The Senate delegates a range of tasks to its committees. As committee proceedings are flexible, they are able to meet in a variety of places, receive written submissions and hear evidence on specified matters. Numerous inquiries can be held at the same time, so many different issues can be examined and reported back to the Senate.
Committees provide an opportunity for organisations and individuals to participate in policy making and to have their views placed on the public record and considered as part of the decision-making process.