Tuesday, 11 August 2026

 Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (14:22): Pursuant to section 35 of the Parliamentary Committees Act 2003, I table Alert Digest No. 10 of 2026, including appendices, from the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee. I move:

That the report be published.

Motion agreed to.

 Sheena WATT (Northern Metropolitan) (14:23): I move:

That the Council take note of the report.

I am really pleased to speak today on the tabling of the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee’s annual review. For those who may not follow the day-to-day workings of our committee, SARC does the incredibly vital, often unsung, work of scrutinising every bill and piece of subordinate legislation that comes through this place. The committee does the heavy lifting to ensure that our laws meet strict technical standards and, crucially, that they uphold all Victorians’ rights under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. This keeps the legislation we pass fair, rigorous and respectful.

When I look back over this parliamentary session, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the sheer volume of work the committee staff has processed. Legislative scrutiny is highly demanding work that requires really long hours and phenomenal attention to detail. To all the staff and to the research team, and I particularly would like to honour Helen Mason and Jeremy Gans and the research team: thank you. Your expertise is exactly what keeps this important oversight mechanism functioning so well. I also want to take a moment to thank the outgoing chair, the member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas, who has led SARC with genuine dedication and a steady hand. I must also acknowledge the previous chairs who have guided this committee through this session of Parliament. Staying on top of the absolute mountain of legislation is no small feat, and their collective efforts have been absolutely invaluable. I am incredibly proud of the work this committee does. Can I take a moment in this chamber to say I commend this review and to I thank all members of the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee over this term of Parliament.

Motion agreed to.