Seminars for Public Servants
Seminar Program 2009
Our full-day seminar, Introduction to the Senate, provides a general overview of the Australian system of government. It can be helpful for new public servants to attend this seminar before enrolling in any of the half-day seminars offered by the Senate. Many government departments include it as part of their induction program for new graduates. The half-day seminars focus in more detail on the operational and procedural aspects of the Senate and its committees, and it is assumed that those attending them will be familiar with Australia’s system of government and with the legislative process.
Full-day seminar
Introduction to the Senate
This seminar provides an introduction to Australia’s system of parliamentary government with particular emphasis on the role of the Senate. Experienced Senate officers with expertise in parliamentary practice and procedure give presentations on the following topics:
- the Senate, the Constitution and accountability;
- the legislative process;
- the progress of a typical day in the Senate;
- the Senate’s committee system and estimates process.
Presenters make extensive use of video clips to illustrate the proceedings of the Senate and its committees. The seminar includes a tour of the Senate and House of Representatives chambers and, where possible, a presentation by a senator about his or her work and life as a parliamentarian.
Dates: 30 January, 4 March, 23 April, 21 May, 10 June, 17 July, 27 August, 23 September, 15 October, 6 November
Cost: $315.00
Half-day seminars
The Budget and the Senate Estimates Process
This seminar is designed for public servants who attend Senate estimates hearings (or may be expected to attend in the near future), or who monitor the estimates process and provide information to, and prepare documents for, Senate legislation committees considering estimates. Topics covered include the budget cycle, the passage of the appropriation bills through Parliament, the process by which Senate committees consider the estimates of expenditure contained in the budget, and how Senate committees monitor the performance of departments and agencies. The seminar includes video clips of committee hearings and practical advice from Senate officers with extensive experience in the estimates process.
Dates: 6 May (am), 7 May (pm), 1 July (pm), 29 September (am), 30 September (pm)
Cost: $220.00
Senate Committees
This seminar provides a detailed examination of the structure and operation of the Senate committee system and is aimed at those who may be required to write submissions for committees, appear as witnesses, or monitor the progress of committee inquiries. The seminar covers the powers, composition and operating procedures of committees, offers practical advice on how to write submissions and prepare for committee hearings, and explains the rights and obligations of witnesses who appear before Senate committees.
Dates: 15 July (am)
Cost: $220.00
Getting Bills through the Senate
This seminar is designed to give participants a detailed understanding of the legislative process and the skills needed to monitor the progress of bills through the Parliament. The seminar provides an overview of the drafting and cabinet processes, the passage of bills through Parliament, the role of the Scrutiny of Bills Committee, the referral of bills to committees for inquiry and report, disagreements between the two houses, and royal assent and commencement.
This seminar is aimed specifically at public servants who currently advise ministers in the Senate chamber on the passage of bills, or who may perform an advisory role in the future.
Date: 1 April (am), 30 July (am)
Cost: $220.00
Legislative Scrutiny—Bills and Regulations
This seminar is aimed at those public servants who are responsible for preparing legislation, and legislative instruments, and those who brief others on the preparation of legislative instruments. Topics covered include the Senate’s legislative scrutiny principles, the work of the Scrutiny of Bills Committee and the Regulations and Ordinances Committee, the Alert Digest, and the disallowance process.
Dates: 13 October (am)
Cost: $220.00
Seminar for SES officers
Parliament, Privilege and Accountability
This half-day seminar for SES officers focuses on the accountability of public servants to Parliament. Topics covered include the relationship between the public service, ministers and the Parliament; the role of the Senate in the accountability process; and the law and practice of parliamentary privilege, particularly as it relates to the operation of Senate committees and the rights and obligations of public servants who appear before them as witnesses.
Dates: 29 April (am), 2 September (am)
Cost: $220.00
For bookings and registration
Contact:
Seminar Coordinator |
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Research Section |
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Department of the Senate |
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Parliament House |
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CANBERRA ACT 2600 |
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Phone: 02 6277 3072 or 6277 3074 |
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Fax: 02 6277 5838 |
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Email: senate.seminars@aph.gov.au |
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Web site: www.aph.gov.au/senate/web/seminar_2009.htm |
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Registration:
To register for a Senate seminar, please complete this registration form and send it via fax (02 6277 5838) or email to senate.seminars@aph.gov.au
Customised courses
We can arrange courses to meet your specific needs. Custom-designed courses can be held at Parliament House or at your office.
Parking
Seminar participants may park in the public car park at the front of Parliament House, and enter the building through the Main Entrance.
Cancellation policy
The seminar fee will be waived only if a cancellation is notified in writing (or by email) five or more working days prior to the seminar. If a participant is unable to attend, a substitute participant from the same organisation may attend.
This document may be accessed on our web site at www.aph.gov.au/senate/work/seminar_2009.htm
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