PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES
PROGRESS ON INVESTIGATIONS To 1 May 2001
54th Parliament
Issued by Authority of the President of the Legislative Council
and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
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The Parliamentary Committees of the Victorian Parliament are appointed pursuant to the
Parliamentary Committees Act 1968.
The functions of the Joint Investigatory Committees are detailed in sections 4C to 4EF of
the Act which, by section 4F, also makes the following provisions regarding their role,
sources of references and priorities in considering references:
(1) A Joint Investigatory Committee —
(a) is required to inquire into, consider and report to the Parliament on any
proposal, matter or thing relevant to the functions of the Committee
which is referred to the Committee —
(i) by resolution of the Council or the Assembly: or
(ii) by Order of the Governor in Council published in the Government
Gazette; and
(b) may inquire into, consider and report to the Parliament on any annual
report or other document relevant to the functions of the Committee
which is laid before either House of the Parliament pursuant to a
requirement imposed by or under an Act.
* * * * *
(3) A resolution of the Council or the Assembly or an Order of the Governor in
Council referring a proposal, matter or thing to a Joint Investigatory Committee
pursuant to paragraph (a) of sub‐section (1) may specify a period of time within which
the Committee is required to make a final report to the Parliament on the proposal
matter or thing.
(4) In carrying out its functions a Joint Investigatory Committee is required —
(a) to give priority —
(i) firstly, to all proposals, matters or things referred to it by
resolution of the Council or the Assembly; and
(ii) secondly, to all proposals, matters or things referred to it by Order
of the Governor in Council published in the Government Gazette
—
before all other proposals, matters or things being inquired into or being
considered by the Committee; and
(b) to comply with any limitation of time specified pursuant to sub‐section
(3).
* * * * *
In the 54th Parliament, the Economic Development Committee is established as a Select
Committee of the Legislative Council.
Its functions, role and term of appointment are detailed in sections 37 to 41 of the
Parliamentary Committees Act 1968. References may only be given to this Committee —
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(a) by resolution of the Council or
(b) by Order of the Governor in Council published in the Government
Gazette.
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DRUGS AND CRIME PREVENTION COMMITTEE
Level 8, 35 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: (03) 9651 3541 Facsimile: (03) 9651 3603
Email: [email protected]
Website:http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/dcpc
Members:
(Council) The Hons B C Boardman and S M Nguyen.
(Assembly) Hon R R Cooper, Mr K Jasper, Mr H R Lupton, Mr B Mildenhall and
Mr R Wynne.
Chairman: The Hon B C Boardman, MLC
Executive Officer: Ms Sandy Cook
INQUIRY INTO THE INCIDENCE OF CRIME
Reference from the Legislative Council on 1 March 2000 to inquire, consider and report
on the incidence of crime and to report every 6 months on the levels of crime, areas of
emerging concern and (where suitable) options for crime reduction or control.
Activities during April 2001
Ongoing collation of relevant press reports of crime in the Melbourne CBD.
Extensive ‘cleaning’ of Victoria Police LEAP data to facilitate data analysis.
Literature search for investigation continues to be undertaken.
Statistical analysis of police unit record data commenced.
Meetings with Peter Spratt, Parliamentary Library, regarding the mapping of crime
trend data in the Melbourne CBD using MapInfo.
Advertisement placed in the Herald Sun, The Age and the Melbourne Leader
announcing that the Committee was inviting submissions and holding Public
Hearings on 28 May 2001 between 10.00am – 4.00pm.
A press release calling for submissions and advertising Public Hearings sent to radio
stations and newspapers.
Planning for overseas study tour undertaken
Future Activity
Commence writing Report
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INQUIRY INTO PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS
Reference from the Legislative Assembly on 14 March 2000 to inquire into Public
Drunkenness and to report by the first day of the Autumn 2001 sitting.
Activities during April 2001
Briefing paper discussed by Committee members Public Order Offences – A review of
the relevant law.
Compilation and reading of final research for Final Report.
