Senate debates

Thursday, 25 February 2010

Committees

Scrutiny of Bills Committee; Reference

9:34 am

Photo of Stephen ParryStephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Coonan, I move:

That—
(1)
The following matter be referred to the Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills for inquiry and report by 12 May 2010:
The future direction and role of the Scrutiny of Bills Committee, with particular reference to:
(a)
whether its powers, processes and terms of reference remain appropriate;
(b)
whether parliamentary mechanisms for the scrutiny and control of delegated legislation are optimal; and
(c)
what, if any, additional role the committee should undertake in relation to human rights obligations applying to the Commonwealth.
(2)
In undertaking this inquiry, the committee should have regard to the role, powers and practices of similar committees in other jurisdictions.
(3)
The committee be authorised to hold public hearings in relation to this inquiry.

Question agreed to.