Parlamentsdirektion

The Parlamentsdirektion (Parliamentary Administration) is the administrative apparatus of the Austrian Parliament. According to the Parliament's own data protection notice, it is subordinate to the President of the Nationalrat as an administrative body bound by instructions, and it is therefore not an independent authority. It has two main areas of responsibility: supporting the parliamentary tasks (the state function of legislation) and handling matters of parliamentary administration (the state function of administration). The Nationalrat and the Bundesrat are the legislative organs of the Republic of Austria at the federal level. Within this structure, elected members, staff of the members and of the parliamentary clubs, as well as the staff of the Parlamentsdirektion work together. The Parlamentsdirektion provides the operational and administrative backbone that allows the two chambers to function. Beyond its internal administrative role, the Parlamentsdirektion is the publisher and operator of the Austrian Parliament's public-facing website, parlament.gv.at. The website serves as a central information hub for citizens, offering news, schedules of plenary and committee meetings, guided tours, and information on how to participate in parliamentary processes. It also hosts the Parlamentskorrespondenz, the parliamentary news service, and provides content in accessible formats. The Parlamentsdirektion is also responsible for the Parliament's accessibility offerings. The website provides content in Leichte Sprache (easy language, level A2), Einfache Sprache (simple language, level B1), and Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS). The visitor center and library have received the "Fair für alle" (FFA) certification, a national certification for improving accessibility, supported by the Social Ministry. This certification covers training and awareness measures for staff and management, accessible internal and external (web) communication, complaint handling, and structural accessibility such as tactile guidance systems for blind people and induction systems for hearing aid users. The Parlamentsdirektion also manages public-facing facilities and services, including the Parliament's visitor offerings such as guided tours, the "Demokratikum – Erlebnis Parlament" experience, and the Parlamentsrestaurant KELSEN located in the newly expanded attic of the Parliament building. It also provides information about the Nationalfonds der Republik Österreich für Opfer des Nationalsozialismus (National Fund of the Republic of Austria for Victims of National Socialism). As a state administrative body, the Parlamentsdirektion is not a commercial company and is not listed on any stock exchange. It is funded through the state budget and operates under the legal framework of the Republic of Austria. Its work is essential to the functioning of Austrian parliamentary democracy, ensuring that legislative processes, public communication, and visitor services run smoothly.

The Parlamentsdirektion is the administrative body of the Austrian Parliament. Its historical development is tied to the evolution of the Austrian parliamentary system and the Republic of Austria. While the exact founding date of the Parlamentsdirektion as a distinct administrative unit is not provided in the available evidence, its role is defined by its subordination to the President of the Nationalrat and its two core functions: supporting legislation and managing parliamentary administration. The Austrian Parliament consists of the Nationalrat (National Council) and the Bundesrat (Federal Council). The Nationalrat is the directly elected chamber, while the Bundesrat represents the federal states. The Parlamentsdirektion serves both chambers, providing the administrative infrastructure necessary for their operation. Over time, the Parlamentsdirektion's responsibilities have expanded beyond purely internal administrative tasks. It now operates the Parliament's public website, parlament.gv.at, which serves as a comprehensive information portal for citizens. The website includes news, schedules, information on participation, and the Parlamentskorrespondenz, the parliamentary news service. The Parlamentsdirektion has also taken on a significant role in making parliamentary information accessible to all citizens. The website offers content in Leichte Sprache (easy language, level A2), Einfache Sprache (simple language, level B1), and Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS). The visitor center and library have received the "Fair für alle" (FFA) certification, a national certification for improving accessibility, supported by the Social Ministry. This certification recognizes efforts in training, accessible communication, complaint handling, and structural accessibility. In recent years, the Parlamentsdirektion has been involved in the renovation and expansion of the Parliament building in Vienna. This includes the newly expanded attic, which now houses the Parlamentsrestaurant KELSEN, offering sustainable specialties and Viennese hospitality. The visitor experience has also been enhanced with the "Demokratikum – Erlebnis Parlament," an interactive exhibition about parliamentary democracy. The Parlamentsdirektion also provides information about the Nationalfonds der Republik Österreich für Opfer des Nationalsozialismus, reflecting its role in communicating about Austria's historical responsibilities. As a state administrative body, the Parlamentsdirektion is not a commercial enterprise. It is funded through the state budget and operates under the legal framework of the Republic of Austria. Its work is essential to the functioning of Austrian parliamentary democracy, ensuring that legislative processes, public communication, and visitor services run smoothly.

The administrative backbone of the Austrian Parliament, providing legislative support, public information, and accessible visitor services.

• parlament.gv.at

  Official website of the Austrian Parliament, providing news, schedules, participation information, and accessible content.

• Parlamentskorrespondenz

  The parliamentary news service of the Austrian Parliament.

• Demokratikum – Erlebnis Parlament

  An interactive visitor experience about parliamentary democracy.

• Parlamentsrestaurant KELSEN

  Restaurant located in the newly expanded attic of the Parliament building, offering sustainable specialties and Viennese hospitality.

1. 1Parlament Österreichparlament.gv.at
2. 2Parlament Österreich - Hilfeparlament.gv.at
3. 3Parlament Österreich - Barrierefreiheitparlament.gv.at
4. 4Parlament Österreich - Datenschutzhinweisparlament.gv.at
5. 5Wikidata - Parlamentsdirektionwikidata.org