Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

PARLIAMENTARY WORKPLACE SUPPORT SERVICE ACT 2023 - NOTES

No. 72, 2023

Compilation No. 2

Compilation date: 14 October 2024

Includes amendments: Act No. 86, 2024

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Act 2023 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 14  October 2024 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the Register for the compiled law.

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Editorial changes

For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the Register for the compiled law.

Self-repealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

Contents

Part 1--Preliminary

1 Short title

2 Commencement

3 Objects of this Act

4 Simplified outline of this Act

5 Definitions

6 Meaning of parliamentarian

6A References to the Minister

7 Vacancy in the office of a member of the PWSS Advisory Board

8 Crown to be bound

9 Extension to external Territories

10 Extra-territorial operation

Part 2--Parliamentary Workplace Support Service

Division 1--Simplified outline of this Part

11 Simplified outline of this Part

Division 2--Establishment and functions of the PWSS

12 Parliamentary Workplace Support Service

13 Functions of the PWSS

14 Human resources functions

15 Support function

16 Complaint resolution function

17 Policy development function

18 Education and training functions

20 Independence of the PWSS

21 PWSS has privileges and immunities of the Crown

Division 3--Reports by the PWSS

22 Reports by the PWSS

Division 4--Taking action against parliamentarians for certain non-compliance

23 Including details of certain non-compliance by parliamentarians in a public report

24 Notifying parliamentary Leaders of certain non-compliance

Part 2A--Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission

Division 1--Introduction

Subdivision A--Simplified outline of this Part

24A Simplified outline of this Part

Subdivision B--Key concepts for the IPSC

24AA Meanings of conduct issue and respondent

24AB Meanings of pre-Code conduct and post-Code conduct

24AC Meanings of Behaviour Code and Code commencement day

24AD Meaning of before the IPSC

24AE Meaning of responsible Commissioner or Commissioners

Division 2--Establishment and functions of the IPSC

24B Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission

24BA Functions of the IPSC

24BB Guidance function

24BC IPSC has privileges and immunities of the Crown

Division 3--How the IPSC deals with conduct issues

Subdivision A--Complaints and referrals

24C Conduct complaints

24CA Conduct issue referrals by parliamentarians

24CB Conduct issue referrals by the CEO

24CC Requirements for referrals

Subdivision B--Dealing with conduct issues

24CD Assignment of investigating Commissioner

24CE Conduct issues arising from anonymous statements

24CF How conduct issues may be dealt with

24CG Preliminary inquiries

24CH When conduct issue may or may not be investigated

24CI Decision not to investigate--referral to PWSS

24CJ Decision not to investigate--referral to Agency Head etc.

24CK Decision not to investigate--referral under another law

24CL Notice of decision about investigating conduct issue

24CM Notice of amended complaint

Subdivision C--Investigating conduct issues

24CN Application of Subdivision

24CO Conduct of investigations

24CP Requirement to cooperate

24CQ Commissioner may recommend suspension for non-parliamentarians during investigation

Subdivision D--Report of investigation into conduct issue

24CR Application of Subdivision

24CS Parliamentarian decision panel

24CT Draft report on investigation

24CU Contents of draft report

24CV Opportunity to respond to preliminary findings and proposed sanctions etc.

24CW Draft report may be given to respondent or complainant

24CX Apologies by the respondent

24CY Decision on conduct issue

24CZ Final report on investigation

Division 4--Review

24D Application of Division

24DA Applying for internal review

24DB Extension of period for applying for review

24DC Notice of application

24DD Internal review

24DE Notice of review decision etc.

24DF Conduct of reviews etc.

24DG Requirement to cooperate

Division 5--Referral of serious breach findings to Parliament

24E Application of Division

24EA Referral to Privileges Committee

24EB Privileges Committee to make recommendations to House

24EC House may resolve to impose sanctions

24ED Powers of Houses not limited

Division 6--Information management

Subdivision A--Requiring information and documents etc.

24F Notice to give information etc.

24FA When compliance with notice is not required

24FB Offence--failure to comply with notice to give information etc.

