DEPARTMENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

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DEPARTMENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

ANNUAL REPORT 2015 - 2016

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DLA Annual Report 2015-16 Page 3

The Department remains a small cohesive group of professionals working to further parliamentary democracy in the Northern Territory by supporting elected Members of the Legislative Assembly and their staff and maintaining the most recognisable public building in the Northern Territory. To facilitate this approach under our Strategic Plan, the Department of the Legislative Assembly’s reporting structure was reviewed during the reporting period resulting in a realignment of reporting channels with the formation of three complementary Divisions.

The Committees and Education Division, the House Division and Member and Corporate Support Division work together to ensure we meet these goals.

The House Division reports directly to me for all Procedural, Hansard, Security and Financial services. The Member and Corporate Support Division reports to the Deputy Clerk and the Committees and Education Division reports to the First Clerk Assistant.

A monthly Board of Management meeting ensures a cohesive approach to the overall management and accountability of the Department and a professional service for Members.

Monthly Staff Forums complement the Board meetings and keep all officers informed of management decisions. The forums allow management to listen and consult with staff.

Last year I was pleased to report that Draft Standing Orders were reported to the Committee during that year and were to be presented to the Assembly for consideration and possible adoption. This occurred after considerable effort in refining and redrafting. The final version of the new Standing Orders was adopted by the Assembly from 1 December 2015.

The 12^th Assembly, perhaps inspired by the wholesale review has already moved two amendments to the Standing Orders. It is my intention to recommend to the incoming 13^th Assembly in the next reporting period that each successive Assembly adhere to the discipline of a comprehensive review of Standing Orders to ensure they are maintained and up to date to suit the requirements of parliamentary law and practice in the Northern Territory.

During the reporting period the Know Your Assembly Seminars, which first commenced in May 2014, have continued to grow with participation reaching 244 in the last year. Demand remains strong for residents of the Northern Territory to learn about how the Assembly functions and the intricacies of the operations of procedure and practice on an Assembly meeting day. The seminars remain available to public servants, legal practitioners, media professionals, lobbyists, industry groups, community sector professionals, and senior students who can ask in-depth questions about the Assembly, obtain a glimpse behind the scenes and the detail of how the Assembly works.

I have continued my visits to, and inspection of, electorate offices, to ensure that entitlements under the Remuneration Tribunal Determination remain relevant and available for when I meet the Tribunal each year to discuss with them the administration of entitlements and the work undertaken by the Members and their staff. During the year I had three meetings with the Tribunal to discuss logistics and delivery of entitlements and thank them for consulting with me and my office on these matters.

Electorate offices remain a challenge to standardise because of the variables of the private rental market in different locations across the Northern Territory which is the source for our properties.

Last year I advised that there remain challenges with accessibility at some locations to be pursued in the coming year. I can report that due to the redistribution of the electorates within the Northern Territory, we have closed the former Greatorex electorate office in Alice Springs and are sourcing a new office for the Fong Lim electorate as a result of the creation of the Spillett electorate in Darwin and Palmerston has existed from 27 August 2016.

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Work continued this year on the annual update of the Speaker’s Determinations and the administration of Remuneration Tribunal Determination No.1 of 2015 (RTD), preparation for RTD No 1 of 2016, which is now in place and RTD No. 2 of 2016 which will be tabled in the coming reporting period.

The Northern Territory remains an active member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and our Northern Territory Member on the Executive Committee of the CPA is in the middle of her three years of responsibilities which required attendance at two overseas Executive Committee meetings hosted by the CPA. I was privileged to accompany the Member for Goyder (also the Speaker) who is the Northern Territory’s representative and provide logistical and material support for her at meetings.

The Department remains subject to savings measures required by successive Governments over many years and I am pleased that the Department continues to make an effort to find savings. Our Cost Savings Working Group is an active participant in our corporate life and has identified a range of savings including deleting unused IT licences after an audit which will reduce waste and save scarce funds.

More than 580 functions were held at Parliament House during the reporting period and the building remains a popular venue for a range of events. The Speaker is committed to the building being used by the public but not as an alternative low cost competitor to the private functions market. This was reflected in the revenue for private functions this year.

The Office of the Clerk and the Table Office continue to support the Members and the Speaker by providing content for the regular Procedural Bulletin produced after each meeting week of the Assembly. These contain precedents, rulings and an explanation of procedures. Scripts and precedents were prepared for each meeting day in the Assembly as requested and work is underway to prepare the Members of the 13^th Assembly with training and information packages.

Members were surveyed on 19 November 2015 against ten key questions relating to Budget Paper 3 and the performance measures reported against annually.

The survey results indicated a high level of satisfaction across most areas. A marked improvement was noted in satisfaction relating to whole of government shared information technology services and my thanks go to the Department of Corporate and Information Services for their continued cooperation and effort to improve satisfaction in this service delivery area.

Member Travel Services also experienced an improved satisfaction rating with the most significant decline in satisfaction (by three percentage points down from 95% satisfaction in 2014 to 92%

satisfaction in 2015) for Building Services. Work is being undertaken to address concerns in this area to ensure Members and the public have a high level of satisfaction with the amenity of the building.

Improvements with satisfaction were recorded for Committee Services, ICT services, Travel Services, HR Services and Business Support Services.

Last year our Open Day recorded its highest ever attendance receiving more than 1200 guests on the day and work is underway to consolidate that achievement and attract more people to the building for the 2016 Open Day.

