Second Reading Speech
Mr GORMAN (Perth - Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister)I move:
That this bill be now read a second time.
The Parliamentary Workplace Support Service (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023 would provide for consequential amendments and transitional arrangements to support the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Bill 2023.
This bill proposes amendments to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and to the Archives Act 1983 to restrict public access to documents of the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service.
Many records held by that entity will concern employment related information that is personal information. In addition, these measures will give people greater confidence to engage with the PWSS's support and complaint related functions.
The bill also amends the Parliamentary Service Determination 2013 to repeal a provision that establishes the existing Parliamentary Workplace Support Service. This is because the proposed new Parliamentary Workplace Support Service will integrate the functions of the existing entity.
The bill also ensures that the proposed new Parliamentary Workplace Support Service can continue to deal with matters currently dealt with by the existing service.
This Parliamentary Workplace Support Service bill package is the product of close and extensive consultation across the parliament. The government thanks parliamentarians and staff for their input.
Debate adjourned.