No. 54

$450,000 for Parliamentary Counsel’s Office 

Increasing demand for the drafting of legislation has resulted in a $450,000 funding injection to the ACT Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.

Attorney-General Simon Corbell today announced the allocation in recognition of the responsibility placed on the ACT Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.

“The ACT Parliamentary Counsel’s Office is responsible for the drafting and publishing of ACT
Legislation and also maintains the ACT Legislation Register,” he said.

“This is a core governance function vital to the successful operation of government and its agencies.

“Demand for the services of the ACT Parliamentary Counsel’s Office has more than doubled since 2001-02.
  
“At the same time many of our legislative drafters, who are highly experienced, have reached or are close to reaching retirement age.

“It’s important we move to ensure newer staff are sufficiently trained and experienced to continue the first-class service currently being provided by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.

“This funding will also support the ongoing functioning of the ACT Legislation Register.

“This is a critical system as part of the service delivery to the Assembly, the government of the day, and the public.   

“It’s essential for the notification and publication of ACT legislation and central to the whole lifecycle of ACT legislation, including its commencement and republication and the publication of legislative instruments.”