Drafting of Final Report.
Members circulated with amendment made to Occasional Paper ‘Trends in
Negligence and Public Liability: The evolving liability of licensees and servers of
alcohol to their patrons and third parties’. Amendment to be made to the paper on the
website.
Briefing paper written for Members Draft Provisions with regard to the
Decriminalisation of Public Drunkenness
Letters sent to the Attorney General Hon Rob Hulls MP and Minister for Transport
Hon Peter Batchelor MP requesting that the report for the Public Drunkenness Inquiry
be tabled during the last sitting week of June 2001.
Briefing papers written and circulated to Members.
Executive Officer and Legal research officer met with Amelia Bitsis AJAC.
Chairman and Executive Officer visited East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative.
Future Activity
Site visit
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8, 35 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: (03) 9651 3541 Facsimile: (03) 9651 3603
Email: [email protected]
Website:http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/edc
Members:
(Council) The Hons R A Best, A Coote, G R Craige, K Darveniza, N B Lucas, J M McQuilten
and T C Theophanous.
Chairman: The Hon N B Lucas, PSM MLC
Executive Officer: Mr R A Willis
INQUIRY INTO THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE GOODS AND SERVICES TAX
ON THE COMPETITIVENESS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESSES
Terms of Reference issued by Governor in Council on 29 February 2000.
Report due October 2000.
Variation to Terms of Reference and Reporting date made by Governor in Council on 10
October 2000. Reporting date extended to 30 April 2001.
Report No.1 tabled on 2 November 2000.
Submissions sought on variation to Terms of Reference.
Evidence collected from small and medium businesses throughout regional Victoria.
Activity during April 2001
Final report being drafted.
Future Activity
Final report to be tabled in May.
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INQUIRY INTO WORKCOVER PREMIUMS FOR 2000/2001
Terms of Reference received from Legislative Council on 6 September 2000.
Interim Report due 30 November 2000.
Final Report due 31 March 2001.
65 written submissions received.
Interim Report (progress report) tabled on 29 November.
Public hearings held:
27 November 2000 ‐ Victorian WorkCover Authority
4 December 2000 ‐ Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Australian
Industry Group, Victorian Trades Hall Council.
12 December 2000 ‐ Geelong and Ballarat regional hearings.
13 December 2000 – Bendigo regional hearings.
18 December 2000 – Moorabbin hearings with local businesses
29 January 2001 ‐ Mildura regional hearings.
31 January 2001 – Swan Hill regional hearings.
19 February 2001 ‐ Warragul and Traralgon.
20 February 2001 – Sale
23 February 2001 – City of Banyule
6 March 2001 ‐ Portland and Warrnambool
7 March 2001 ‐ Colac
29 March 2001 ‐ Broadford & Euroa
30 March 2001 ‐ Wangaratta & Benalla
Activities during April 2001
Public hearings held as follows:
9 April 2001 – Victorian WorkCover Authority
19 April ‐ Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind, MacKillop Family Services,
Cumpston Sarjeant Pty Ltd, Children’s Welfare Association of Victoria and
Yooralla Society of Victoria
30 April – Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance
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Report being drafted.
Future Activities
Hearings to be held with Minister for WorkCover and further hearing with Victorian
WorkCover Authority.
Final Report to be tabled before end of 2001 Autumn Session.
INQUIRY INTO EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR VICTORIAN RURAL
INDUSTRIES
Terms of Reference received from Legislative Council on 1 March 2000.
Report due 31 December 2001.
Informal meeting held with exporters in Mildura.
Informal meetings held with Austrade and the Department of Natural Resources &
Environment, Agribusiness Section.
Strategy paper prepared outlining proposed inquiry direction and timetable.
Chairman and Executive Officer attended Agribusiness Forum Summit in Healesville on 28
March 2001.
Activities during April 2001
Terms of Reference advertised in conjunction with extensive mail‐out seeking written
submissions.
Meeting and travel schedule presented to Committee.
Future Activity
Informal meetings to take place.
