Guide to Parliamentary Committees

Parliamentary Committees 101

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Committees

Parliamentary committees investigate specific areas of policy, government administration, and performance. They are integral to the functioning of Australia’s democracy as they provide a forum for organisations, experts, and individuals to participate in the policy-making process.

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What is the difference between a standing committee and a select committee?

Standing committees are appointed at the start and for the entirety of a new parliament.

Select committees can be appointed at any time to investigate a specific issue.

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What is the difference between a legislation committee and a references committee?

Within some senate committees there is a legislation committee and a references committee. Legislation committees consider government expenditure, inquire into and report on bills referred to them, and monitor the performance of government departments/agencies. Legislation committees are always chaired by a member of the government. References committees inquire into and report on general matters referred to them by the Senate as opposed to specific bills, for example an investigation into Australia becoming a republic. They are always chaired by a member of the opposition or minority parties/independents.

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There are currently 63 sitting committees they are as follows:

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Senate Committees

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Appropriations, Staffing and Security

Chair - Sue Lines

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Community Affairs

Legislation Chair - Marielle Smith

References Chair - Janet Rice

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Economics

Legislation Chair - Jess Walsh

References Chair - Andrew Bragg

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Education and Employment

Legislation Chair - Tony Sheldon

References Chair - Matt O’Sullivan

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Environment and Communications

Legislation Chair - Karen Grogan

References Chair - Sarah Hanson-Young

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Finance and Public Administration

Legislation Chair - Louise Pratt

References Chair - Richard Colbeck

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Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade

Legislation Chair - Raff Ciccone

References Chair - Claire Chandler

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Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Legislation Chair - Nita Green

References Chair - Paul Scarr

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Privileges

Chair - Slade Brockman

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Procedure

Chair - Sue Lines

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Publications

Chair - Fatima Payman

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Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport

Legislation Chair - Glenn Sterle

References Chair - Matthew Canavan

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Scrutiny of Bills

Chair - Dean Smith

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Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation

Chair - Linda White

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Selection of Bills

Chair - Anne Urquhart

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Senators' Interests

Chair - Linda Reynolds

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Work and Care

Chair - Barbara Pocock

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House Committees

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Agriculture

Chair - Meryl Swanson

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Appropriations and Administration

Chair - Milton Dick

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Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water

Chair - Tony Zappia

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Communications and the Arts

Chair - Brian Mitchell

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Economics

Chair - Daniel Mulino

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Employment, Education and Training

Chair - Lisa Chesters

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Health, Aged Care and Sport

Chair - Mike Freelander

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Industry, Science and Resources

Chair - Rob Mitchell

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Petitions

Chair - Susan Templeman

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Privileges and Members' Interests

Chair - Rob Mitchell

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Procedure

Chair - Shayne Nuemann

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Publications

Chair - Fiona Phillips

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Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport

Chair - Luke Gosling

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Selection

Chair - Milton Dick

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Social Policy and Legal Affairs

Chair - Peta Murphy

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Workforce Australia Employment Services

Chair - Julian Hill

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Joint Committees

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs

Chair - Patrick Dodson

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Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity

Chair - Catryna Bilyk

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Broadcasting of Parliamentary Proceedings

Chair - Milton Dick

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Corporations and Financial Services

Chair - Deborah O’Neill

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Electoral Matters

Chair - Kate Thwaites

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Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade

Chair - Shayne Neumann

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Human Rights

Chair - Josh Burns

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Implementation of the National Redress Scheme (Standing)

Chair - Marion Scrymgour

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Intelligence and Security

Chair - Peter Khalil

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Law Enforcement

Chair - Helen Polley

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Migration

Chair - Maria Vamvakinou

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National Anti-Corruption Commission Legislation

Chair - Linda White

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National Capital and External Territories

Chair - Alicia Payne

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National Disability Insurance Scheme

Chair - Libby Coker

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Northern Australia

Chair - Marion Scrymgour

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Parliamentary Library

Co-chairs - Slade Brockman and Anne Stanley

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Parliamentary Standards

Chair - Sharon Claydon

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Public Accounts and Audit

Chair - Julian Hill

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Public Works

Chair - Graham Perrett

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Publications

Chair - Fiona Phillips

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Trade and Investment Growth

Chair - Steve Georganas

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Treaties

Chair - Josh Wilson

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