24FC Interviews

24FD Retaining documents and things

24FE When documents and things must be returned

24FF Privilege against self-incrimination and legal professional privilege not abrogated

Subdivision B--Confidentiality notices

24FG Application of Subdivision

24FH Confidentiality notices

24FI Disclosures etc. to which confidentiality notices do not apply

24FJ Offence--failure to comply with confidentiality notice

Subdivision C--Secrecy of information

24FK Unauthorised disclosure of information

24FL Disclosure etc. for purposes connected with functions and powers

24FM Disclosure etc. of information relating to serious offences

24FN Disclosure etc. required or authorised by law

24FO Disclosure etc. to protect life, health or safety

24FP Disclosure etc. of publicly available information

24FQ Disclosure etc. to comply with requirement to produce

24FR Disclosure to employers

Division 7--Public statements

24G Public statements to afford fairness

24GA Public statements about parliamentarians

24GB Content and detail in IPSC public statements

24GC Requirements for including identifying information in IPSC public statements

Division 8--Protections and immunities

24H Meaning of protected disclosure

24HA Offences--causing detriment in relation to protected disclosures

24HB Immunity from liability for protected disclosures

24HC Liability for false or misleading disclosures unaffected

24HD Person's liability for own conduct not affected

24HE Claims for protection

24HF Protection has effect despite other Commonwealth laws

Part 2B--Application of the finance law

24J Simplified outline of this Part

24K Application of the finance law

Part 3--Chief Executive Officer of the PWSS

Division 1--Introduction

25 Simplified outline of this Part

Division 2--Establishment and functions of the CEO

26 Chief Executive Officer

27 Functions of the CEO

28 Independence of the CEO

Division 3--Appointment of the CEO

29 Appointment of CEO

30 Appointment of acting CEO

Division 4--Terms and conditions for the CEO

31 Remuneration of the CEO

32 Leave of absence of the CEO

33 Other employment of the CEO

34 Resignation of the CEO

35 Termination of appointment of the CEO

36 Other terms and conditions of the CEO

Part 3A--Commissioners of the IPSC

Division 1--Introduction

36A Simplified outline of this Part

Division 2--Establishment and functions of Commissioners

36B Commissioners

36C Functions of the Commissioners

36D Independence of the Commissioners

Division 3--Appointment of Commissioners

36E Appointment of Commissioners

36F Acting Commissioners

Division 4--Terms and conditions for Commissioners

36G Training requirements

36H Remuneration of Commissioners

36J Leave of absence

36K Resignation

36L Termination of appointment

Part 4--Staff of the PWSS and IPSC etc.

Division 1--Introduction

37 Simplified outline of this Part

Division 2--Staff of the PWSS etc.

38 Staff

39 Persons assisting the PWSS

40 Consultants

Division 3--Staff of the IPSC etc.

40A Persons assisting the IPSC

40B Consultants

Division 4--Immunity from liability

40C Immunity from liability for PWSS and IPSC officials

Part 5--PWSS Advisory Board

Division 1--Introduction

41 Simplified outline of this Part

Division 2--Establishment and functions of the PWSS Advisory Board

42 Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Advisory Board

43 Functions of the PWSS Advisory Board

44 PWSS Advisory Board must approve or reject certain proposals

Division 3--Membership of the PWSS Advisory Board

45 Membership of the PWSS Advisory Board

46 Appointment of members of the PWSS Advisory Board

47 Period of appointment for members of the PWSS Advisory Board

48 Acting members of the PWSS Advisory Board

Division 4--Terms and conditions for members of the PWSS Advisory Board

49 Remuneration

50 Disclosure of interests

51 Leave of absence

52 Resignation

53 Termination of appointment

54 Other terms and conditions

Division 5--PWSS Advisory Board procedures

55 PWSS Advisory Board procedures

Part 6--PWSS Consultative Committee

56 Simplified outline of this Part

57 Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Consultative Committee

58 Functions of the PWSS Consultative Committee

59 Membership of the PWSS Consultative Committee etc.

Part 6A--Parliamentary Joint Committee on Parliamentary Standards

59A Simplified outline of this Part

59B Parliamentary Joint Committee on Parliamentary Standards

59C Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee

59CA Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee

59D Eligibility for appointment as a Parliamentary Joint Committee member

59E Terms of office of Parliamentary Joint Committee members

59F Powers and proceedings of the Parliamentary Joint Committee

59G Functions of the Parliamentary Joint Committee

59H Parliamentary Joint Committee must approve or reject recommendation for appointment

