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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 1 Hansard (18 February) . . Page.. 367 ..

(Question No. 66)

Mr Stanhope asked the Speaker, upon notice:

In relation to the recent confirmation by the Clerk of the Assembly that expressions of interest would soon be called for the provision of Assembly reporting services and it was expected that (a) a number of providers would express an interest, and (b) they would be asked to consider the provision of reporting services using digital technology;

(1) will the use of such technology, or the potential outsourcing of the service threaten the jobs of Hansard staff currently employed at the Assembly; and

(2) will you give an assurance that the jobs of all Hansard staff will be protected in any new arrangements the Assembly might enter for the provision of reporting services.

Mr Speaker: The answer to Mr Stanhope's question is as follows:

(1)&(2) The Secretariat is about to enter into a tender process for the provision of a recording and transcription service for the Assembly and its committees and the utilisation of enhanced technology will be examined as part of the tender process. This is not dissimilar to past occasions when expressions of interest have been sought and, following assessment, contract arrangements have been entered into. It is envisaged that there may be changes to the working arrangements and requirements of the Assembly's Hansard Office and no assurance can be given that the jobs of Hansard staff will not be subject to change in any new arrangements for the provision of reporting services. As part of the process on this occasion, working arrangements within the Hansard office are being examined with staff of the office with a view to enhancing the production of the Hansard. The outcome of these discussions will be taken into account as part of the tender process and prior to my seeking the advice of the Standing Committee on Administration and Procedure on any proposed arrangements for the provision of a Hansard service, as is required by the Assembly's standing orders.

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