The principal purpose of parliamentary committees is to conduct inquiries, performing functions which the Houses themselves are not well fitted to perform. They find out the facts of a case or issue, examine witnesses, sift evidence, and draw up reasoned conclusions. Because of their composition and method of procedure, which is structured but relatively informal compared with that of the Houses, committees are well suited to the gathering of evidence from expert groups or individuals. In a sense they ‘take Parliament to the people’ and allow direct contact between members of the public and representative groups of Members of the House. Not only do committee inquiries enable Members to be better informed about community views but, by simply undertaking an inquiry, committees may promote public debate on the subject at issue. The all-party composition of most committees and their propensity to operate across party lines are important features. This bipartisan approach generally manifests itself throughout the conduct of inquiries and the drawing up of conclusions. Committees oversee and scrutinise the Executive and are able to contribute towards better government. They also assist in ensuring a more informed administration and policy-making process, in working with the Executive on proposed legislation and other government initiatives. In respect of their formal proceedings committees are microcosms and extensions of the Houses themselves, limited in their power of inquiry by the extent of the authority delegated to them and governed for the most part in their proceedings by procedures and practice which reflect those which prevail in the House by which they were appointed.
Parliamentary committees
Different definitions of standing and select committees
Unofficial committees
General purpose standing committees
Committees concerned with the operations of the House
Committee of Privileges and Members’ Interests (S.O. 216)
House Committee (S.O. 218)
Publications Committee (S.O. 219)
Petitions Committee (S.O. 220)
Procedure Committee (S.O. 221)
Selection Committee (S.O. 222)
House Appropriations and Administration Committee (S.O. 222A)
Joint committees appointed by resolution
Joint Standing Committee on the Parliamentary Library
Joint statutory committees
Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit
Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works
Joint Committee on the Broadcasting of Parliamentary Proceedings
Other statutory committees
Committees of the House
Joint committees appointed by resolution
Joint committees established by legislation
Effects of dissolution and prorogation on committees
Dissolution
Prorogation
Different positions taken by the two Houses
Eligibility to serve on committees
Pecuniary and personal interest
Suspension from the House
Ex officio members
Number of members and party composition
Appointment of Members
Vacancies
Election or appointment
Chair elected
Chair appointed
Procedural authority
Administrative authority
Deputy chair
Source of power
Derivation and extent of investigatory powers
Delegation of investigatory powers
Powers of joint committees
Statutory secrecy provisions
First meeting
Time and place of meeting
Meetings during sittings of the House
Meetings of joint committees during sittings of the Senate
Meetings outside Parliament House
Meetings overseas
Meetings by means of video or teleconference
Quorum
Quorum—joint committees
Motions and voting
Voting—joint committees
Minutes of proceedings
Presence at meetings of Members who are not members of the committee
Visitors
Disorder
Confidentiality of committee records
General principles for the administration of parliamentary committees