What's On

Spotlight on Committees

Reports

Several committee reports were presented last week, including reports on maximising our investment in Australian schools, aid to Afghanistan, and the gathering and use of criminal intelligence.

New inquiries

A number of new inquiries were established during the last sitting week. The Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee is investigating the practice of sports science in Australia and is calling for submissions by 31 May 2013. Submissions to the Education, Employment and Workplace Relations References Committee for its inquiry into the effectiveness of the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy are due by 7 June 2013. Other inquiries were established when the Senate agreed to the recommendations in report no. 5 of the Selection of Bills Committee.

'Time critical' bills

On 15 May the Senate agreed to a motion to ensure that bills introduced into the House of Representatives during the budget estimates fortnight (27 May to 6 June) are, where necessary, able to be considered by committees before the June sittings.

Estimates

The schedule of meetings is now available for budget estimates, which will be held from 27 May to 6 June.

Senate

The Western Australian Parliament held a joint sitting on 15 May and chose Sue Lines to fill the casual vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Chris Evans on 12 April 2013.

The Senate last sat on 16 May, and next meets on 17 June 2013.

25th anniversary of Parliament House

The 25th anniversary of Parliament House will occur in 2013. Visit the website for details of activities and events.

Occasional Lectures

The next lecture, "Canberra and the Parliament: an increasingly uncomfortable marriage", will be held on 24 May 2013 and will be presented by Jack Waterford, Editor-at-large, The Canberra Times.

Admission is free and no bookings are required.

Previous lectures

What's On

Spotlight on Committees

Senate

25th anniversary of Parliament House

Occasional Lectures

This week in the Senate