A free public conference to mark the 40th anniversary of the Senate's legislative and general purpose standing committee system

Main Committee Room
Parliament House, Canberra and
Members Dining Room, Old Parliament House

29-30 July 2010

This two-day conference examines the evolution and institutional design of the most important accountability mechanism of the federal parliament the Senate's system of legislative and general purpose standing committees. Marking the 40th anniversary of the modern Senate committee system, the conference examines why a system of standing and estimates committees was established in June 1970 and restructured in 1994 and 2006 and again in 2009; the historical milestones that have seen the system evolve to accommodate the changing political landscape of the Senate itself; the role of Senate committees in the legislative process, holding governments to account, and engaging with the wider community; and future challenges and opportunities.

By taking a closer look at the Senate committee system since 1970, presenters will address a range of questions: what are the functions of Senate committees, what purpose do they serve, how have they added value to the scrutiny and consideration of legislation, can we assess and measure their performance, are there any lessons arising from the government-party majority in the Senate between 2005-08, and what factors are most likely to influence the role and function of Senate committees in the future?

Speakers will include current and former senators, senior officers from the Senate, academics and lobbyists.

Coming soon: Conference Program

Registration form (PDF 576KB) (Word 8KB)

How to get to Parliament House and Old Parliament House?
http://www.aph.gov.au/visitors/getto.htm