Much of the really important work undertaken by any Parliament is done through the Committee structure.
Committees undertake specific pieces of work on referral from a Minister or from parliament, they can conduct inquiries, take submissions, and conduct hearings into a matter. They work throughout the year, not just during parliamentary sitting weeks.
I have been appointed to the following committees:
Minister Tony Burke, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, established the committee for the following purpose:
(1) a House Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services be appointed to inquire into and report on:
(a) the implementation, performance and appropriateness of Workforce Australia Employment Services;
(b) the extent to which Workforce Australia Employment Services delivers services in a way that is fair, leaves no one behind, respects individuals’ diverse needs, and supports job seekers into secure work, in particular, its support for long term unemployed and young people; and
(c) other matters in relation to Workforce Australia Employment Services;
The Committee has already provided an interim report into the ParentsNext Program (available here), and will report on the Workforce Australia Employment Services no later than 30 November 2023.
Submissions, and further information can be found on the Committee page:
The Committee may inquire into and report on any matter referred to it by either the House or a Minister, including any pre-legislation proposal, bill, motion, petition, vote or expenditure, other financial matter, report or document.
This Committee has undertaken an inquiry into Online Gambling and its impact on those experiencing gambling harm. The final report was tabled in June 2023 and can be found here.
The Committee is now undertaking an inquiry into unpaid carers and is accepting submissions until 11th August 2023. Details can be found here
Further information can be found on the Committee page:
This Committee has a number of oversight functions of various government agencies. Details can be found in the Role of the Committee (here)
Additionally, it is currently undertaking two enquiries:
Australia’s illicit drug problem: Challenges and opportunities for law enforcement
(Currently accepting submissions)
and
Law enforcement capabilities in relation to child exploitation
(Currently accepting submissions)
Further information can be found on the Committee page:
