4.2.6 - The role of the Royal Commissions or parliamentary committies in law reform and their ability to influence law reform

Question 1

What is the parliamentary committee?

Answer 1

• a group of parliamentarians from the lower house and/or upper house
• appointed to conduct specialised research into an issue or area of law
• given terms of reference by either or both houses
• scope of the inquiry is established and includes deadlines
• investigation must stay within the terms of reference

Question 2

Role of parliamentary comittee

Answer 2

• there are different types of committees (select, standing)
• Parliamentary committees have few constraints on their subject matter
• all MP’s (except ministers) sit on at least one committee
• No one party has absolute control over committee investigations and reports

Question 3

Role of parliamentary committee: process

Answer 3

• process: referral, research, report, response
• investigations can be into any area considered worthy of detailed and careful review
• can be an issue with: proposed legislation, alleged misconduct within government, a category of law (money bills/regulations) that need dedicated attention, parliamentary procedure