DPS Hansard Temporary Employment Register 2025/2026

The opportunity

The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) seeks to attract, develop and maintain a pool of non-ongoing transcribers and editors within Hansard at Australian Parliament House. Hansard is responsible for the production of the reports of the debates and proceedings of the Parliament of Australia and its committees. A Temporary Employment Register has been established to identify people with suitable transcription and/or editing skills who are interested in non-ongoing employment in Hansard. The positions are physically based in Canberra. Non-ongoing work may be offered during periods of peak workload, particularly parliamentary sitting weeks and Senate estimates weeks. Non-ongoing work is generally offered between Monday and Friday, and often includes night work. Work may be offered on an hourly, part-day or daily basis depending on operational requirements.

Who are we looking for?

We work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment and are looking for people who can deliver under pressure, manage competing priorities and respond quickly and flexibly to change. Hansard transcribers and editors:

• have excellent attention to detail;
• have proficiency in spoken and written English comprehension;
• are reliable, organised, punctual and prepared to work long and irregular hours;
• have a strong interest in current affairs;
• thrive on deadlines;
• enjoy working in a team environment.
• a willingness to learn and develop in the workplace is also a must.

If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you!

Conditions of employment

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

Australian citizenship – to be eligible for employment with DPS, you must be an Australian citizen.

Security clearance and character clearance – if selected, you 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.

External Work Approval – Employees must seek approval for any paid employment outside the department and declare voluntary activities that could impact their role.

How to apply

As part of your application, please provide:

• your CV, including the contact details of two referees; and
• a one-page pitch (maximum 500 words) telling us how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications make you suitable for employment as a transcriber or editor.

The information provided in your application must demonstrate that you meet the requirements of the role. As part of your application, you will be able to indicate whether you want to be considered for employment as a transcriber, editor or both. Transcription and/or editing tests will be undertaken as part of the recruitment process.

If you experience any difficulties submitting your online application, please contact the DPS Recruitment Team on (02) 6277 5200 (option 1) or

If you would like more information about Hansard or the work available, please contact the Hansard Assistant Directors on (02) 6277 8202 or DPS

Closing Date

Your registration for the DPS Temporary Employment Register will remain active until 11:30pm Tuesday, 30 June 2026. After this time, you will need to renew your registration by reapplying.

Important notes

• Employment opportunities may be offered on a short-term, non-ongoing, full-time, part- time, irregular/intermittent or sessional basis for an initial period of up to 12 months)

• There is no guarantee that an offer of employment will be made whilst your application remains on the register.

• Your registration for the DPS Temporary Employment Register will remain active until 11:30pm Sunday, 30 June 2026. After this time, you will need to renew your registration by reapplying.

Classifications

• Parliamentary Service Level (PSL) positions are similar to Australian Public Service (APS) positions.
• Parliamentary Executive Level (PEL) positions are similar to Australian Public Service Executive Level (EL) positions.

Duty Statement - Transcriber, PSL3

Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 3
Employment Type: Non-Ongoing
Branch: Digital Recording Services
Section: Hansard
Immediate supervisor: Hansard Assistant Director (PEL1)
Security assessment: Baseline

_____________________________________________________

Under broad direction, undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the Parliamentary Service Level 3. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Transcribing committee proceedings in a timely manner with limited supervision.

2. Logging and monitoring committee hearings.

Selection Criteria

1. Ability to transcribe to the designated standard in a timely manner using appropriate technology.

2. Knowledge of English expression together with a high level of general knowledge on political and current affairs.

3. Strong client focus and commitment to providing effective services.

4. Capacity to work in teams and ability to communicate clearly.

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.

Duty Statement - Editor, PSL5/6

Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 5/6
Employment Type: Non-Ongoing
Branch: Digital Recording Services
Section: Hansard
Immediate supervisor: Hansard Assistant Director (PEL1)
Security assessment: Baseline

_____________________________________________________

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

1. Transcribing, editing and subediting chamber and committee turns in a timely manner with limited supervision.

2. Logging and monitoring committee hearings.

Selection Criteria

1. Ability to transcribe, edit and subedit to the designated standard in a timely manner using appropriate technology.

2. Knowledge of English expression together with a high level of general knowledge on political and current affairs.

3. Strong client focus and commitment to providing effective services.

4. Capacity and willingness to suggest better ways of performing tasks.

5. Capacity to work in teams and value other staff, and ability to communicate clearly.

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.