Parliamentary Committees Act 2003

S. 11. The functions of the Family and Community Development Committee are, if so required or permitted under this Act, to inquire into, consider and report to the Parliament on:

(a) any proposal, matter or thing concerned with –

(i)  the family or the welfare of the family

(ii)  community development or the welfare of the community

(b) the role of Government in community development and welfare including the welfare of the family.

Under the Parliamentary Committees Act 2003 the Family and Community Development Committee has wide powers to review, consider and conduct investigations and report to the Parliament on matters associated with the family or the welfare of the family, as well as a range of social issues. This includes examining matters dealing with community development or the welfare of the community, in addition to the role of government in community development and welfare of the family.

 

Inquiries are undertaken under the authority of section 33 of the Act.  Terms of Reference may be referred to the Committee by:

• resolution of the Legislative Council or the Legislative Assembly
• order of the Governor-in-Council

The Committee determines the scope of the Inquiry and establishes a framework of investigation and research.

The Terms of Reference of the Inquiry are advertised to the general public and the Committee invites interested individuals or organisations to make written comments on relevant or associated issues.

The Committee extensively reviews and analyses any relevant research in the State, across Australia or overseas if relevant, as well as conducting or commissioning its own research. After reviewing this material and the information contained in submissions and presented at public hearings, the Committee writes a detailed Report and formulates a range of recommendations.

At the completion of the Inquiry the Committee tables its Report in both Houses of the Parliament. The Report is then made available to the public.

Under legislation, the government must respond to the recommendations within six months of the Report's tabling.

The relevant Minister or Ministers can accept or reject, modify or adopt the Committee's recommendations.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 26 May 2010