It remains a source of pride that the Northern Territory Parliament is open and accessible to as many visitors as possible. Our free public tours remain well patronised and visitors continue to rate the experience highly. Parliament House is #20 of 112 things to do in Darwin on Trip Advisor and I think this can easily be improved upon next year. Ignore the button on there that says ‘book a tour for AUD$90’ because the public tours of Parliament House are free!

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Once again I must thank the Speaker and her staff for their professionalism and dedication to parliamentary practice and all Members and their staff who continue to make use of my office as a resource for procedural and administrative advice.

MICHAEL TATHAM

Clerk and Chief Executive

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Functions and Objectives of the Agency

The function of the agency is to facilitate the operations of the Legislative Assembly to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Northern Territory.

The objectives of the agency are to provide advice and services which support the Assembly, its Members and Committees and promote community engagement.

Legislation administered by the Agency

• Assembly Members and Statutory Officers (Remuneration and Other Entitlements) Act

• Constitutional Convention (Election) Act

• Legislative Assembly (Disclosure of Interests) Act

• Legislative Assembly (Members’ Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards) Act 2008

• Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act

• Legislative Assembly (Security) Act

• Legislative Assembly Members (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act

• Legislative Assembly Members’ Superannuation Contributions Act

• Legislative Assembly Members’ Superannuation Fund Act

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Organisation of the Agency

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Leadership and Board of Management

Primary responsibility for the Department’s strategic leadership and management rests with the Board of Management, which develops strategic direction to support the Department’s priorities.

The Board of Management is the department’s most senior decision making body with responsibility for:

• Monitoring performance against objectives

• Maintaining financial accountability

• Ensuring people management and communication practices are effective, fair and equitable, and support corporate objectives.

The Board of Management is chaired by the Clerk and meets monthly. All members are responsible for ensuring that their staff are briefed on decisions and relevant issues. The Department of Corporate and Information Services (DCIS) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Manager and Speaker’s Executive Officer provide monthly briefings to the Board of Management on priority issues.

MICHAEL TATHAM, Clerk and Chief Executive

Mr Tatham holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Diploma in Legal Practice and Master of Laws from the University of Sydney. He first joined the Department in 2005 and has been Clerk of the Legislative Assembly since July 2013.

MARIANNE CONATY, Deputy Clerk

Ms Conaty holds Bachelors of Arts and Bachelor of Laws, a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and an Executive Master of Public Administration. She joined the Legislative Assembly in 2013.

RUSSELL KEITH, First Clerk Assistant (Committees and Education)

Mr Keith holds an Executive Master of Public Administration, Bachelor of Legal Studies (Hons) and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons). He joined the Legislative Assembly in 2010.

BILL FRYAR, Director Building and Property Management

Mr Fryar holds a Master of Arts from Griffith University and joined the Legislative Assembly in 2013.

DIEM TANG, Chief Financial Officer

Mrs Tang holds a Bachelor of Business in Accounting and joined the Legislative Assembly in 2012.

JACQUI FORREST, Director Business Services

Ms Forrest holds and Associate Degree in Commerce and qualifications in Business and Contract Management. She has been with the Legislative Assembly since 2014.

MICHAEL CALDWELL, Manager Security

Mr Caldwell has more than 10 years’ experience in security management and risk mitigation and has worked with the federal Department of Human Services. He joined the Legislative Assembly in 2011.

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Staff Establishment

At 30 June 2016, the agency employed a total of 192 people as per tables below.

The Department of the Legislative Assembly has a funded establishment of 40 positions (3 executive, 36 permanent, and one fixed term), of which 36 positions are filled, three are under review, and one is being recruited to. The Office of the Speaker has one position. The Hansard Unit manages a pool of 10 casual staff which is a reduction from 2014-15 due to the implementation of a new model to produce the daily Hansard. The Education Unit manages three casual staff to support peak activity periods.

DLA Staff by level

Level Headcount

Executive Contracts 3

ECO5 1

ECO3 1

ECO1 1

Senior Administration Officers 9

SAO1 5

SAO2 4

Administration Officers 24

AO2 2

AO3 4

AO4 9

AO5 2

AO6 5

AO7 2

Hansard Casuals 10

AO2 4

AO4 6

Education Casuals (AO4) 3

The Department of the Legislative Assembly is also the employer of electorate office staff, which includes Electorate Officers, Relief Electorate Officers, Electorate Officer Assistants and Electorate Liaison Officers.

There is an FTE equivalent of 25 electorate officers with 30 people in these roles due to job share arrangements.

Liaison Officers for Arnhem Arafura, Daly and Barkly are employed for 15 hours per week in Groote Eylandt Maningrida and Wadeye and Borroloola respectively; the Stuart Liaison Officer is employed for 30 hours per week in Katherine.

Electorate Office Assistants are employed for an average of eight hours per week to a maximum of 104 hours per quarter.

Relief Officers are employed on a casual basis and do not work set hours but provide ad-hoc support as required to cover periods of leave.

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Electorate Offices by position

Role Headcount

Members of the Legislative Assembly 25

Electorate Office Staff 104

Electorate Officers 30

Liaison Officers 5

Electorate Office Assistants 23

Casual Electorate Officers 46

TOTAL 129

Management and Staff Training

Eighteen DLA staff and 25 electorate office staff were supported with training and development between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2016. DLA Security coordinated 23 Parliament House staff to attend fire extinguisher and building warden training, funded by DLA.

A total of 15 training and development activities were undertaken as set out below.

