Hansard Editor PSL5/6

Job Details

Job Title: Hansard Editor PSL5/6

Employment Type: Ongoing

Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 5/6

Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, 6 March 2025

Contact: Ashley Oakes, 02 6277 8202, ashley.oakes@aph.gov.au

The Opportunity

The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting for a Parliamentary Service Level 5/6 Hansard Editors within Digital Recording Services Branch. 

Hansard, a section of the Commonwealth Department of Parliamentary Services, is responsible for the production of the reports of the debates and proceedings of the Parliament of Australia and its committees. As a member of the Hansard editing team, you will transcribe and edit the official Hansard reports of speeches made in the parliament and parliamentary committee hearings. Hansard editors generally commence at the PSL5 level and receive on-the-job training.

These positions are physically based at Australian Parliament House in Canberra. The unique blend of impressive architecture, a stunning art collection and beautiful landscaping makes Parliament House one of our nation's most important buildings and an attractive workplace.

Who we are looking for

Our ideal candidate will: 

• be able to deliver under pressure, manage competing priorities and respond quickly and flexibly to change
• have excellent spoken and written English comprehension and attention to detail
• have a strong interest in current affairs, thrive on deadlines and enjoy working in a team environment
• be able to communicate clearly and concisely
• have the ability to exercise professional judgement in a constructive manner and to adapt to new challenges
• be willing to learn and develop in the workplace.

Job Specific Requirements: 

• The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting(Protected/Restricted) security clearance.
• In parliamentary sitting weeks, Hansard editors are required to work long and irregular hours,including evenings, for which they are paid a 4% allowance as well as any overtime.
• PSL5 editors are expected to progress through the Hansard Editor training program within designated timeframes.

Desirable experience:

• Editing experience, or the ability to quickly acquire editing expertise.
• Knowledge of parliamentary procedure, or the ability to quickly acquire such knowledge.

At DPS, we acknowledge the value diversity brings. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds and people with disability.

Duty Statement

Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 5/6 

Branch: Digital Recording Services Branch 

Section: Hansard 

Immediate supervisor: Assistant Director, Hansard

Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the Parliamentary Service Level 5/6 classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

A Hansard Editor within the PSL5/6 broadband:

1.    Produces accurate and timely parliamentary transcripts. This requires:

a.    Excellent editorial, grammatical and comprehension skills.
b.    The ability to meet tight deadlines in a high-volume, high-pressure work environment.
c.    Broad general knowledge and understanding of current affairs.
d.    Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment to achieve section outcomes.
e.    The ability to achieve results and the capacity to adapt to change.
f.    The ability to transcribe using voice recognition and/or keyboarding skills.
g.    Research skills.

2.    Supports production of parliamentary committee transcripts by providing logs of terms and proceedings and voiceovers on committee recordings.
3.    Undertakes other duties as directed.

A Hansard Editor who has progressed through the broadband to PSL6 also:

4.    Demonstrates highly developed working knowledge of Australian writing style and usage standards and of parliamentary procedure, as they apply to Hansard production.
5.    Subedits other editors' work for accuracy and provides constructive feedback.
6.    Proof-checks Hansard transcripts for official publication.
7.    Assumes ongoing responsibility for non-editorial duties supporting the operation of Hansard.

Employees of DPS are required to be able, and to be seen to be able, to provide professional advice and services to all Senators and Members without favour or prejudice.

How to apply

Please upload a pitch (750 words maximum) describing how your skills and experience would contribute to the role and work of the department. 

Your pitch is an opportunity to tell us why you want to work at DPS, why you are interested in the role and what you can offer in the role. Frame your pitch around the role description and relevant ILS Profile. Make sure to use relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to perform the role. 

Our purpose and values

We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings and decision making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.  

Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose: to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protect our iconic workplace. 

Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building’s architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences – all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.

What we can offer

Join our community based on innovative, unified, and client-focused services, where your skills and development will be nurtured. You will also enjoy:  

•    access to flexible work arrangements 
•    ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities 
•    a competitive remuneration package
•    free secure underground parking
•    free gym membership and access to recreational facilities
•    on-site childcare, banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more.

Salary

Currently, the salary range for this position is $89,410 - $109,967 per annum.

Conditions of Employment

Employment opportunities at Department of Parliamentary Services are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:

•    Australian citizenship – to be eligible for employment with DPS, applicants must be an Australian Citizen. 

•    Security clearance and character clearance – the preferred applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level specified, as well as complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. 

•    Health assessment – a pre-employment health assessment will be required where there are physical or medical requirements for the role.