INQUIRY INTO STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE VICTORIAN ECONOMY
Terms of Reference issued by Governor in Council on 29 February 2000.
Report due first sitting day of Spring 2001 sitting.
Terms of Reference advertised on 13 November seeking written submissions. Letters sent
out to over 350 organisations and individuals.
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Activity during April 2001
Background research progressing.
Future Activity
Regional visits/hearings to be organised.
INQUIRY INTO YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT
Terms of Reference received from Legislative Council on 1 March 2000.
Report due 31 December 2001.
Activity during April 2001
ABS data gathered with respect to youth unemployment statistics.
Future Activity
To be determined by Committee.
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ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
COMMITTEE
Level 8, 35 Spring Street, Melbourne, 3000
Telephone: (03) 9651 3541 Facsimile: (03) 9651 3603
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/enrc
Members:
(Council) The Hons R F Smith and Graeme Stoney.
(Assembly) Mr H Delahunty, Ms J T Duncan, Mr C Ingram, Ms J M Lindell,
Mr T W Mulder and Mr G Seitz.
Chairman: Mr G Seitz, MP
Executive Officer: Mr B Miles
UTILISATION OF VICTORIAN FLORA AND FAUNA
Referred to the Committee by Order of the Governor in Council published in the
Government Gazette (on 2 October 1997) under section 4F (1) (a) (ii) of the Parliamentary
Committees Act 1968.
The Inquiry lapsed on the dissolution of the Legislative Assembly and proroguing of the
Legislative Council on 24 August 1999.
The Terms of Reference were re‐issued to the Committee by Governor in Council on 23
May 2000.
The draft final report and draft recommendations reviewed and adopted.
Inquiry Report tabled in the Legislative Council on 2 June 2000.
Publication and distribution of Inquiry Report.
Inquiry Report tabled in the Legislative Council on 2 June 2000 and in the Legislative
Assembly on 15 August 2000.
The Government’s response to the Committee’s report was tabled in the Legislative
Assembly on Tuesday, 27th March 2001.
CONTROL OF OVINE JOHNE’S DISEASE IN VICTORIA
Referred to the Committee by Order of the Governor in Council published in the
Government Gazette (on 25 February 2000) under section 4F (1) (a) (ii) of the
Parliamentary Committees Act 1968.
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Also referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 14 March 2000 under
section 4F (1) (a) (i) of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968.
The Committee resolved to commence the Inquiry on 20 March 2000.
Advertisements placed in selected national and statewide press announcing the
commencement of the inquiry.
Briefing by Minister for Agriculture.
Preparation, adoption and publication of discussion paper.
Advertisement in regional and statewide press of the availability of the discussion paper
and call for submissions.
Public Hearings held in Omeo, Bairnsdale and Yarram.
Field inspections carried out in Ensay and Omeo.
Briefings provided by Helen Martin, East Gippsland Shire Council; Dr Kit Button, acting
Chief Veterinary Officer, NRE Maffra; Bryan McPhan, Rural Financial Counsellor; John
Lawrence, CEO Kilmany Community and Family Services; and Judy Clarke, Lakes
Entrance Community Health Centre.
Public Hearings held in Seymour, Kyneton, Colac and Hamilton.
Field inspections carried out in Yea, Highlands, Seymour, Inverleigh, and Derrinallum. The
Committee also inspected the OJD Laboratory at CSIRO’s Animal Health Laboratory at
Geelong.
Briefings provided by Ken Slatter, Rural Financial Counsellor; Frank Tobin, OJD Action
Group, and Dr Prowse, CSIRO.
Completion of research project titled “A synopsis of the Sheep Industry in Victoria ‐ A
Context for the Assessment of the Impacts of OJD” – prepared by Professor Eagan and
Associate Professor Malcolm of the Institute of Land and Food Resources, University of
Melbourne.
Study tour to NSW and ACT – including field inspections; briefing and discussions with
senior representatives of the key Rural Protection Boards, NSW Agriculture, the NSW
OJD Advisory Committee, the NSW State Animal Health Committee and the National
OJD Control and Evaluation Program; and discussions with the staff of the Senate’s
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee.