Conferences and Training

Conference / Training Attendees

Feedback Training 2

Effective Business Writing 2

In-Design Software 2

Certificate IV in Frontline Management 1

NT Police – Protest Training 7

Fire Extinguisher and Building Warden Training 23

OCPE – Performance Management Conversations 3

Squiz Matrix (Website) – Editor Plus 7

Squiz Matrix (Website) – Administrator Training 1

Priority Management – Electorate Officers 25

Presiding Officers and Clerk Conference, Hobart 1

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference and Executive Committee Meeting, London and Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

1 Australia and New Zealand Association of Clerks-at-the-Table (ANZACAT)

Professional Development Seminar, Wellington 1

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association CPA Executive Committee mid-year meeting and meetings with the Overseas Office, the Office of the Clerk and Committee Secretariats at the House of Commons, London

1 Secondment Program with the Department of the Senate of the Federal

Government 1

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Conference Attendance

• The Clerk attended the Australia and New Zealand Association of Clerks-at-the-Table (ANZACAT) Professional Development Seminar, Wellington in January 2016 where he presented one workshop and facilitated another.

• The Deputy Clerk attended the Pacific Parliamentary Development Practitioners Meeting at the New South Wales Parliament in November 2015. The purpose of the meeting was to enhance coordination between practitioners and stakeholders involved in development and parliamentary strengthening in the Pacific.

Agency Operations

House Division Office of the Clerk

The Office of the Clerk has two roles: the first is to provide procedural advice and support to the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly; the second is to provide executive leadership of the Department of the Legislative Assembly.

Challenges during the reporting period:

• Implementation of a Remuneration Tribunal Determination with changed arrangements for the administration of Members’ entitlements

• Providing accurate administrative procedures in support of entitlements introduced by the Remuneration Tribunal Determination

• Maintaining services and standards within tight financial parameters

• Periodic failures of camera robotics that broadcast sittings of the Parliament

• Increased focus on security.

Achievements during the reporting period:

• Implementation of new Standing Orders

• Ongoing support for Australian Region Representative of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)

• Successfully hosting the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s CYP 7 Commonwealth Youth Parliament and Regional Conference

• Hosting a Parliamentary Twinning Program visit from Members of the island nation of Niue’s Legislative Assembly

• Support for the Speaker during sittings of the Assembly

• Production of Speakers Procedural Bulletins

• Meeting tabling and reporting requirements of the Remuneration Tribunal Determination Development and implementation of the DLA Strategic Plan 2016-2020.

Procedural Services and Security Unit

Procedural Services is responsible for the provision of administrative and procedural support and advice to Members during Sittings, producing parliamentary documentation and records and managing related databases. The unit also provides security services and emergency management activities to ensure a safe and secure workplace is provided for Members, Staff,

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Parliament House building occupants and visitors.

• Recruiting a suitably skilled Deputy Editor of Debates and recruitment and training of a sufficient number of casual Hansard staff to work within a new staffing model

• Maintaining a high level of security services within the operational budget and identifying cost saving initiatives

• Trialled and implemented a new staffing model for Hansard to reduce personnel costs while maintaining quality improving timelines

• Introduced more automation into document templates to enhance the timely production of the daily Hansard and prevent work health and safety issues arising

• All Electorate Offices received comprehensive security reviews

• Approximately 190,000 people were security screened prior to entry to Parliament House

• A comprehensive review of security guidelines was conducted to improve security response.

Parliamentary Legislation Statistics

Government Opposition Independent Total

Brought forward 1 July 2015 5 - - 5

Introduced 44 1 2 47

Withdrawn 1 1 - 2

Defeated 1 1

Passed 44 - - 44

Acts Assented to 47 - - 47

Carried forward 30 June 2016 2 1 2 5

Parliamentary Sitting Statistics

2014 - 2015 2015 - 2016

Total sitting hours 264.52 282.19

Average sitting day hours 8.53 11.15

Number of sitting days 31 26

Number of bills passed 45 44

Total questions asked 491 383

Total papers tabled 447 1906

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Finance Unit

The Finance Unit provide strategic advice and tactical management on financial and budgetary matters to the Speaker, the Department’s Executive Management and ensure legislative and regulatory compliance for the finance function including management of departmental accounting policies, standards and processes.

• Meeting the increasing statutory reporting obligations relating to a requirement to increase external audits to report Members’ Entitlements from every two years to annually.

• Financial management with limited resources but same number of staff Achievements during the reporting period:

• Discharged accountability for the department’s financial management activities by being responsible for both the strategic and operational aspects of financial planning, management and record keeping.

• Developed and implemented financial management strategies to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and within budget.

Committee and Education Division

The Committees and Education Division provides support to parliamentary committees to help them fulfil their functions and parliamentary information, education and community awareness services.

• Meeting the changing demands of the Assembly and its committees, including the creation of three new select committees

• Developing options for the Assembly to make more effective use of parliamentary committees within the constraints of a small parliament, and increasing public understanding of and accessibility to parliamentary committees

• Balancing the increased demand for delivering education programs with the development and completion of other major projects.

• Drafted fourteen reports (and four drafted by the Office of the Clerk), including for inquiries into the use of Ice in the Northern Territory, Funding of Rugby League Facilities, Repairs and Maintenance of Housing on Town Camps, and Electricity Pricing Options

• Supported the regular operation of committees, including Estimates and Government Owned Corporations Scrutiny Committee hearings, scrutiny of subordinate legislation and review of the Auditor-General’s reports

• Delivered parliamentary education programs to over 10,000 participants, with significant increases to participants in our public tours, school tours, role plays, Know Your Assembly seminars and a successful Open Day

• Compiled a comprehensive directory of online resources for teachers linked to every Knowledge and Understanding descriptor in the new Australian Curriculum for Civics and Citizenship for all years from 3 – 10.

