| Type of parliamentary body |
Multifunctional |
| Nature |
Permanent |
| Related to chambers |
Senate
|
| Date of creation |
October 1998 |
| Last renewal date |
|
| Mandate |
The Committee is a standing committee that is appointed at the commencement of each legislature. The Committee inquires into and reports on matters referred to it by the Senate covering the broad area of foreign affairs, trade and defence.
The Committee is composed of the References Committee and the Legislation Committee.
|
| Membership |
The References Committee is composed of six Senators, two nominated by the Leader of the Government in the Senate, three nominated by the Leader of the opposition in the Senate and one nominated by minority groups. The Legislation Committee consists of six Senators, three nominated by the Leader of the Government in the Senate, two nominated by the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate and one nominated by minority groups. |
| Working methods |
References are referred to the Committee by the Senate. The Legislation Committee, however, may decide to examine and report on matters arising out of annual reports referred to it.
The Senate delegates to the Committee the power to conduct inquiries, summon witnesses, give evidence and produce documents. In the course of its inquiries, the Committee has the power to move from place to place, meet and transact business in private and public session, appoint subcommittees and specialist advisers and print papers and evidence.
|
| Relations with other parliamentary bodies |
The Committee reports to the Senate. |
| Relations with external bodies |
As a committee of inquiry, its main relationship with government agencies and with public and private organizations and private individuals is to seek their advice or to examine them and take evidence, which is recorded and generally made public. The Committee may make recommendations to the Government or relevant agencies. The Government has undertaken to respond to Committee recommendations made to the Government within three months. |
| Subjects dealt with |
Most recent topics covered by the Committee include Australia's relationship with Papua New Guinea and the island States of the South-West Pacific, the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement, Australia's military justice system and Australia's relationship with China. |
| CONTACT INFORMATION |
| Main address |
Department of the Senate, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 |
| Phone |
+612 6277 3538 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PRESIDING OFFICER(S)
|
| Name |
Mr. . Hutchins |
| Notes |
Chairman of the References Committee |
| Address (if different from above) |
Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 |
| Phone |
|
| Fax |
|
| E-mail |
|
| Website |
|
| Name |
Mr. David Johnston |
| Notes |
Chairman of the Legislation Committee |
| Address (if different from above) |
Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 |
| Phone |
|
| Fax |
|
| E-mail |
|
| Website |
|
|
SECRETARY
|
| Name |
Ms. Kathleen Dermody |
| Notes |
Secretary |
| Address (if different from above) |
Department of the Senate, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 |
| Phone |
+612 6277 3538 |
| Fax |
|
| E-mail |
|
| web site: |
|
| Notes |
|