Briefings with key OJD researchers in NSW by the research officer assisting the Inquiry.
Peak body hearings in Melbourne:
Monday 10 July ‐ Ailsa Fox, Dr Rod Manning, Robert Lily, the Victorian Stock Agents
Association, Australian Society of Breeders of British Sheep, Australian Poll Dorset
Association, Victorian Stud Merino Sheepbreeder’s Association, Australian Corriedale
Association, and the Goat Industry Council of Australia.
Monday 24 July ‐ Dr Doug Pemberton, Dr Bill Sykes, CSL Ltd, Mackinnon Project,
CSIRO Animal Health, OJD Action Group, VFF Pastoral Group, Australian Veterinary
Society
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Monday 7 August – Mr John Marriott, the Australian Beef Association, the Livestock
Saleyards Association of Victoria, the Office of Rural Communities, the Sheep and Goat
Compensation Advisory Committee, the Department of Natural Resources and the
Environment, and Dr A. Turner.
Completion of soils consultancy report titled: “Evaluation of Submissions that Suggest a
Relationship between Soil Nutrients and Ovine Johne’s Disease” – prepared by Dr
Sargeant, Department of Geography and Environment Science, Monash University.
Closed hearing with former Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. Pat McNamara.
Publication of public hearing Hansard transcripts.
Completion of research consultancy titled: “A Preliminary Analysis of Aspects of the Social
Implications of the OJD‐control Program in Victorian Rural Communities” prepared by
Professor Seedsman and Dr Hood of Victoria University.
Publication of Research Investigation Reports.
Adoption, tabling and publication of Inquiry report.
As part of a New Zealand Study Tour undertaken as part of the Committee’s Fisheries
Management Inquiry, the Committee met with farmers who are managing OJD on‐farm
as well as with Ministry of Agriculture staff.
Future Activity
Awaiting Ministerial Response – due April 2001.
SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF THE VICTORIAN ABALONE AND ROCK
LOBSTER FISHERIES
Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Council on 1 March 2000 under section 4F (1)
(a) (i) of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968.
The Committee has resolved to undertake the inquiry concurrently with its inquiry into
fisheries management across Victoria (see below).
FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
Referred to the Committee by Order of the Governor in Council published in the
Government Gazette (on 29 February 2000) under section 4F (1) (a) (ii) of the
Parliamentary Committees Act 1968.
Also referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 14 March 2000 under
section 4F (1) (a) (i) of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968.
The Committee has resolved to undertake the inquiry concurrently with its inquiry into the
sustainable management of the Victorian abalone and rock lobster industries.
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Briefing by Minister.
Advertisements placed in national and statewide press for research officer to assist the
inquiry.
Advertisements in metropolitan and country Victoria newspapers announcing
commencement of the Inquiry.
Media release prepared and distributed.
Discussions with senior representatives of Northern Territory fishing sector and agencies ‐
Amateur Fisherman’s Association, Northern Territory Seafood Council, Marine and
Fisheries Enforcement Unit, NT Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries. Also
briefing and inspection of the Darwin Aquaculture Centre.
Briefing given by the Executive Officer to the Fisheries Co‐Management Council.
Briefing given by the Executive Officer to Seafood Industry Victoria
Appointment of consultant to assist preparation of Discussion Paper.
Publication and distribution of discussion paper.
Call for submissions.
Media release and advertisements placed advising of release of discussion paper and
inviting submissions.
Appointment of new research officer to assist with the Inquiry.
Submission period extended to 22 December 2000.
Second printing of the Discussion Paper and further distribution.
