Function of the Committee

The role of a Joint Investigatory Committee is to inquire into such matters as are referred to it, either by resolution of a House of Parliament or by Order of the Governor in Council. Further, the Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee is a Specific Purpose Committee and its purpose is set out under section 7 of the Parliamentary Committees Act 2003 (Vic).

The Victorian Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee is constituted under the Parliamentary Committees Act 2003 (Vic).

Parliamentary Committees Act 2003 (Vic) - Section 7.

The functions of the Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee are, if so required or permitted under this Act, to inquire into, consider and report to the Parliament on any proposal, matter or thing concerned with –

the use of drugs, including the manufacture, supply or distribution of drugs;
the level or causes of crime and violent behaviour.

The Parliamentary Committees Act 2003 also enables a Joint Investigatory Committee to inquire into and report to Parliament on any annual report or other document relevant to its functions and which have been laid before either House of Parliament.

The Committee's support team consists of an Executive Officer, an Officer Manager and Research Officers. These positions are held until the end of the term of Parliament. Sometimes research consultants are appointed on a short term basis, usually for the duration of specific inquiries. Centralised support services are provided to all of the committees by the Joint Committee Administrative Office.

When conducting an inquiry, the Committee advertises widely and gathers evidence through written submissions, hearings (conducted both in camera and publicly), site visits, existing research material, meetings and from documents which it may call for. The Committee, with the assistance of its research team, then draft a report for approval of the Committee. Once agreement is reached and a report is adopted by the Committee, it is printed and tabled in both houses of Parliament. The Act also allows for a separate Minority Report to be produced by any Members who choose to dissent from the majority decision.

The Parliamentary Committee's Act 2003 requires the appropriate Minister to provide the Parliament with a response to the Committee's recommendations within six months of the report being laid before both houses of Parliament.

BACK TO TOP