59J Review of Behaviour Codes

Part 7--Information sharing

Division 1--Introduction

60 Simplified outline of this Part

Division 2--Information sharing between the PWSS, IPSC and other entities and persons

61 Information sharing between the PWSS, IPSC and other entities and persons

62 Giving information to PWSS for certain reports

63 CEO may make arrangements for sharing information with or by the PWSS

63A Chair Commissioner may make arrangements for sharing information with or by the IPSC

Division 3--Requesting information from parliamentarians and MOPS employees

64 Requesting information from parliamentarians

65 Requesting information from MOPS employees

Part 8--Miscellaneous

66 Simplified outline of this Part

67 Effect of this Act on parliamentary privileges and immunities

68 Review of operation of this Act

69 PWSS rules

Endnotes

Endnote 1--About the endnotes

Endnote 2--Abbreviation key

Endnote 3--Legislation history

Endnote 4--Amendment history

Endnotes

Endnote 1--About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1--About the endnotes

Endnote 2--Abbreviation key

Endnote 3--Legislation history

Endnote 4--Amendment history

Abbreviation key--Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history--Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.

The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.

Editorial changes

The Legislation Act 2003 authorises First Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial and presentational changes to a compiled law in preparing a compilation of the law for registration. The changes must not change the effect of the law. Editorial changes take effect from the compilation registration date.

If the compilation includes editorial changes, the endnotes include a brief outline of the changes in general terms. Full details of any changes can be obtained from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.

Misdescribed amendments

A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under section  15V of the Legislation Act 2003.

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and "(md not incorp)" is added to the amendment history.

Endnote 2--Abbreviation key

 

ad = added or inserted	o = order(s)
am = amended	Ord = Ordinance
amdt = amendment	orig = original
c = clause(s)	par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)
C[x] = Compilation No. x	/sub-subparagraph(s)
Ch = Chapter(s)	pres = present
def = definition(s)	prev = previous
Dict = Dictionary	(prev ... ) = previously
disallowed = disallowed by Parliament	Pt = Part(s)
Div = Division(s)	r = regulation(s)/rule(s)
ed = editorial change	reloc = relocated
exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have	renum = renumbered
effect	rep = repealed
F = Federal Register of Legislation	rs = repealed and substituted
gaz = gazette	s = section(s)/subsection(s)
LA = Legislation Act 2003	Sch = Schedule(s)
LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003	Sdiv = Subdivision(s)
(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given	SLI = Select Legislative Instrument
effect	SR = Statutory Rules
(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment	Sub-Ch = Sub-Chapter(s)
cannot be given effect	SubPt = Subpart(s)
mod = modified/modification	underlining = whole or part not
No. = Number(s)	commenced or to be commenced

Endnote 3--Legislation history

 

Act	Number and year	Assent	Commencement	Application, saving and transitional provisions
Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Act 2023	72, 2023	20 Sept 2023	1 Oct 2023 (s 2(1) item 1)
Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Act 2023	70, 2023	19 Sept 2023	Sch 2: 1 Oct 2023 (s 2(1) item 2) Sch 3: repealed before commencing (s 2(1) item 3)	Sch 2
as amended by
Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Amendment (Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission) Act 2024	86, 2024	17 Sept 2024	Sch 1 (items 81, 82): 14 Oct 2024 (s 2(1) item 3)
Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Amendment (Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission) Act 2024	86, 2024	17 Sept 2024	Sch 1 (items 1-3): 18 Sept 2024 (s 2(1) item 2) Sch 1 (items 15-80) and Sch 2: 14 Oct 2024 (s 2(1) items 3, 4)	Sch 2

