1. Parliamentary Committees

2. Parliamentary Committee
A small group of members of parliament who consider and report on a single subject in one or both houses. Committee members can come from any party (government or non- government).
They are often established so an issue of state, national or community interest can be examined more efficiently than it could be if all members of parliament were involved in the investigation.
Parliamentary Committee

3. How Committees Work

4. Role
Committees are designed to provide parliament with advice on issues.
They can draw on expertise from outside parliament and assess community views.
Committees are able to conduct inquiries to find out the facts of a case or issue, gathering evidence from expert groups or individuals.
They make recommendations in a final report.
The use of committees provides for a broad range of views to be represented.

5. Processes The committee will be given terms of reference:
Once all submissions have been received, and hearing have concluded, the committee will prepare a written report to be presented to parliament for considering (published in Hansard)
Committees will also usually hold formal public (occasionally private) hearings.
The committee often uses the media to publicise their investigations and seek input.
The committee will be given terms of reference:
the precise purpose of the inquiry
the specific issues that must be investigated
the date the final report must be completed.
Processes

6. Types of Parliamentary Committees
Joint Investigatory Committees: appointed each parliament to investigate a number of different issues in particular subject areas. They are made up of members of both Houses.
Standing Committees: appointed for the length of a parliamentary term to investigate a number of different issues in particular subject areas. They are made up of members of one House.
Select Committees: investigate a particular issue and are dissolved when the issue is reported on. They are made up of members of one House.
Domestic Committees: focusing on the operations of Parliament, such as parliamentary procedure and administration. They are made up of members of one House.
Types of Parliamentary Committees

8. Visit the Victorian Parliament website
Conduct research into a current Victorian state parliamentary committee
Describe the role of the committee and discuss the ability of this committee to influence a change in the law.
Briefly describe one inquiry the committee has recently undertaken.
Explain at least one recommendation for law reform made by the parliamentary committee
In your view is this committee more or less effective in making this recommendation than a form law reform body such as the VLRC? Give reasons.
Task