Parliamentarians are elected by the people (constituents) of a particular
region (such as an electorate) to represent their interests. They make
decisions in federal, state or territory parliaments and undertake activities
in their local electorates.
Parliamentarians have a high level of personal contact with the public.
Elected parliamentarians tend to spend most of their time working with
constituents who are seeking assistance with issues such as pensions,
taxation, immigration, education, health services, visas and other matters of
public concern.
How much can I expect to earn?
Full-time employed Parliamentarian earn an average of $1691 per week. The
[average annual salary for this job is $87932 excluding super.]
Personal requirements
good oral and written communication skills
enjoy talking to, working with and helping people
able to apply sound judgment
enjoy dealing with issues in current affairs and politics
prepared to work long hours
willing to travel and live away from home when required
sound management skills.
This job also involves:
Mainly indoor work
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than
three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed
area protected from the weather.
Reading or writing
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may
be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as
letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or
writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and
symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing
skills.
Sitting for long periods
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs are usually performed sitting
down at a desk, counter, workbench or other location for periods of at least
two hours at a stretch.
This occupation offers jobs at the following skill levels:
Professional Jobs
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree,
or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study,
such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.
Study requirements
At school, you can study these subject(s) to get a good foundation for this
occupation:
Economics
School subjects that include some aspect of ECONOMICS provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases an economics-related subject is a pre-
requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
English
School subjects that include some aspect of English provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases an English-related subject is a pre-
requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
History
School subjects that include some aspect of HISTORY provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a history-related subject is a pre-
requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Duties and tasks of a Parliamentarian
Parliamentarians may perform the following tasks:
present issues for debate and discussion in parliament
propose and debate new legislation and changes to existing legislation
develop policy that best serves the interests of the public and the electorate
investigate matters of concern to the public or particular interest groups
present petitions on behalf of concerned interest groups
serve on parliamentary committees or enquiries
manage an office in their home electorate and in the house of parliament.