What's On

Spotlight on Committees

Budget estimates

Estimates of government expenditure are referred to Senate committees as part of the annual budget cycle. This opportunity to examine the operations of government plays a key role in the parliamentary scrutiny of the executive. This week Senate committees will meet to consider the 2012-13 Budget estimates. Some useful resources for following the proceedings are:

Senate

Senate Chamber

On 8 May, Senator Dean Smith was sworn in as a senator for Western Australia following the death of Senator Judith Adams on 31 March. Senator Smith will give his first speech in the Senate on 18 June.

Senator Bob Brown and Senator Nick Sherry have each announced that they will resign from the Senate in the near future, which will create two casual vacancies in Tasmania. For more information on casual vacancies, see Senate Brief No. 1.

The Senate will next meet on 18 June 2012.

Occasional Lectures

Coat of Arms created by silversmith Robin Blau. Photographer: Richard Ryan Date 2008

The next lecture will be held on 25 May in the Parliament House Theatre from 12.15 pm. Professor Kenneth R. Mayer will discuss the difficult task of forecasting presidential elections, the nature of uncertain outcomes, and existing models. In that context he will also talk about the 2012 election and the most likely outcomes.

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