Study tour to New Zealand involving inspections and discussions held with representatives
of the New Zealand Recreational Fishing Council, NZ Marine Transport Association
(fishing and cruise charter operators), the Ministry of Fisheries, the Kaumatua and
Kaitiaki tribes (Maori customary fishing rights), Department of Conservation (marine
reserves), University of Auckland’s Leigh Marine Research Station, Fish and Game NZ
(freshwater fisheries), Sealord Group Ltd, Challenger Scallop Enhancement Company,
Port Nelson Ltd, Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission, National Institute of Water
and Atmospheric Research (stock assessment), Rock Lobster and Paua (abalone)
commercial fisheries, and the NZ Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
Assessment of submissions.
Inspections and discussions in South Gippsland and Western Port – with representatives of
the Shire of South Gippsland, Southern Shark and Gill Net Fisherman’s Association (fish
habitat), Port Franklin fishers (codes of practise), Lang Lang Coast Action Group
(seagrass beds), and the Kilcunda Abalone Farm (public water aquaculture).
Inspections and discussions in Melbourne ‐ Melbourne Fish Market (managers and agents),
fish processing plants (Lonimar P/L and Australian Sea Urchins P/L) and restaurant
sector (John Rubira).
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Inspections and discussions in Central Victoria – Snobs Creek Research Station and
Hatchery, Goulburn River Trout P/L (trout aquaculture), Goulburn Valley Fly‐Fishing
Centre, and Australian Aquaculture Products (warm water recirculation‐system
aquaculture).
Public Hearing in Alexandra – Nagambie Angling Club, Goulburn Valley Fly‐Fishing
Centre Inc, Goulburn River Trout P/L, Goulburn Valley Association of Angling Clubs
Inc, Fisheries Co‐management Council – research issues.
Activities during April 2001
Inspections and discussions in East Gippsland – estuarine fishery issues (Lake Tyers
Beach Sports Angling Club, East Gippsland Estuarine Fish Association, and Lake
Tyers Aboriginal Trust), eastern zone scallop boat (Scott Horden), processing and
wholesale sectors (Consol Fish), trawl boat (Chris Newman), fish charter boat (Peter Euman), local compliance issues (Department of Natural Resources and
Environment), water quality and catchment issues (Gippsland Coastal Board), eel
fishery (East Coast Eels P/L) and goldfish aquaculture (Boolarra Fish Farms P/L).
Public Hearing at Lakes Entrance – Gippsland Lakes Bait Fishery Association, Mr Scott
Horton, East Gippsland Fishermans Association, Mr Roger Bilney, Mr Lyton Barr, Mr
Tom Davies, Gippsland Coastal Board, Lake Tyers Beach Sports Angling Club.
Inspections and discussions in western Victoria – live fish fishing (Rob Davies), western
zone rock lobster boat (Rod McDonald), processing plant (Sou‐West Seafoods),
abalone boat (Len McCall) and abalone processing (South West Seafoods), native fish
hatchery (Wartook Native Fish Culture), native fish angling (Wimmera Anglers
Association).
Public Hearing in Portland – Portland Professional Fishermans Association, Western
Zone Wrasse Association, Mr Tony Crapper, Ms Robyn Curtis, Mr Dennis Jeffs,
Mirimbiak National Aboriginal Corporation, Mr David Johnston, Mr Rod McDonald,
Portland Angling Club, Framlingham Aboriginal Trust, Mr Andrew Levings, Mr Don
Edmonson, Mr Vincent Gannon, Mr Jamie Espie, Mr Rod Crowther, Fisheries Co‐
Management Council (mainly consultation issues).
Public Hearing in Melbourne – Mr Anthony Amis, Mr Tony Hocking, Mr John Dougall,
Lonimar P/L, Mr Mark Nowak, Mr Peter Kidd, Goulburn‐Murray Water, Mr David
Fitzpatrick, VRFish, Mr Nik Phizacklea, Mr Tim Mirabella, Victorian National Parks
Association, Victorian Aquaculture Council.
Future Activities
Additional Public Hearings in Melbourne (Scheduled for 30 April 2001).
Additional research.
Preparation of draft report.
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ALLOCATION OF WATER RESOURCES FOR AGRICULTURAL AND
ENVIRONMENTAL PURPOSES
Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Council on 1 March 2000 under section 4F (1)
(a) (i) of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968.
