Interim Report
12 May 2010
© Commonwealth of Australia 2010
View the report as a single document - (PDF 168KB)
The Committee has made progress with its inquiry into the future direction and role of the Scrutiny of Bills Committee and has received 35 submissions to date.
On 21 April 2010 the Government announced as part of its Australia's Human Rights Framework policy the establishment of a new Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights to review legislation against human rights obligations. The Parliamentary Joint Committee is to be established by legislation.
The work of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights is likely to have an impact on the remit of the work of the Scrutiny of Bills Committee. It will be relevant for the Scrutiny of Bills Committee to consider the content of the enabling legislation before it can develop an informed view of its own future role and direction.
The Scrutiny of Bills Committee is seeking to continue the inquiry into its future role and direction once the legislation to establish the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights has been introduced. The Committee will also then be able to suggest to the Senate a new tabling date for its final report.
Recommendation 1
That the time for the presentation of the committee's report on this inquiry be extended, with the reporting date to be determined after the introduction of legislation to establish the proposed Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights.
The Committee thanks all of the individuals and organisations that have made submissions and been involved in the inquiry so far.
Senator the Hon Helen Coonan
Chair
12 May 2010
For further information, contact:
Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia