THE TECHNOLOGY
For most of this century Hansard reporters used pen shorthand to record debates and
dictated the speeches to typists, who used manual typewriters. Only relatively recently
have the stenotype shorthand machine and computers dramatically changed working methods.
Today the staff of the Department of Parliamentary Debates uses advanced technology in
producing Hansard. Reporters and editors use computers, audio recording and
desktop publishing to record speeches and produce an edited report of parliamentary
proceedings.
Editing and publishing functions are performed using the Hansard integrated publishing
system (HIPS), a modified form of the Microsoft Word word processing system.
COMPUTER-ASSISTED TRANSCRIPTION (CAT)
Most reporters use a computerised stenotype shorthand machine called a Stentura to
record speeches. A computer program called Premier Power is used to translate the
shorthand into English. Reporters edit the English translation using the Microsoft Word
word processing program. They need a minimum shorthand speed of 200 words a minute to use
CAT effectively.
VOICE-ACTIVATED TRANSCRIPTION (VAT)
Some reporters use the latest in voice recognition technology. They transcribe their
shorthand notes directly into a computer via a program called Naturally Speaking and edit
the English text using Microsoft Word.
AUDIO RECORDING
Reporters who do not write shorthand work directly from audio recordings of speeches.
They produce English text either by keyboarding or by using VAT, and edit the text using
Microsoft Word. A state-of-the-art digital audio recording system, due to be installed at
Parliament House by the end of the year, is expected to lead to a marked increase in the
efficiency of the system.
PUBLISHING
Parliamentary Debates produces two versions of the report. Daily Hansard, a
proof version, is available by 8.30 a.m. the next day; and weekly Hansard, books
containing a week’s debates, is available approximately one week after the completion
of each sitting week. The books are later incorporated in bound sessional volumes.
The source document for both versions is camera-ready copy produced by Hansard staff
using the desktop publishing functions available in Microsoft Word.
Printing is outsourced.
INTERNET
VicHansard is a full text database of Victorian Parliamentary Debates from March 1991
on, and Daily Hansard is available on the Net a few hours after the house
adjourns for the day. It can be located through the Parliament of Victoria home page at:
http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au
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