Commencement of Inquiry.
Distribution of media release.
Compilation of mailing list.
Call for submissions.
Placement of advertisements announcing the commencement of inquiry and inviting
submissions.
Assessment of submissions.
Preparation and adoption of Interim Report.
Tabling of Interim Report in Parliament (Legislative Council – 28 November 2000)
Printing and distribution of Interim Report
Activity during April 2001
Inspections and discussions in western Victoria – waste water and farm‐based irrigation
(South West Water), ground water management (Southern Rural Water), water savings
and piped irrigation systems (Wimmera Mallee Water).
Future Activity
Consideration of draft chapters of the Final Report.
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FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE
Level 8, 35 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile: (03) 9651 3691
Email: [email protected]
Website:http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/fcdc
Members:
(Council) The Hons E J Powell and G D Romanes.
(Assembly) Mr B P Hardman, Mr H Lim, Mr D A Nardella, Mrs I Peulich and
Mr R Wilson.
Chairman: Mr H Lim, MP
Executive Officer: Mr P L Bourke
MARKETPLACE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN CUSTOMERS AND ITS
EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMIC WELLBEING OF WOMEN
Referred by Governor in Council on 18 April 2000.
Witnesses appearing before the Committee‐
Representatives from Consumer and Business Affairs Victoria, Mr. Denis Fitzgerald,
Assistant Director, Policy and Information; Ms Dianne Bryans, Manager, Assessment
and Analysis Branch, Consumer Services and Compliance Division; Ms Kristen Murray,
Policy Officer.
Representatives from the Equal Opportunity Commission, Dr Dianne Sisely, Chief
Executive and Mr. Ben Rice, Research Officer.
Representatives from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Mr Michael
Levine, Deputy President, Civil Claims List and Ms Anne Coghlan, Deputy President,
Discrimination List.
Ms Sandra Campitelli, General Manager, Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Association.
Mr Timothy Piper, Executive Director and Ms Lisa Hurley, Marketing Officer ,
Australian Retailers Association.
Site Visit with the Drycleaning Institute of Australia to Bancroft’s Dry Cleaner’s, South
Yarra.
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Witnesses appearing at Public Hearings
Mr Colin Neave, Australian Banking Industry Ombudsman
Ms Jenny Lawton, Financial and Consumer Rights Council of Victoria
Ms Sandra Campitelli, Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Association
Ms Mary Crooks & Ms Gemma Morgan, Victorian Women’s Trust
Mr Michael Meere, Dry Cleaning Institute of Victoria
Ms Leyla Yilmaz, Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce
Ms Allyson Foster & Ms Catriona Lowe, Women’s Legal Service & Consumer Law
Centre
Activities during April 2001
Continuation of literature search and review of research materials.
Distribution of discussion paper.
Preparation and Review of Draft Report Chapters.
Future Activities
Witness Testimony.
Preparation and Review of Draft Report Chapters.
Adoption of report.
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LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8, 35 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile: (03) 9651 3674
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/lawreform
Members:
(Council) The Hons D G Hadden and P A Katsambanis.
(Assembly) Mr T Languiller, Ms A L McCall, Mr A J McIntosh,
Mr R E Stensholt, and Mr M H Thompson.
Chairman: Mr M H Thompson, MP
Executive Officer: Ms M L Mason (Acting)
REVIEW OF LEGAL SERVICES IN REGIONAL AND RURAL VICTORIA
Referred by Governor in Council on 29 February 2000 and by the Legislative Assembly on
14 March 2000.
REVIEW OF COURT‐BASED SERVICES IN REGIONAL AND RURAL VICTORIA
Referred by the Legislative Council on 1 March 2000. [Because of the similarity of these
references, the Committee has decided to combine and conduct the inquiries
concurrently]
Activities during April 2001
A Public Hearing was held to take further evidence from the new Chief Magistrate and
other officers of the Magistrates’ Court.
