As part of recent historic reforms to the Parliament a new system of portfolio-based committees was established on 16 June 2011.
Each of these new committees is aligned to specific areas of government responsibility and have specific powers to examine Bills introduced into the Parliament as well as government expenditure.
The portfolio committees are listed below:
- Finance and Administration Committee
- Legal Affairs, Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services Committee
- Industry, Education, Training and Industrial Relations Committee
- Environment, Agriculture, Resources and Energy Committee
- Community Affairs Committee
- Health and Disabilities Committee
- Transport and Local Government Committee
As well as the portfolio committees, there is an Ethics Committee and the Parliamentary Crime and Misconduct Committee continues.
The reforms originate from a review of the parliamentary committee system by the Parliament’s Committee System Review Committee, which reported in December 2010. The new committee system replaces the previous committee system that had operated since 1995.
Most Bills once introduced will now be referred to the portfolio committee for the relevant subject area. Committees call for submissions, hold public hearings and briefings, and consult with stakeholders about the Bill.
The committee then tables a report on its consideration of the Bill, prior to the Bill being debated and voted on by Members of Parliament.
The new portfolio committees also undertake the annual estimates process, part of the Parliament’s budget review process.
More information on these reforms is at the following links:
View: Media Releases from Speaker Hon John Mickel MP
Factsheets explaining reforms to the Queensland Parliament
View: Overview of the Parliamentary Reform and Modernisation Initiatives >>
View: The Making of a Law in Queensland (simplified) >>
View: The Estimates Process >>
Parliament of Queensland (Reform and Modernisation) Amendment Act 2011
View: Parliament of Queensland (Reform and Modernisation) Amendment Act 2011 >>
Standing Rules and Orders
View: Standing Rules and Orders >>