Endnote 4--Amendment history

 

Provision affected	How affected
Part 1
s 3.....................	am No 86, 2024
s 4.....................	am No 86, 2024
s 5.....................	am No 86, 2024
Part 2
Division 1
s 11....................	am No 86, 2024
Division 2
s 12....................	am No 86, 2024
s 13....................	am No 86, 2024
s 14....................	am No 86, 2024
s 16....................	am No 86, 2024
s 18....................	am No 86, 2024
s 19....................	rep No 86, 2024
Division 3
s 22....................	am No 86, 2024
Division 4
s 23....................	am No 86, 2024
Part 2A
Part 2A..................	ad No 86, 2024
Division 1
Subdivision A
s 24A...................	ad No 86, 2024
Subdivision B
s 24AA..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24AB..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24AC..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24AD..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24AE..................	ad No 86, 2024
Division 2
s 24B...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24BA..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24BB..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24BC..................	ad No 86, 2024
Division 3
Subdivision A
s 24C...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CA..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CB..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CC..................	ad No 86, 2024
Subdivision B
s 24CD..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CE..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CF..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CG..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CH..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CI...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CJ...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CK..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CL..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CM..................	ad No 86, 2024
Subdivision C
s 24CN..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CO..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CP..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CQ..................	ad No 86, 2024
Subdivision D
s 24CR..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CS..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CT..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CU..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CV..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CW..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CX..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CY..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24CZ..................	ad No 86, 2024
Division 4
s 24D...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24DA..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24DB..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24DC..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24DD..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24DE..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24DF..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24DG..................	ad No 86, 2024
Division 5
s 24E...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24EA..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24EB..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24EC..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24ED..................	ad No 86, 2024
Division 6
Subdivision A
s 24F...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24FA..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24FB..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24FC..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24FD..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24FE..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24FF..................	ad No 86, 2024
Subdivision B
s 24FG..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24FH..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24FI...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24FJ...................	ad No 86, 2024
Subdivision C
s 24FK..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24FL..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24FM..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24FN..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24FO..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24FP..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24FQ..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24FR..................	ad No 86, 2024
Division 7
s 24G...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24GA..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24GB..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24GC..................	ad No 86, 2024
Division 8
s 24H...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24HA..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24HB..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24HC..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24HD..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24HE..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24HF..................	ad No 86, 2024
Part 2B
Part 2B..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24J....................	ad No 86, 2024
s 24K...................	ad No 86, 2024
Part 3
Division 1
s 25....................	am No 86, 2024
Division 2
s 27....................	am No 86, 2024
Part 3A
Part 3A..................	ad No 86, 2024
Division 1
s 36A...................	ad No 86, 2024
Division 2
s 36B...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 36C...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 36D...................	ad No 86, 2024
Division 3
s 36E...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 36F...................	ad No 86, 2024
Division 4
s 36G...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 36H...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 36J....................	ad No 86, 2024
s 36K...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 36L...................	ad No 86, 2024
Part 4
Part 4 heading.............	am No 86, 2024
Division 1
Division 1 heading..........	ad No 86, 2024
s 37....................	am No 86, 2024
Division 2
Division 2 heading..........	ad No 86, 2024
Division 3
Division 3................	ad No 86, 2024
s 40A...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 40B...................	ad No 86, 2024
Division 4
Division 4................	ad No 86, 2024
s 40C...................	ad No 86, 2024
Part 6A
Part 6A..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 59A...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 59B...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 59C...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 59CA..................	ad No 86, 2024
s 59D...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 59E...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 59F...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 59G...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 59H...................	ad No 86, 2024
s 59J....................	ad No 86, 2024
Part 7
Division 1
s 60....................	am No 86, 2024
Division 2
Division 2 heading..........	am No 86, 2024
s 61....................	am No 86, 2024
s 62....................	am No 86, 2024
s 63....................	am No 86, 2024
s 63A...................	ad No 86, 2024