Committee of Supply Debate, Parliament, 7 March 2024
Parliament currently has seven Standing Select Committees, but none of these are specific to individual Ministries. This is quite unlike many other legislatures around the world. The UK’s House of Commons, for example, has select committees for every government department like defence, home affairs and transport, to name a few. Australia’s parliament has House Standing Committees on Health, Aged Care and Sport; and on Employment, Education and Training, among others.
These Select Committees examine each Ministry’s policies, spending and administration. They are empowered to inquire into and report on any matter referred to them by the House or a Minister. The Committees may call in subject matter experts to give testimony and answer questions from Members that can inform their considerations.
Select Committees also provide a platform for Members to better understand each other’s positions and that of the government. The government may share in confidence with Committees information that shapes its policy stances. The Committees can discuss legislation or major policy changes before they are officially tabled, so that there is more room to work out compromises before each party stakes its position publicly.
After a thorough scrutiny of legislation and policies, the Select Committees can make recommendations to Parliament before Bills and Motions are debated and voted on by all MPs.
This process will lead to more informed and constructive debate, and better decision-making in Parliament. The Committees thus help to contribute to more effective governance, build political consensus and strengthen national unity.
For these reasons, I call on Parliament to set up Standing Select Committees for each Ministry or group of related ministries, consisting of MPs from all political parties represented in Parliament. They should be supported by the Parliament Secretariat and meeting minutes should be made available to all Committee members. Ministries should endeavour to engage them on a regular basis.