On 12 May 1994, The Governor-in-Council made an Order-in-Council referring
a reference for the review of redundant legislation to the Scrutiny of
Acts and Regulations Committee. The matter was referred pursuant to section
4F(1)(a)(ii) of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968. Following
the March 1996 election and the commencement of the 53rd Parliament of
Victoria, the Governor-in-Council, on 18 June 1996, again referred the
terms of reference to the Committee. Following are the terms of reference:
Acts of Parliament and provisions of Acts of Parliament which are unnecessary
or redundant;
legislative instruments made under an Act of Parliament and provisions
of legislative instruments made under an Act of Parliament which are
unnecessary or redundant.
2. The Committee is requested, in conjunction with the Chief Parliamentary
Counsel, to inquire into, consider and make recommendations as to:
Acts of Parliament and provisions of Acts of Parliament which are unclear,
ambiguous or should be re-drafted;
Legislative instruments made under an Act of Parliament and provisions
of legislative instruments made under an Act of Parliament which are
unclear, ambiguous or should be re-drafted;
3. In the conduct of this reference, the Committee is requested to
pursue the primary objects of reducing the number and complexity of
Victorian Acts and legislative instruments, and ensuring that Acts and
instruments are clearly expressed in accordance with modern drafting
practices.
4. This reference shall continue unless revoked by the Governor-in-Council.