The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is appointed under a resolution of appointment which was passed by the House of Representatives on 1 September 2016 and the Senate on 12 September 2016.

The Committee conducts inquiries into such matters relating to electoral laws and practices and their administration as may be referred to it by either House of the Parliament or a Minister. In addition it may also inquire into relevant annual reports of government departments and authorities and reports of the Auditor-General presented in the House.