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Committee Activity Supported

Committee Meetings Hearings

& Visits Briefings Reports

Public Accounts 18 9 5 4

House 4 0 0 0

Standing Orders 5 0 0 4

Legal & Constitutional Affairs (includes Subordinate

Legislation & Publications functions) 8 0 3 4

Estimates 7 5 0 2

Government Owned Corporations Committee 2 1 0 2

Sessional Committee on The Territory’s Energy Future 6 3 2 1

Ice Select Committee 10 6 2 1

Total 60 24 12 18

Participants in Parliamentary Education Services Programs

Program Activity Participants Total

Public Tours Saturday and Wednesday tours 2104

2104

Schools Programs Parliament House Tours 3040

Bombing of Darwin Tours 160

Role Plays 1499

Step Up Be Heard 46

Outreach Programs 557

5302

Special Events Commonwealth Week 492

Careers in Law Forum 114

YMCA Youth Parliament -

Commonwealth Youth Parliament 65

Statehood Talk 24

695

Adult Education Democracy in the NT 136

Know Your Assembly 244

Adult Student Tours 255

Community/Organisation Tours 272

907

Parliament Open Day 1200

Promotions Induction Tours 14

Government Dept. Staff Tours 45

VIP tours 89

General tours 26

1374

TOTAL 10,382

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Member and Corporate Support Division Business Services

The Business Services unit delivers services to both Members of the Assembly and the Department including; procurement, human resources, corporate information management, ICT, telecommunications, travel, vehicles and room hire and bookings at Parliament House.

DCIS oversees outsourced whole-of-government ICT service contracts and provide an ICT Service Manager located at Parliament House to support the Legislative Assembly.

• Provision of support to Members and electorate staff to implement changes to entitlement as provided for in Remuneration Tribunal Determination No. 1 of 2015

• Providing opportunities staff to diversify and develop skills to support succession planning and short-term support for backfilling or during peak periods of workflow

• Recruitment of suitably skilled people to fill critical roles due to staff turnover.

• Completed the digitisation of all tabled papers for the 11th and 12th Assemblies for inclusion in the corporate records management system and publication on a new DLA Internet

• Implementation of the Legislative Assembly Record Retention and Disposal Schedule (No. 2015/7)

• Installation of the National Broadband Network Fibre to the Basement equipment in Parliament House

• Coordination of 580 bookings for room hire at Parliament House.

Building and Property Management

Building and Property Management has responsibility for the management of facilities at Parliament House and electorate offices throughout the Northern Territory. This includes:

• The Infrastructure Programme (minor new works and repairs and maintenance)

• Leasing (both inwardly and outwardly)

• Asset and property management

• Service contract development and management

• Parliamentary sound and vision system including broadcast

• Artwork

• Management of on-site contractors.

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• Managing the Infrastructure Programme, the implementation of which is undertaken by a central service agency (Department of Infrastructure)

• Managing the electorate office lease portfolio in partnership with the Department of Corporate and Information Services (NT Property Management)

• Maintaining Parliament House as the Northern Territory’s premier public building to a high standard.

• Repainting of the front of Parliament House.

• Redesign of the main entry security screening point.

• Replacement of lights in the fountain with LED equivalents.

• Replacement of lights in the dining room and Nitmiluk lounge with LED equivalents

• Upgrading external building lights on level with LED equivalents.

Corporate Governance

The Department’s corporate governance structure enables the delivery of outcomes by embracing the following elements:

• Internal and external scrutiny

• Leadership and management

• Legislative compliance.

• Performance and information management

• Risk management

• Strategic and business planning.

Strategic and Business Planning

The Department’s Strategic Plan 2016-21 was implemented on 1 January 2016. It sets out the Department’s strategic goals and annual operational priorities.

The Strategic Plan focuses on six major goals:

• Support the Assembly, its Committees and Members to fulfil their parliamentary responsibilities

• Provide administrative support and services to Members

• Ensure Parliament House and the parliamentary precinct is maintained to a high standard

• Enhance accountability and governance

• Maintain a highly skilled and committed work force

• Engage with the community to promote participation in the parliamentary process.

The Strategic Plan goals are translated into operational goals in Business Plans at the Unit level and then into Workplace partnership plans (WPPs) for individual staff. Additional effort was also made in building reporting capabilities to facilitate effective monthly reporting with an annual planning and reporting calendar which is monitored by the Board of Management and the Audit Committee.

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Risk Management and Audit Committee

Corporate Governance requires integrated processes and practices to manage all significant risks associated with the agency operations and the achievement of its goals.

The Audit Committee relies on business planning and ongoing review to identify risks. Strategic business risk identification at the business unit level takes place during the annual business planning process. Risks, both strategic and operational, are identified and assessed through this process.

Reporting on business performance is undertaken monthly and includes a requirement for review and reporting against identified risks as well as assessment of emerging risks, the results of which may be referred to the Board of Management.