Adoption of the Report has begun. Work continued on revising the draft report in
preparation for adoption.
Future Activities
The Final Report will be tabled in May 2001.
Editing and preparation of draft report for tabling.
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REVIEW OF THE THEATRE ACT 1958
Referred by Governor in Council on 29 February 2000 and by the Legislative Assembly on
14 March 2000.
Activities during April 2001
Significant additional research was undertaken in response to the publicity surrounding
the announcement by the Premier that the film “the Exorcist” would not be allowed to
be shown on Good Friday. The decision was subsequently reversed. It is a provision
of the Theatre Act 1958, currently under review, that requires cinemas to have
permission to show films on Good Friday.
Redrafting continues.
Future Activities
The Final Report will be tabled in May 2001.
Editing and preparation of draft report for tabling.
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PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8, 35 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile: (03) 9651 3552
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/paec/default.htm
Members:
(Council) The Hons D M Davis, R M Hallam (Deputy Chairman), G K Rich‐Phillips
and T C Theophanous
(Assembly) The Hon L Asher, Ms A P Barker, Ms S M Davies, Mr T J Holding, Mr P J Loney
and Mrs J M Maddigan.
Chairman: Mr P J Loney, MP
Executive Officer: Ms M Cornwell
1999‐2000 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b).
Draft report considered by the Committee on 20 August 1999.
Parliament prorogued on 24 August 1999.
Draft report considered by the new Committee on 10 February 2000 and adopted with
amendments.
Report (No. 33) tabled on 22 March 2000 and distributed.
In September 2000, the Government response to the Committee’s report received.
On 22 November 2000, the Committee considered the Government’s response to Report No.
33.
Committee response included as a chapter in Report No. 38, which was tabled in the
Legislative Council on 30 November 2000.
Future Activity
Await Government response to recommendations in Chapter 2 of Report No. 38.
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UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b).
Committee sought advice from the Auditor‐General on the current status of the issues
relating to the reporting of unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial reports of
Victorian universities.
Auditor‐General’s response discussed at the Committee’s meeting on 27 April 2000.
Background briefing paper prepared on unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial
reports of Universities.
On 9 November 2000, the following witnesses gave evidence:
Mr Neil Taylor, Director, Financial Policy and Compliance Branch, Department of
Treasury and Finance;
Mr Nick Daicos, Assistant Director, Financial Policy and Compliance Branch,
Department of Treasury and Finance;
Mr David Percival, Vice‐Principal, Corporate Services, University of Melbourne;
Mr Russell Walker, Assistant Auditor‐General, Strategic Planning and Sector Leadership,
Victorian Auditor‐General’s Office; and
Mr Greg Pound, Assistant Auditor‐General, Accounting and Auditing Policy, Victorian
Auditor‐General’s Office.
On 13 and 14 December 2000, the Sub‐Committee took evidence in Sydney and Canberra
from the following witnesses:
Mr Michael Watson, Group Executive Director, Australian National Audit Office;
Ms Lynne O’Brien, Executive Director, Australian National Audit Office;
Mr Brett Kaufmann, Head, Commonwealth Accounting Centre of Excellence Team,
Commonwealth Department of Finance and Administration;
Mr Bob Sendt, NSW Auditor‐General;
Ms Maria Spriggins, Director of Audit, Audit Office of NSW; and
Mr Sam Kalagurgevic, Director of Audit, Audit Office of NSW.
Draft report prepared.
Draft report considered by the full Committee on 8 and 15 March. Report amended and
adopted.
Report No. 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001.
Report distributed on 23 March 2001.
On 23 March 2001 Chairman wrote to the Chairman of the Australasian Council of
Auditors‐General seeking comments on issues raised in the report.
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Future Activity
Await Government response to the report.
2000‐2001 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b)
The Committee considered a discussion paper on options for changes to the estimates
process.
New arrangements agreed to by the Committee on 9 March 2000.
Draft report on the new estimates arrangements adopted by the Committee on 12 April
2000.
