The Senate returns at 12.30 pm on 7 February. This Week at a Glance contains the Government's proposed legislative program, as well as details of other matters likely to be discussed. The Dynamic Red will be available approximately 15 minutes before the commencement of each sitting day, and is a useful resource for keeping track of business.
Committees have already been quite active in 2012 with public hearings held in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Information about closing dates for submissions, as well as reporting dates, can be found on the current inquiries page.
Several reports were presented after the Senate finished its 2011 sittings, and these will be tabled on 7 February. Among these are the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee's preliminary report into procurement procedures for Defence capital projects, and the report of the Joint Gambling Reform Committee into interactive and online gambling.
The first lecture for 2012 will be held on 24 February in the Main Committee Room from 12.15pm. Anne Henderson, the Deputy Director of the Sydney Institute, will discuss the lead-up to the Labor Party split in 1931, the formation of the United Australia Party, and that party's victory at the 1931 federal election.