The Audit Committee assists the Clerk and Management Board to fulfil their corporate governance responsibilities. The committee’s functions and responsibilities are to:

• Manage a corporate governance framework for the Department, facilitating the risk assessment process and monitor strategic and business risks

• Review the adequacy and effectiveness of internal control mechanisms established to mitigate identified risks

• Review the adequacy of departmental policies, standards and business procedures

• Review terms of reference and completed for audits and reviews to achieve the appropriate governance outcomes

• Consider recommendations arising from all internal and external audits and reviews and facilitate the implementation and monitoring of action items arising from recommendations

• Develop and review the three year audit coverage plan and progress of the annual internal audit work plan

• Within the context of the Committee’s primary objective, undertake any other functions and activities as determined from time to time by the Clerk.

The 2015-16 Committee membership comprised the Deputy Clerk, the Chief Finance Officer, the First Clerk Assistant, the Director Business Services and an external member from the City of Darwin. The Clerk appoints members, including the Chair of the Committee.

The Committee will normally hold a minimum of three meetings each financial year.

Internal and External Scrutiny

Two external audits were conducted by the Northern Territory Auditor-General’s Office during 2015-16.

In September 2015 a review of accrual accounting aspects of the 30 June 2015 financial data contained in the Agency’s Government Accounting System (GAS) ledger was conducted. The findings of this review made recommendation to ensure a fair value of the land and buildings are stated when evaluated independently by the Australian Valuation office.

In May 2016 the Auditor-General undertook an Agency compliance audit for the year ending 30 June 2015. Two minor issues were raised in the report and considered by the department.

The Auditor-General’s compliance audit confirms that the Department’s accounting and control procedures provide reasonable assurance to the Clerk.

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Performance Management

WPPs are developed by individual employees and their managers, using unit business plans as the foundation for identification of goals, projects and training needs.

WPPs ensure unit goals are achieved and employees are supported in reaching individual goals and given feedback on their performance. WPPs also aim to allow employees to reach their full potential, achieve job satisfaction and maximise their opportunities and contribution.

As a result, the Department can link training to performance goals, enabling the prioritisation of training needs and investment for training resources. In the longer term, the process enhances the agency’s succession planning.

Access to Information

The Northern Territory Information Act deals with how NTPS organisations collect, use and store government and personal information. Two applications for access to information under the Act were received. All applications were responded to within the required timeframe.

Privacy

The Department’s complies with the 10 Information Privacy Principles (IPPs) that appear in a Schedule to the Information Act. No privacy complaints were received during the reporting period.

Records and Archives Management

The Department operates in accordance with the requirements of the Information Act. Section 134 of the Act requires NTPS agencies to manage records in compliance with Northern Territory Government records management standards.

The Department implemented its Functional Records Disposal Schedule (No. 2015/7) that applies to records specific to the Legislative Assembly’s function.

Effective records management underpins the access, correction and privacy components of the Act by ensuring the government records can be located, read and reproduced in response to requests.

Legislative Compliance

The Department is required to comply with the Financial Management Act, Public Sector Employment and Management Act, Procurement Act and other legislation, such as the Anti- Discrimination Act, Superannuation Act and the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act.

Delegations are identified in two categories:

• Financial and Procurement Delegations

• Human Resource Delegations.

An Agency Procurement Management Plan was developed and is reported against quarterly to ensure compliance with procurement legislation.

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Work Health and Safety (WHS) Committee and Activities

There are two WHS committees chaired by the DLA WHS Advisor including:

• Work Health and Safety Steering Committee

• Parliament House WHS Committee with representatives from all building workers and Electorate Offices

The WHS Steering Committee provides WHS strategic direction. Four meetings were held during the reporting period. There were no significant issues or incidents, and the Steering Committee received no WHS complaints.

The WHS Steering Committee conducted an internal audit of Parliament House and identified no significant issues.

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Member Satisfaction Survey 2015

Members were surveyed on 19 November 2015 against ten key questions relating to Budget Paper 3 and performance measures which are reported against annually. Members were asked to score from 0 to 10 against each question and the results averaged as a percentage. Any score below 80% is a significant concern to the Department. Fifteen responses were received from a possible 25, one more than last year. The result remains fewer than 2013 when 19 responses were returned to the Clerk. Members are advised that each non return counts as 100% satisfaction across all criteria. This permits totally satisfied Members to allow their views to be scored automatically.

In terms of overall results, it is satisfying that the lowest result this year is 92% compared with the 2014 lowest score of 89%.

CATEGORY 2015

Result

2014 Result PARLIAMENTARY SERVICES

1.Satisfaction with Chamber Support and Advice 97% 98%

Satisfaction with Records and Transcripts produced 97% 97%

2. Satisfaction with Committee Meetings and Reports 98% 96%

3. Satisfaction with Education Programmes 96% 97%

4. Satisfaction with Building Management Services 92% 95%

5. Satisfaction with Security Services 94% 96%

CORPORATE AND GOVERNANCE

6. Satisfaction with IT Services (provided by DCIS) 94% 90%

7. Satisfaction with Travel Services 92% 89%

8. Satisfaction with Staffing and HR Services (DLA & DCIS) 94% 89%

Satisfaction with Overall Level of Member Services Question not asked

93%

9. Satisfaction with timeliness of service delivery in Business Support Services

93% 92%

10. Satisfaction with Financial Reporting 95% Question

not asked

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DEPARTMENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY FINANCIAL REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENT OVERVIEW For the Year Ended 30 June 2016 OVERVIEW

The 2015-16 financial statements and notes for the Department of the Legislative Assembly have been prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with the Northern Territory Financial Management Framework and the Australian Accounting Standards. The Department’s financial performance in 2015-16 and comparatives for 2014-15 are reported in four financial statements: the Comprehensive Operating Statement, Balance Sheet, Statement of Changes in Equity and Cash Flow Statement.

