Our legal status

The Office of the Clerk operates under a dedicated Act of Parliament (Clerk of the House of Representatives Act 1988) and is part of the legislative rather than the executive branch of government. It is a non-public service department and is separate from other agencies in the parliamentary complex including the Parliamentary Service.

The Clerk of the House is appointed by warrant by the Governor-General. The Speaker recommends the appointment after consulting with the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and other members.