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Questions and Answers
Which type of committee is the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade?
What is the primary focus of the Social Policy Legislation Committee?
Which committee provides recommendations for law reform to Commonwealth Ministers?
What is the main responsibility of parliamentary committees?
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How do parliamentary committees contribute to the smooth functioning of democratic institutions?
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Which type of parliamentary committee involves members from both houses of parliament in Australia?
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What is the role of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories in Australia?
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What distinguishes select committees from other types of parliamentary committees?
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Which committee in Australia examines accounts related to public revenue and expenditure annually?
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How do departmental committees differ from select committees in their functions?
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Study Notes
Parliamentary Committees
Parliamentary committees are permanent groups of parliamentarians that oversee specific aspects of government policy and administration. These committees play a crucial role in ensuring effective scrutiny of executive action, promoting accountability, and shaping legislation. They operate under rules set out in standing orders of their respective parliaments. In Australia, there is a House of Representatives Standing Orders Committee and a Senate Select Committee on Arrangements.
There are several types of parliamentary committees, including select committees, joint committees, statutory committees, and departmental committees. Each type has distinct roles and functions within the legislative process.
Examples of Australian Parliamentary Committees
Joint Committees
Joint committees involve members from both houses of parliament. One example is the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories, which examines matters relating to the capital city and its environs. Another example is the Joint Statutory Committee on Public Accounts, which examines annually the accounts pertaining to public revenue and expenditure, and makes reports and recommendations to parliament.
Select Committees
Select committees focus on broad areas of interest and can operate on an ongoing basis dealing with matters referred to them by the house. For instance, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade considers foreign affairs, defence and international security, military service and veterans' issues, and trade, aid and development matters.
Departmental Committees
Departmental committees deal with the day-to-day work of a department or agency concerned with implementation and execution of government policies. An example is the Social Policy Legislation Committee, which examines bills referred to it by the minister administering the Human Services Portfolio and makes reports and recommendations to parliament.
Statutory Committees
Statutory committees are those established under an Act of Parliament. An example is the Australian Law Reform Commission, which provides recommendations for law reform to Commonwealth Ministers.
In summary, parliamentary committees play a crucial role in ensuring effective oversight of government policy and administration. Their work promotes accountability and helps shape legislation, ultimately contributing to the smooth functioning of democratic institutions and processes.
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Description
Learn about the different types of parliamentary committees in Australia and their roles in overseeing government policy, promoting accountability, and shaping legislation. Explore examples of joint committees, select committees, departmental committees, and statutory committees.
