Functions
of the Education and Training Committee
The Education and Training Committee is an all-party investigatory
Committee set up by the Parliamentary Committees Act 2003. It was a new
Committee in the 55th Parliament of Victoria, and reflects the increasing
importance placed on education and training by the government and
the community.
The Education and Training Committee’s specific functions under
the Act 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 education and training".
Benefits
of Parliamentary Committees
Committees play an important role, allowing direct input into the
parliamentary process by accessing community views and expert opinion
on issues, synthesising these and influencing the development of public
policy. They also provide an opportunity for Members of Parliament
to be in personal contact with the community as they take part in
Committee activities, including hearings, visits and inspections.
A Committee's recommendations, the evidence collected and the conclusions
drawn assist the Government in making informed decisions for future
policy direction. The recommendations may also contribute to better
informed government administration and policy making and improved
public accountability.
Committee
Inquiry Process
Parliamentary Committees
undertake inquiries on issues by obtaining information from individuals,
organisations and government departments and agencies, and by seeking
advice from experts on the matters under investigation.
The inquiry process falls into five distinct phases:
- The Committee advertises its terms of reference
and calls for submissions. A Discussion Paper may be prepared and
published.
- The Committee gathers information, including
fact and opinion found in submissions and presented in public hearings.
The Committee may also commission research on specific aspects of
an inquiry and seek further information from published sources.
- The Committee considers the arguments, evidence
and data it has gathered and agrees on its findings and recommendations.
- The Committee tables a report, including
its recommendations, in the Parliament. These reports are available
to the public.
- The Government gives careful consideration
to Committee reports and responds to the recommendations. The Government,
through the relevant Minister, is required to report back to Parliament
within six months on what recommendations it has accepted, those that
it has not accepted and the reasons for not accepting any recommendations.
The Education and Training Committee
does not have legislative or regulatory powers: the Committee makes
recommendations and it is then the responsibility of the Minister
to reply.
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