Usher of the Black Rod

Find out about employment opportunities and conditions at the Parliament of Western Australia and what it is like to work here.

Vacancy Details - Parliament of Western Australia

Position Title: Usher of the Black Rod

Level and Salary: Level 7 $128,077 - $136,891 per annum + 11.5% superannuation (Anticipated increase to $134,481 to $143,736 following General Agreement registration)

Department: Legislative Council

Section: Procedures Office

Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time

Primary Responsibilities and Additional Information: Are you passionate about topical issues affecting Western Australians? Do you have experience with project management, driving change and risk management? If so, we invite you to apply for the unique role of Usher of the Black Rod in the Legislative Council. We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to fill this exceptional and interesting role.

BackgroundThe Department of the Legislative Council provides support to the Legislative Council, its committees, the President of the Legislative Council and its 37 elected Members. The Usher of the Black Rod is located within the Clerk’s Office and assists the Clerk and the Department to progress a variety of project works, and ensure that efficient, structured and systematic processes enable the Department to fulfil its many governance obligations.

The Usher of the Black Rod is a historical office in Westminster-styled Parliaments. In a modern context, the role plays an important part in the corporate affairs of the Department along with a procedural role in supporting the Legislative Council.

The Usher of the Black Rod is the Constable of the House and performs historic, ceremonial and parliamentary functions, including the provision of advice around parliamentary process and procedure and administration of significant parliamentary events such as the opening of a new parliament.

When the parliament is not sitting the Usher of the Black Rod undertakes a variety of specialist projects and helps to ensure the Department fulfils its many governance obligations, including.

- Coordinating the implementation of the Department’s strategic objectives and business plans

- Undertaking complex projects including the preparation of project documentation including project reporting

- Mentoring other team members

To be successful in this role, the Usher of the Black Rod will need to draw upon experience in the corporate affairs of an organisation, in particular project delivery, policy and risk management. While this role plays an important part in the proceedings of parliament, it is a development role in that regard and support will be provided to the successful applicant in procedure-related matters.

For professional development and enhanced career satisfaction, the position may periodically rotate with the position of Advisory Officer (Procedure).

Reporting and Location: The position reports to the Deputy Clerk and is based in Legislative Council wing of the historic parliamentary buildings in West Perth.

Benefits of Working at Parliament

- Flexible working arrangements

- Comprehensive professional development programs

- Onsite parking

- Access to Health and Wellbeing initiatives

- Gymnasium facilities

The Parliament of Western Australia values diversity and champions Equal Opportunity Employment. We’re committed to attracting and retaining a workforce that reflects us all, and to making Parliament an inclusive and supportive workplace, free of discrimination.

We encourage all suitable people of any age, sex, gender, family status or culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply, including First Nations people, people from the LGBTQIA+ community, and people with disability.

The attached job description form contains more information about the role.

Details: How to applyIf you’re interested in applying, please send us:

- A completed application for employment form

- A response (in no more than four pages) addressing the selection criteria, as set out in the job description form.

- An up-to-date CV (no more than four pages) that clearly outlines your skills and experience as relevant to this position.

A job description and application form can be downloaded below. Applications must be emailed to hr@parliament.wa.gov.au by 4.00pm Thursday, 8 May 2025.

Please note that you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen with a special category visa, to apply for this role.

If you have any access needs that may require adjustment to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, including alternate methods of communication, or to request a document in an alternative format please contact Human Resources on (08) 9222 7877.

Contact for Further Information: Please contact Sam Hastings (Clerk of the Legislative Council) on (08) 9222 7214 or e-mail clerklc@parliament.wa.gov.au

Closing Date and Time: Thursday 8 May 2025, 4.00 PM

(Applications received after the Closing Date will NOT be accepted)

Application Form and Job Description Form Application for Employment Form.docx Usher of the Black Rod April 2025.docx Usher of the Black Rod April 2025.pdf

The Parliament of Western Australia is honoured to be situated on the ancestral lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people. The Parliament acknowledges the First Australians as the traditional owners of the lands we represent and pays respects to their Elders both past and present.

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