatory notes
drafting instructions
crown law advice
Parliamentary terminology and timeframes
role of scrutiny of legislation committee
Parliamentary procedures:
Question Time
adjournment debate
sessional/standing orders
stages of legislative process of Bill to Act
Budget processes:
CBRC
estimates
tabling and debate of Budget
e-democracy processes:
e-petitions
notice papers
Hansard
committee reports
broadcasting of Parliament
electoral process
Machinery of Government
role of Member of Parliament
Others may include:
Members of Parliament
the public
delegations
other visitors
Types of committee/inquiry may include:
standing committees
Senate and states estimates committees
scrutiny of legislation committee
select committees
Report content may include:
evidence gathered
committee's reaction to the evidence
precise and accurate analysis of the strongest features of the evidence
evaluation
option-setting
policy recommendations for government
Information/advice may include:
explanation of the rules and practices of Parliament such as question time
statistical information, such as the volume of legislation passed or before the House
biographical information on current and former Members
background information on the history and policy development of Bills before the House
how to calculate quorums and absolute majorities in the House
how to determine election dates
effects of dissolution of the House
how to find legislation and trace procedural history
how the Speaker's vote is exercised
precedents
electronic voting and secret ballots
Departmental processes for the preparation and submission of proposed legislation and other Parliamentary documents may include:
preparation of a Bill and supporting material
preparation of Cabinet submissions and supporting material
role of instructing officer - debate
preparation of responses to Questions on Notice
preparation of responses to Questions without Notice
preparation of Ministerial Statements, estimates, briefs
tabling of reports
preparation of annual reports, Budget documents
responding to committee reports, petitions
liaison with other departmental representatives
Parliamentary and Cabinet processes may include:
Cabinet processes:
ATP/ATI protocols
community consultation and other stakeholders
authority to prepare submission
authority to introduce submission
role of instructing officer:
preparation of explanatory notes
drafting instructions
crown law advice
Parliamentary terminology and timeframes
role of scrutiny of legislation committee
Parliamentary procedures:
Question Time
adjournment debate
sessional/standing orders
stages of legislative process of Bill to Act
Budget processes:
CBRC
estimates
tabling and debate of Budget
e-democracy processes:
e-petitions
notice papers
Hansard
committee reports
broadcasting of Parliament
electoral process
Machinery of Government
role of Member of Parliament
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients
PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information
PSPGOV412A Use advanced workplace communication strategies
PSPGOV413A Compose complex workplace documents
PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPPOL401A Contribute to policy development
PSPPOL404A Support policy implementation
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of Employability Skills as they relate to this unit
provision of support to Parliament in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
organisational policies, procedures and protocols
Parliamentary Procedures handbook
legislation and guidelines
case studies and scenarios relating to the Bill to Act process
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when providing support to Parliament, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
provision of support to Parliament in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time).
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations.
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients
PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information
PSPGOV412A Use advanced workplace communication strategies
PSPGOV413A Compose complex workplace documents
PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPPOL401A Contribute to policy development
PSPPOL404A Support policy implementation
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of Employability Skills as they relate to this unit
provision of support to Parliament in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
organisational policies, procedures and protocols
Parliamentary Procedures handbook
legislation and guidelines
case studies and scenarios relating to the Bill to Act process
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when providing support to Parliament, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
provision of support to Parliament in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time).
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations.
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWV73 | PSPGEN030 | Provide support to Parliament | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J283 | PSP40112 | Certificate IV in Government | Qualification |
| C768 | PSP40104 | Certificate IV in Government | Qualification |