AGY-6458 | Department of Parliamentary Services

Full description

The creation of the Department of Parliamentary Services as a corporate shared service organisation occurred on 2 June 2008. The department was a result of the Presiding Officers of the Parliament House restructuring the support services of Parliament. The restructure merged the nine Parliamentary Joint Services (Archives, Building Services, Education, Food and Beverage Services, Hansard, Information Technology Services, Library, Printing and Security) and the Office of the Financial Controller into a single entity with an Executive Manager. (1)

Previously, the Office of the Financial Controller and the management of the Joint Services were administratively attached to the Department of the Legislative Assembly. (2)

The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) was a specialist service department working to support the operation of NSW Parliament by providing logistical support and advice to members, the Departments of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly. The responsibilities of the Department included:
- Maintaining and developing the parliamentary buildings and precinct, including a significant capital works program that included Australia's oldest public building.
- Providing information and technology services.
- Providing Hansard, archives and library and research services.
- Providing financial support and advice, including the management of Members' entitlements and governance/planning functions.
- Providing support in the areas of human resources and industrial relations, as well as recruitment, training and staff development.
- Coordinating security across the precinct.
- Providing catering, function and dining services.
- Managing and implementing engagement, education and community outreach programs.
- Managing the Parliament's electorate office network across the state. (3)

Endnotes
1. Department of the Legislative Assembly, Annual Report 2006-2007, pp.12-14.
2. Department of Parliamentary Services, Annual Report 2007-2008, p.2.
3. Parliament of New South Wales website, Department of Parliamentary Services, https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/about/departments/dps/Pages/Department-of-Parliamentary-Services.aspx (accessed 12 January 2023)