The Whip's Assistant ensures the effective administration of the Member of the Legislative Council's business in their role as Government Whip, taking a proactive approach to emerging government business and priorities, and employing sound knowledge of Parliamentary processes. This role is best suited to an applicant with an interest in Parliamentary business and political organising.
This is a junior position that provides a rare opportunity in a unique working environment to begin developing or expanding a career in politics, state government and public administration. The position is an exciting opportunity to build networks and relationships across Parliamentary, ministerial and advisor roles, dignitaries and stakeholders, and to develop and consolidate political awareness and acuity.
The Assistant will provide support to the Hon Ian Hunter MLC.
The role's responsibilities comprise: assisting the Whip to coordinate Government business in the Legislative Council in accordance with Parliamentary procedureproviding advice to the Whip on matters of Parliamentary procedure and managing emerging government business prioritiesproviding advice and support to other Members of the Legislative Council, their staff, and the staff of Ministerial Offices in the management of government business and private members' businessmeeting with Members and staff of the Opposition and Crossbench to organise government and private member's businesspreparing and distributing documents and information relating to government business to the Whip, Members of the Legislative Council and their staff, and Ministerial Officesmonitoring Parliamentary proceedings, updating records and responding to changes in business or prioritiesdraft and prepare speaking notes and briefing packs on policy matters of interest to the Whipsupporting the administrative functions of the Whip's office through database management, constituent engagement, diary administration and financial systems reconciliation.On-the-job training for all processes and procedure is provided. No formal qualifications are required for this position.
Applicants ideally should: have a working understanding of administrative procedures and record-keepingcommunicate clearly and directlyhandle sensitive information carefully and diligentlybe able to follow complex and inter-connected procedures, including identifying and implementing improvementsbe able to plan in advancebe able to build functional, professional relationships across Parliamentary and Ministerial officesbe able to locate, interpret and apply corporate knowledge and Parliamentary procedure to tasksbe able to locate and analyse multi-source information to provide advice to the Whiphave good working knowledge, or interest in, State politics, Parliamentary systems and South Australia's system of government.Whip's staff work regular office hours during non-sitting weeks, and extended hours on Parliamentary sitting days, starting early and finishing after the Legislative Council adjourns in the evening. The extended hours are compensated via a 15% loading on the base salary. The Legislative Council sits Tuesday-Thursday approximately 15 weeks per year.
Employment conditions and entitlements are outlined in the Assistants to Members of the SA Parliament Enterprise Agreement 2021.
Applicants are not required to hold party membership, nor any previous positions in Parliamentary or electoral offices.
The Whip's Assistant is responsible to the Member/the Whip and is managed by the Office Manager.
Parliament is an inclusive workplace and is an accessible building. Applicants with diverse life experiences are encouraged to apply.
Address all applications and cover letters to: David Elliott Office Manager to the Hon Ian Hunter MLC