Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

PSPGOV409A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Provide support to Parliament

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PSPGOV409A - Provide support to Parliament
Description This unit covers the provision of procedural and administrative support and advice to the Parliament, its committees and services. It includes exercising Parliamentary protocols, providing secretariat services, researching and presenting information and advice, assisting in the preparation of proposed legislation, providing community liaison and Parliamentary relations services, and presenting seminars.In practice, providing support to Parliament may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically applying government processes, gathering and analysing information, using advanced workplace communication strategies, etc.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application Not applicable.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field Working in Government.
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Exercise Parliamentary protocols
  • Confidential and sensitive issues are identified and confidentiality maintained in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • Parliamentary conventions and traditions are identified and applied according to the occasion, location and participants.
  • Strict protocols for Parliament are identified and adhered to, and others are assisted in the application of these protocols in accordance with required behaviour.
  • Occasions/situations are assessed and conduct is exercised to suit the occasion and comply with public sector standards and code/s of conduct.
  • Situations where apparently conflicting protocols might apply are assessed and decisions made on appropriate action, or referred for advice in accordance with policy and guidelines.
       
Element: Provide secretariat services
  • The scope and type of committee/inquiry, and the Chair's role and responsibilities are identified to ensure the provision of advice and administrative support meets committee requirements.
  • Administrative services are provided to support the committee system and the conduct of individual inquiries in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • Briefing papers are provided for meetings and information gathering activities in the timeframe set by the relevant committee.
  • Report drafting services are provided that result in reports that are well structured, defensible, based on comprehensive and balanced information and meet organisational requirements for style, language and content.
  • Strategies are implemented to ensure the effective promotion of committee reports in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
       
Element: Research and present information and advice
  • Research is conducted to respond to requests for information/advice and to support the information gathering activities of committees in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • The context, purpose and audience for the information/advice is determined and a research methodology is developed to suit.
  • Policy and legislation are analysed, databases searched and interviews conducted as required to obtain the necessary information in accordance with the research methodology.
  • Information/advice is provided that is logical, balanced and comprehensive, and is analysed and presented in accordance with the purpose for which it was requested.
  • Requests for information/advice are responded to immediately or information is provided on what steps are being taken to address the request.
       
Element: Assist in the preparation of proposed legislation
  • Administrative services are provided to support departmental processes for the preparation and submission of proposed legislation in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • Administrative services are provided to support the Parliamentary and Cabinet process for the enacting of legislation in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • Administrative support is provided to assist with the drafting of amendments and Private Members' Bills in accordance with organisational requirements.
       
Element: Provide community liaison and Parliamentary relations services
  • Strategies are implemented to promote public awareness of, and participation in, committee inquiries in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • Inter-Parliamentary relations are promoted through the provision of advice and support that facilitates the conduct of Parliament's regional and international affairs.
  • Incoming/outgoing delegations and Parliamentary visitors are assisted in accordance with the agreed program and visit objectives.
  • International cooperation is facilitated through provision of assistance and information in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
       
Element: Present seminars
  • Seminar content and supporting documentation is regularly updated and tailored to meet specific audience needs and interests.
  • Information and education services are provided to promote public knowledge and awareness of, and interaction with, the Parliament in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • Feedback is obtained from seminar participants to gauge satisfaction and suggestions for improvement, and recommendations are acted on as required in accordance with organisational requirements.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients

PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information

PSPGOV412A Use advanced workplace communication strategies

PSPGOV413A Compose complex workplace documents

PSPGOV422A Apply government processes

PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector

PSPPOL401A Contribute to policy development

PSPPOL404A Support policy implementation

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of Employability Skills as they relate to this unit

provision of support to Parliament in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

organisational policies, procedures and protocols

Parliamentary Procedures handbook

legislation and guidelines

case studies and scenarios relating to the Bill to Act process

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when providing support to Parliament, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

provision of support to Parliament in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time).

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations.

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

case studies

demonstration

portfolios

projects

questioning

scenarios

simulation or role plays

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

interacting and communicating with Members of Parliament, the community and other stakeholders, targeting language and content to suit the audience and purpose

questioning, to clarify research/information requests

using a variety of research skills, methodologies, strategies and information databases

applying statutory interpretation of Acts, Bills and subordinate legislation

preparing research reports using complex language structures and terminology and requiring precision of expression and a balance between brevity and detail

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

applying workplace safety procedures in the context of Parliamentary services

Knowledge requirements

look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

Westminster System

separation of powers

system of government (bicameral/unicameral Parliament)

role and functions of Parliament

role and structures of Parliamentary committees

application of statutory requirements imposed by central agencies such as Treasury, Premiers, Prime Minister and Cabinet

Parliamentary practices and procedures such as petitions, Ministerial statements, Question Time, Questions without Notice, Questions on Notice, debates, Hansard reporting

