Inquiry
into the Provisions of the Australian Trade Commission Legislation
Amendment Bill 2006
Information about the inquiry
On 30 March 2006, the Senate
referred the provisions of the above bill to the Senate Foreign Affairs,
Defence and Trade Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by Tuesday,
2 May 2006.
The Bill proposes to
move the Australian Trade Commission from a
statutory authority under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies
Act 1997 to a statutory agency which will be part of the Commonwealth
and subject to the Public Service Act 1999 and a prescribed agency
under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997.
According to
Explanatory Memorandum the proposed changes 'do not amend the functions or
objectives of the Australian Trade Commission, or service delivery to
Australian business or the community. The Bill includes transitional
arrangements that will ensure these governance changes do not disrupt
service delivery'.
These amendments
are part of the Government’s response to the Review of the Corporate
Governance of Statutory Authorities and Office Holders, which examined
and reported on improving the structures and the governance practices of
such entities.
The changes are
intended to improve governance and accountability in the Australian Trade
Commission.
Lodging Submissions
Submissions are called for by Thursday, 13
April 2006.
Submissions become Committee documents and are only made public after a
decision by the Committee. Unauthorised release of submissions is not
covered by parliamentary privilege. Further assistance can be obtained by
phoning the secretariat on (02) 6277 3535.
For further information, contact:
Dr Kathleen Dermody
Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia
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