Comprehensive Operating Statement

The comprehensive operating statement provides information on the financial performance of the Department for the financial year.

2015–16

$000

2014–15

$000

Variation

$000

Operating Income 25,983 25,711 272

Operating Expenses 29,046 28,798 248

Net Operating Surplus/(Deficit) (3,063) (3,087) 24

Other Comprehensive Income 28,884 (10,023) 38,907

Comprehensive Surplus/(Deficit) 25,821 (13,110) 38,931

For the year ended 30 June 2016, the Department reported a net operating deficit of $3.063 million.

However with a net $28.88 million increase in the value of land and building, the Department reported a comprehensive surplus of $25.82 million. This is the result of the revaluation of Land and Building which is reflected in the Statement of Change in Equity. Further details are set out in Notes 10 and 12.

The $3.063 million in operational deficit for the year was largely attributed to $3.554 million in depreciation being non-cash in nature and unfunded expenditure under the annual appropriation, offset by the under expenditure of $0.471 million against the Repairs and Maintenance budget.

The Department’s total income in 2015-16 was $25.98 million, an increase of $0.272 primarily due to increased Output Appropriation resulting from increased of Members entitlements following the annual review of the Remuneration Tribunal Determination.

The Department also recognises notional revenue of $2.25 million for goods and services received free of charge, which includes Information Technology, Procurement and Payroll. This income is offset by notional expenditure to the same value.

Expenditure of $29.05 million in 2015-16 is $0.248 million higher than the 2014-15 expenditure predominantly due to a $1.06 million increase in entitlements and salaries for Members of the Legislative Assembly and employee expenses offset by a $0.402 million decrease in repairs and maintenance expenditure and a $0.39 million decrease in depreciation expense as a result of the revaluation of Parliament House on 30 June 2016.

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DEPARTMENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY FINANCIAL REPORT

Balance Sheet

The Balance Sheet provides a summary of the Department’s financial position on assets, liabilities and equity as at 30 June 2016.

2015-16 ($’000)

2014-15 ($’000)

Assets 294,371 268,342

Liabilities 1,486 1,853

Equity 292,855 266,489

During 2015-16 the Department’s total assets increased by $26.03 million from $268.34 million to

$294.37 million primarily due to an increase of $25.33 million in the value of property, plant and equipment due to the revaluation of Parliament House and surrounding land owned by the Department and an increase of $0.68 million in the cash position.

Cash Flow Statement

The Cash Flow Statement reflects total cash payments and receipts during the financial year.

2015-16 ($’000)

2014-15 ($’000)

Cash at start of year 3,981 2,355

Net movement 683 1,627

Cash at end of year 4,664 3,981

As at 30 June 2016, the Department’s cash held of $4.66 million was $0.68 million more than at the end of 2014-15. The increase in cash held reflects the Department’s under expenditure compared to budget estimates.

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DEPARTMENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

COMPREHENSIVE OPERATING STATEMENT For the year ended 30 June 2016

Note 2016 2015

$000 $000

INCOME

Grants and subsidies revenue

Current 30 -

Appropriation

Output 23,497 23,315

Sales of goods and services ^(b) 93 89 Goods and services received free of charge 4 2,254 2,259 Gain on disposal of assets ^(a) 5 - 1

Other income ^(b) 108 48

TOTAL INCOME 3 25,982 25,712

EXPENSES

Employee expenses 15,937 14,877

Administrative expenses

Purchases of goods and services 6 2,910 2,926

Repairs and maintenance 1,746 2,148

Property Management 2,644 2,643

Depreciation and amortisation 10,11 3,554 3,945

Other administrative expenses¹ 2,254 2,259

TOTAL EXPENSES 3 29,045 28,798

NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) (3,063) (3,086)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME^(c)

Items that will not be reclassified to net surplus/deficit

Changes in asset revaluation surplus 28,884 (10,023)

TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 28,884 (10,023)

COMPREHENSIVE RESULT 25,821 (13,109)

1 Includes DCIS service charges.

The Comprehensive Operating Statement is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements.

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BALANCE SHEET As at 30 June 2016

Note 2016 2015

$000 $000

ASSETS Current Assets

Cash and deposits 7 4,664 3,981

Receivables 8 97 81

Inventories 9 15 15

Prepayments 19 18

Total Current Assets 4,795 4,095

Non-Current Assets

Property, plant and equipment 10,12 289,463 264,132 Heritage and cultural assets 11,12 114 115

Total Non-Current Assets 289,577 264,247

TOTAL ASSETS 294,372 268,342

LIABILITIES Current Liabilities

Deposits held 1 1

Payables 13 364 812

Provisions 15 849 814

Total Current Liabilities 1,214 1,627

Non-Current Liabilities

Provisions 14 273 227

Total Non-Current Liabilities 273 227

TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,487 1,854

NET ASSETS 292,885 266,488

EQUITY

Capital 159,388 158,814

Reserves 16 169,603 140,718

Accumulated funds (36,105) (33,042)

TOTAL EQUITY 292,886 266,490

The Balance Sheet is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements.

