Setting up your office

Establishing your office and creating a positive culture is one of the most important things you will do. Review these resources as needed, and reach out  to the PWSS when you need more bespoke advice. 

HR Advice

Our HR Advice team is here to help you navigate HR processes across the employee life-cycle. You can reach them between 9 am and 5 pm (AEDT/AEST) on business days on the phone at 1800 PH PWSS (1800 747 977), choose option 2. Alternatively, send an email to hr@pwss.gov.au.

PWSS Academy

Manager's Toolkit - Resource Package

PWSS Academy has created a comprehensive set of Manager's tools and resources that are available at PWSS Academy. Click the tile below to log into the PWSS Academy.

If you are looking for bespoke training for your office, the PWSS Academy team is always scheduling face-to-face and online training for offices across Australia. Check out scheduled courses and request group training at PWSSAcademy.gov.au.  You can also reach the PWSS Academy team via email at training@pwss.gov.au or on the phone at 1800 PH PWSS (1800 747 977), option 4 from 9 am to 5 pm (AEDT/AEST) on business days.

We recommend all offices undertake the PWSS Academy training: Safe and Respectful Workplaces. This training program addresses issues relating to sexual harassment, sexual assault and workplace bullying. The program was developed in response to recommendations made by the Review of the Parliamentary Workplace: Responding to Serious Incidents so that parliamentary workplaces are safe, supportive and respectful for all. You can register for Safe and Respectful Workplaces training at PWSS Academy by clicking here and logging into the PWSS Academy website.

PWSS web resources

Page

Recruiting Staff

Recruiting the right people is key. It is important to have an understanding of the skills, capabilities, qualifications, and experience required for positions.
Topic

Behaviour Codes and Standards

The Behaviour Codes and Standards recognise that Parliamentarians and staff have a shared responsibility to ensure that Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces meet the highest standards of integrity, dignity safety and respect. 
Guideline

Establishing Office Culture Guide

The Establishing Office Culture Guide contains information relevant to staff of Parliamentarians or anyone employeed under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 (MOP(S) Act) and how it may be used for matters in the context of their employment.
Poster

Support available to MOP(S) Act Employees

Support contacts available to staff of Parliamentarians or anyone employeed under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 (MOP(S) Act) Including EAP, Before Blue, PWSS Academy
Section

Workplace Health & Safety

All workers, including parliamentarians and MOP(S) Act employees, have a duty to take reasonable care that their behaviour does not affect their own health and safety, or that of other persons.

Other resources for you

The PWSS also provides confidential, trauma-informed counselling and support. 

Reach us by phone at 1800 PH PWSS (1800 747 977) and choose option 1, or text us at 0487 112 755, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or email support@pwss.gov.au to access services. We're also available to meet in-person at Suite M2.105 Parliament House between 8:30 am and 8 pm, Monday to Wednesday of sitting weeks and 8:30 am to 5 pm on all other business days. 

The PWSS also works to connect MOP(S) Act staff and parliamentarians with other entities. Together, we provide a complete suite of services.

  • Please update your personal details (including your emergency contact information) in PEMS. Communication about MOP(S) employment regularly uses current information in the system. If this information is incorrect, you may not receive the details you need, when you need them. In the event of an emergency, if your emergency details are not correct, your loved ones may not be contactable.
  • If you have questions about travel, please contact IPEA.
  • Questions about office accommodation, business expenses or transport services? Please email MPShelp@finance.gov.au or call 02 6215 3333. Information about your MaPS State Office can be found online.
  • For IT concerns, please contact the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) ICT services desk at 2020 Online or call 02 6277 2020.
  • DPS ICT Training facilitates training for MOP(S) Act Employees for most Microsoft applications. You can find information on the DPS Services Portal.

  • The APH Security Pass Office can be reached at 02 6277 5989.

    Click here to download the handy map (below) designed to help you navigate the complex parliamentary environment.

 

Click here for a handy guide to help you navigate the parliamentary environment.

Click here fpr a handy guide to help you navigate the parliamentary environment.