What does the Deputy Clerk do?

Like the Clerks, the Deputy Clerks are non-elected officials who help the Presiding Officers (the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives) run proceedings. They provide advice on matters relating to the business and procedures of the Parliament. They also record the actions and decisions of the Senate and House and assist with ceremonial occasions, such as the opening of Parliament and the swearing-in of new members of parliament.

The Deputy Clerk sit a a desk with folders and papers in the Senate.

Deputy Clerk in the Senate.

Paul Furness/DPS Auspic

Deputy Clerk in the Senate.

The Deputy Clerk sit a a desk with folders and papers in the Senate.

Paul Furness/DPS Auspic

Description

The Deputy Clerk sitting at their desk in the Senate. The Deputy Clerk sits next to the Clerk, near the President of the Senate. At the Clerks desk there are books which contain the standing orders – rules – of the Senate, along with other documents that explain how the meeting will run.

Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.