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STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY For the year ended 30 June 2016

Note

Equity at 1 July

Comprehensive result

Transactions with owners

in their capacity as

owners

Equity at 30 June

$000 $000 $000 $000

2015-16

Accumulated Funds 33,042 3,063 36,105 Asset Revaluation Reserve 16 (140,718) (28,884) (169,602)

Capital – Transactions with Owners

Equity injections

Capital appropriation (1,323) (341) (1,664)

Equity transfers in (157,534) (234) (157,768)

Other equity injections (350) (350)

Equity withdrawals

Capital withdrawal ^(d) 393 393

(158,814) (575) (159,389) Total Equity at End of Financial Year (266,490) (25,821) (575) (292,886)

2014-15

Accumulated Funds 29,956 3,087 33,043

Asset Revaluation Reserve 16 (150,741) 10,023 (140,718)

Capital – Transactions with Owners

Equity injections

Capital appropriation (1,282) (41) (1,323)

Equity transfers in (156,615) (919) (157,534)

Other equity injections (350) (350)

Equity withdrawals

Capital withdrawal ^(d) 393 393

(157,854) (960) (158,814) Total Equity at End of Financial Year (278,639) 13,110 (960) (266,489)

The Statement of Changes in Equity is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements.

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CASH FLOW STATEMENT For the year ended 30 June 2016

Note 2016 2015

$000 $000

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Operating Receipts

Grants and subsidies received

Current 30 -

Appropriation

Output 23,497 23,315

Receipts from sales of goods and services 772 805

Total Operating Receipts 24,299 24,120

Operating Payments

Payments to employees (16,193) (14,937)

Payments for goods and services (7,765) (7,587)

Total Operating Payments (23,958) (22,524)

Net Cash From/(Used in) Operating Activities 17 341 1,596 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Investing Payments

Purchases of assets - (10)

Total Investing Payments - (10) Net Cash From/(Used in) Investing Activities - (10)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Financing Receipts

Equity injections

Capital appropriation 341 41

Total Financing Receipts 341 41 Net Cash From/(Used in) Financing Activities 341 41 Net increase/(decrease) in cash held 682 1,627 Cash at beginning of financial year 3,981 2,355 CASH AT END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 7 4,663 3,982

The Cash Flow Statement is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements.

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DEPARTMENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended 30 June 2016

INDEX OF NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note

1. Objectives and Funding

2. Statement of Significant Accounting Policies

3. Comprehensive Operating Statement by Output Group INCOME

4. Goods and Services Received Free of Charge 5. Gain on Disposal of Assets

EXPENSES

6. Purchases of Goods and Services ASSETS

7. Cash and Deposits 8. Receivables 9. Inventories

10. Property, Plant and Equipment 11. Heritage and Cultural Assets

12. Fair Value Measurement of Non-Financial Assets LIABILITIES

13. Payables 14. Provisions 15. Other Liabilities

EQUITY 16. Reserves

OTHER DISCLOSURES

17. Notes to the Cash Flow Statement 18. Financial Instruments

19. Commitments

20. Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets 21. Events Subsequent to Balance Date

22. Accountable Officer’s Trust Account

23. Write-offs, Postponements, Waivers, Gifts and Ex Gratia Payments 24. Budgetary Information

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1. OBJECTIVES AND FUNDING

The Department of the Legislative Assembly provides operational support and professional advice to Members of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly and other clients, and promotes community understanding of the work of the Assembly and its committees.

The key functional responsibilities of the agency are:

- Facilitating the effective operation of the Assembly to ensure compliance with parliamentary practice, law and procedure;

- Managing the Parliament House facility;

- Providing administrative services and advice relating to Members’ salaries, allowances and entitlements, Members’ electorate offices and electorate office staff;

- Promoting community awareness and understanding of representative parliamentary democracy and the work of the Legislative Assembly; and

- Providing administrative and research support to the parliamentary standing and sessional committees.

The Department is predominantly funded by, and is dependent on, the receipt of

Parliamentary appropriations. The financial statements encompass all funds through which the agency controls resources to carry on its functions and deliver outputs. For reporting purposes, outputs delivered by the agency are summarised into several output groups.

Note 3 provides summary financial information in the form of a Comprehensive Operating Statement by output group.

2. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES a) Statement of Compliance

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Financial Management Act and related Treasurer’s Directions. The Financial Management Act requires the Department of the Legislative Assembly to prepare financial statements for the year ended 30 June based on the form determined by the Treasurer. The form of agency financial statements is to include:

(i) a Certification of the Financial Statements;

(ii) a Comprehensive Operating Statement;

(iii) a Balance Sheet;

(iv) a Statement of Changes in Equity;

(v) a Cash Flow Statement; and

(vi) applicable explanatory notes to the financial statements.

b) Basis of Accounting

The financial statements have been prepared using the accrual basis of accounting, which recognises the effect of financial transactions and events when they occur, rather than when cash is paid out or received. As part of the preparation of the financial statements, all intra-agency transactions and balances have been eliminated.

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Except where stated, the financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention.

The form of the agency financial statements is also consistent with the requirements of Australian Accounting Standards. The effects of all relevant new and revised Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) that are effective for the current annual reporting period have been evaluated.

The following new and revised accounting standards and interpretations were effective for the first time in 2015-16:

AASB 1048 Interpretation of Standards This reflects amended versions of Interpretations arising in relation to amendments to AASB 9 Financial Instruments and consequential

amendments arising from the issuance of AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

The standard does not impact the financial statements.

AASB 2013-9 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards [Part C Financial Instruments] Part C of this Standard amends AASB 9 Financial Instruments to add Chapter 6 Hedge accounting and makes consequential amendments to AASB 9 and numerous other Standards. The standard does not impact the financial statements.