Parliamentary protocols and ethical requirements

standing and session orders

Members' roles in political process

Members' interest resolution

Parliamentary process and how it affects operational objectives and timeframes

Cabinet processes

Bill to Act process

Budget and estimates processes

balance of power

e-petitions

Machinery of Government and administrative arrangements

document purposes - to persuade, inform, stimulate discussion

plain English standards

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

occupational health and safety procedures relating to the Parliamentary environment

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Others may include:

Members of Parliament

the public

delegations

other visitors

Types of committee/inquiry may include:

standing committees

Senate and states estimates committees

scrutiny of legislation committee

select committees

Report content may include:

evidence gathered

committee's reaction to the evidence

precise and accurate analysis of the strongest features of the evidence

evaluation

option-setting

policy recommendations for government

Information/advice may include:

explanation of the rules and practices of Parliament such as question time

statistical information, such as the volume of legislation passed or before the House

biographical information on current and former Members

background information on the history and policy development of Bills before the House

how to calculate quorums and absolute majorities in the House

how to determine election dates

effects of dissolution of the House

how to find legislation and trace procedural history

how the Speaker's vote is exercised

precedents

electronic voting and secret ballots

Departmental processes for the preparation and submission of proposed legislation and other Parliamentary documents may include:

preparation of a Bill and supporting material

preparation of Cabinet submissions and supporting material

role of instructing officer - debate

preparation of responses to Questions on Notice

preparation of responses to Questions without Notice

preparation of Ministerial Statements, estimates, briefs

tabling of reports

preparation of annual reports, Budget documents

responding to committee reports, petitions

liaison with other departmental representatives

Parliamentary and Cabinet processes may include:

Cabinet processes:

ATP/ATI protocols

community consultation and other stakeholders

authority to prepare submission

authority to introduce submission

role of instructing officer:

preparation of explanatory notes

drafting instructions

crown law advice

Parliamentary terminology and timeframes

role of scrutiny of legislation committee

Parliamentary procedures:

Question Time

adjournment debate

sessional/standing orders

stages of legislative process of Bill to Act

Budget processes:

CBRC

estimates

tabling and debate of Budget

e-democracy processes:

e-petitions

notice papers

Hansard

committee reports

broadcasting of Parliament

electoral process

Machinery of Government

role of Member of Parliament

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Confidential and sensitive issues are identified and confidentiality maintained in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Parliamentary conventions and traditions are identified and applied according to the occasion, location and participants. 
Strict protocols for Parliament are identified and adhered to, and others are assisted in the application of these protocols in accordance with required behaviour. 
Occasions/situations are assessed and conduct is exercised to suit the occasion and comply with public sector standards and code/s of conduct. 
Situations where apparently conflicting protocols might apply are assessed and decisions made on appropriate action, or referred for advice in accordance with policy and guidelines. 
The scope and type of committee/inquiry, and the Chair's role and responsibilities are identified to ensure the provision of advice and administrative support meets committee requirements. 
Administrative services are provided to support the committee system and the conduct of individual inquiries in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Briefing papers are provided for meetings and information gathering activities in the timeframe set by the relevant committee. 
Report drafting services are provided that result in reports that are well structured, defensible, based on comprehensive and balanced information and meet organisational requirements for style, language and content. 
Strategies are implemented to ensure the effective promotion of committee reports in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Research is conducted to respond to requests for information/advice and to support the information gathering activities of committees in accordance with organisational requirements. 
The context, purpose and audience for the information/advice is determined and a research methodology is developed to suit. 
Policy and legislation are analysed, databases searched and interviews conducted as required to obtain the necessary information in accordance with the research methodology. 
Information/advice is provided that is logical, balanced and comprehensive, and is analysed and presented in accordance with the purpose for which it was requested. 
Requests for information/advice are responded to immediately or information is provided on what steps are being taken to address the request. 
Administrative services are provided to support departmental processes for the preparation and submission of proposed legislation in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Administrative services are provided to support the Parliamentary and Cabinet process for the enacting of legislation in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Administrative support is provided to assist with the drafting of amendments and Private Members' Bills in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Strategies are implemented to promote public awareness of, and participation in, committee inquiries in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Inter-Parliamentary relations are promoted through the provision of advice and support that facilitates the conduct of Parliament's regional and international affairs. 
Incoming/outgoing delegations and Parliamentary visitors are assisted in accordance with the agreed program and visit objectives. 
International cooperation is facilitated through provision of assistance and information in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Seminar content and supporting documentation is regularly updated and tailored to meet specific audience needs and interests. 
Information and education services are provided to promote public knowledge and awareness of, and interaction with, the Parliament in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Feedback is obtained from seminar participants to gauge satisfaction and suggestions for improvement, and recommendations are acted on as required in accordance with organisational requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPGOV409A - Provide support to Parliament
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

PSPGOV409A - Provide support to Parliament

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: