Senate committees—overview and history

The Senate committee system turned 50 in 2020.

On 11 June 1970 the Senate introduced a permanent system of committees to inquire into all areas of government activity and spending. Since that time, standing committees have harnessed expertise in the community, informed debate, improved policy and laws and increased scrutiny of the government.

Navigate Senate Committees

Committees, inquiries, history and highlights from 1901

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Senate committees hearings map

Thousands of committee hearings mapped in hundreds of locations

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President and senator statements

Acknowledging the contribution of Senate committees over 50 years

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