AASB 2014-8 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 This Standard makes amendments to AASB 9 Financial Instruments (December 2009) and AASB 9 Financial Instruments (December 2010). These amendments arise from the

issuance of AASB 9 Financial Instruments in December 2014. The standard does not impact the financial statements.

AASB 2015-3 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from the withdrawal of AASB 1031 Materiality The standard completes the withdrawal of references to AASB 1031 in all Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations, allowing the standard to effectively be withdrawn. The standard does not impact the financial statements.

AASB 2015-4 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Financial Reporting Requirements for Australian Groups with a Foreign Parent Amendments are made to AASB 128 Investments in Associates and Joint ventures to require the ultimate Australian entity to apply the equity method in accounting for interests in associates and joint ventures, if either the entity or the group is a reporting entity, or both the entity and group are reporting entities. The standard does not impact the financial statements.

AASB 2014-1 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards (Part E - Financial Instruments) Part E of this Standard defers the application date of AASB 9 Financial Instruments to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. The standard does not impact the financial statements.

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The following standards and interpretations are likely to have an insignificant impact on the financial statements for future reporting periods, but the exact impact is yet to be determined:

Standard/Interpretation

Effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after AASB 9 Financial Instruments (December 2014), AASB 2014-7

Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 (December 2014)

1 January 2018

AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, AASB 2014-5

Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 15 1 January 2018

AASB 1056 Superannuation Entities 1 July 2016

AASB 1057 Application of Accounting Standards 1 January 2016

AASB 2015-9 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards - Scope

and Application Paragraphs [AASB 8, 133 and 1057] 1 January 2016 AASB 2015-10 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards -

Effective Date of Amendments to AASB 10 and AASB 128 1 January 2016 AASB 2016-1 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards-

Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses [AASB 112] 1 January 2017

The following standards and interpretations are expected to have a potential impact on the financial statements for future reporting periods:

Effective for annual reporting periods beginning

on or after Impact

AASB 16 Leases 1 January 2019 Reclassification of operating leases greater

than 12 months to finance lease reporting requirements

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Effective for annual reporting periods beginning

on or after Impact

AASB 9 Financial Instruments 1 January 2018 Simplified requirements for classification and measurement of financial assets, a new hedging accounting model and a revised

impairment loss model to recognise impairment losses earlier as opposed to only

when incurred AASB 2014-1 Amendments to Australian Accounting

Standards [Part E Financial Instruments] 1 January 2018 Amends various AAS's to reflect the deferral of the mandatory application date of AASB 9 AASB 2014-4 Amendments to Australian Accounting

Standards - Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation [AASB 116 and AASB 138]

1 January 2016 Provides additional guidance on how the depreciation or amortisation of property, plant

and equipment and intangible assets should be calculated and clarifies that the use of revenue-based methods to calculate the depreciation of an asset is not appropriate.

AASB 2014-5 Amendments to Australian Accounting

Standards arising from AASB 15 1 January 2017 Amends the measurement of trade receivables and the recognition of dividends.

AASB 2014-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting

Standards arising from AASB 9 1 January 2018 Amends various AAS's to reflect the changes as a result of AASB 9

AASB 2015-1 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards - Annual Improvements to Australian Accounting Standards 2012-14 Cycle [AASB 1, 2, 3,5, 7, 11, 110, 119, 121, 133, 134,137 and 140]

1 January 2016 The amendments include AASB 5 change in methods of disposal; AASB 7 Servicing contracts and applicability of the amendments

to AASB 7 to condensed interim financial statements; AASB 119 Discount rate: regional

market issue and AASB 134 Disclosure of information 'elsewhere in the interim financial.

c) Reporting Entity

The financial statements cover the Department as an individual reporting entity.

The Department of the Legislative Assembly (“the Department”) is a Northern Territory department established under the Interpretation Act Administrative Arrangements Order.

The principal place of business of the Department is:

Parliament House Mitchell St Darwin NT, 0800

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d) Agency and Territory Items

The financial statements of Department of the Legislative Assembly include income, expenses, assets, liabilities and equity over which the Department of the Legislative Assembly has control (Agency items). Certain items, while managed by the agency, are controlled and recorded by the Territory rather than the agency (Territory items). Territory items are recognised and recorded in the Central Holding Authority as discussed below.

Central Holding Authority

The Central Holding Authority is the ‘parent body’ that represents the Government’s ownership interest in Government-controlled entities.

The Central Holding Authority also records all Territory items, such as income, expenses, assets and liabilities controlled by the Government and managed by agencies on behalf of the Government. The main Territory item is Territory income, which includes taxation and royalty revenue, Commonwealth general purpose funding (such as GST revenue), fines, and statutory fees and charges.

The Central Holding Authority also holds certain Territory assets not assigned to agencies as well as certain Territory liabilities that are not practical or effective to assign to individual agencies such as unfunded superannuation and long service leave.

The Central Holding Authority recognises and records all Territory items, and as such, these items are not included in the agency’s financial statements.

e) Comparatives

Where necessary, comparative information for the 2014-15 financial year has been reclassified to provide consistency with current year disclosures.

f) Presentation and Rounding of Amounts

Amounts in the financial statements and notes to the financial statements are presented in Australian dollars and have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars, with amounts of

$500 or less being rounded down to zero. Figures in the financial statements and notes may not equate due to rounding.

g) Changes in Accounting Policies

There have been no changes to accounting policies adopted in 2015-16 as a result of management decisions.

h) Accounting Judgments and Estimates

The preparation of the financial report requires the making of judgments and estimates that affect the recognised amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the

disclosure of contingent liabilities. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the