Committee Details

The estimates process aids the Parliament in its scrutiny of the Government’s proposed expenditure. Since 1994, committees of the Parliament have undertaken the estimates process, by examining and reporting on the proposed expenditures contained in the Appropriation Bill and the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill.

In 2015 the examination of the Appropriation Bill and the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill will be considered by the eight portfolio committees.

During the estimates process each portfolio committee will hold a public hearing (on a day between 18 and 28 August 2015) at which the Speaker and Ministers (and certain senior public servants and officers) are questioned regarding the portfolio’s proposed expenditures for the relevant portfolio areas. Other Members of the Legislative Assembly who are not members of the committee may also ask questions, with the leave of the committee.

At its public hearing on 28 August 2015, the Utilities, Science and Innovation Committee will question the Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy and Water Supply, and Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Science and Innovation regarding the proposed expenditures for their portfolio areas.

Following the committee’s hearing, the committee members meet, discuss the information gained and compile a final report for tabling in Parliament. The reports are then debated by the Parliament as part of its consideration of the Appropriation Bills.