What is a Hansard reporter?

Hansard reporters are usually called Hansard editors. Their job is to provide a transcript – written record – of what is said in the Australian Parliament. 

Audio of everything that is said in Parliament is recorded and then transcribed by Hansard editors with the help of software. They document the discussions and decisions made in:

• the Senate
• the House of Representatives
• the Federation Chamber
• committee hearings.

Hansard editors sit in on the meetings so they can note any actions taken, such as the result of votes and written statements tabled in – presented to – Parliament. They carefully edit each transcript for clarity and accuracy before publishing on the Parliament House website. The published edited transcript is called Hansard.