Draft questionnaire on the budget estimates considered by the Committee on 12 April 2000
and revised.
Report No. 36 on Reforms for scrutinising the Budget Estimates tabled in the Parliament on
13 April 2000.
Executive Officer and Research Officer met with Chief Finance Officers of the Departmental
Reference Group to outline changes to the estimates process and to the estimates
questionnaire.
Questionnaire distributed to all government departments on 14 April 2000.
On 4 May 2000, seminar held for Members of Parliament on the Budget for 2000‐2001.
Background briefing papers prepared.
Public hearings held on the following dates:
Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Multicultural Affairs on Thursday, 18 May at 9 am;
Minister for Health and Minister for Planning on Thursday, 18 May at 2 pm;
Minister for WorkCover and Minister for Local Government on Tuesday, 13 June at 9.30
am;
Attorney‐General, Minister for Manufacturing Industry and Minister for Racing on
Tuesday, 13 June at 2 pm;
Minister for Education and Minister for the Arts on Wednesday, 14 June at
9.30 am;
Minister for Transport on Wednesday, 14 June at 2 pm;
Minister for State and Regional Development on Thursday, 15 June at 9.30 am;
Presiding Officers of the Parliament on Thursday, 15 June at 2 pm;
Responses to Committee’s estimates questionnaire received and analysed.
Briefing papers prepared on the expenditure for the remaining portfolios.
Follow‐up of matters raised in estimates hearings and additional information sought.
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Responses received from various Ministers.
Estimates hearings held on the following dates:
Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs on 8 August;
Minister for Gaming and Minister for Major Projects and Tourism on 8 August;
Minister for Community Services on 9 August;
Minister for Small Business and Minister for Consumer Affairs on 9 August;
Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Minister for Corrections on 10 August;
Minister for Industrial Relations on 10 August;
Minister for Housing and Minister for Aged Care on 22 August;
Minister for Ports and Minister for Energy and Resources on 22 August;
Minister for Youth Affairs and Minister for Sport and Recreation on 23 August;
Minister for Finance and Minister for Post Compulsory Education, Training and
Employment on 23 August;
Minister for Women’s Affairs and Minister for the Environment and Conservation on 24
August.
On 30 October 2000, the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman for review.
Draft report considered and amended by the Committee at meetings on 9, 21, 22, 23 and 24
November 2000.
Draft report, as amended, adopted by the Committee on 24 November 2000.
Report No. 38 tabled in the Legislative Council on 30 November 2000.
Report distributed to all Ministers, departments and agencies.
Report available on the Internet.
Report tabled in the Legislative Assembly on 27 February 2001.
Future Activity
Await Government response to report.
1999‐2000 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b)
All departmental annual reports for 1999‐2000 reviewed.
Questions relating to the Budget Outcomes for 1999‐2000 forwarded to all departments on
22 December 2000.
During January and February 2001 following up outstanding responses.
Responses from departments reviewed.
24
Draft report prepared and forwarded to Chairman to review.
Activity during April 2001
Draft report considered, amended and adopted by the Committee on 26 April
2001.
Future Activities
Report to be tabled in the Parliament during the first sitting week in May 2001.
Report to be distributed.
2001‐2002 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b)
Letter forwarded to Ministers inviting them to attend estimates hearings on particular dates.
Draft budget estimates questionnaire completed.
Confirming dates for estimates hearings.
Draft estimates questionnaire considered and adopted by the Committee on 8 March 2001.
Estimates questionnaire distributed to all departments.
Future Activities
A briefing for Members of Parliament on the Budget Papers for 2001‐2002 organised for
17 May 2001.
Background briefing papers to be prepared.
Estimates hearings to be held on the following dates:
Friday, 25 May
9.30 am – 12.30 pm
Premier and Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Friday, 25 May
2.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation and Minister for
Youth Affairs
Friday, 1 June
9.30 am – 12.45 pm
Treasurer and Minister for State and Regional
Development
Friday, 1 June
2.00pm ‐ 5.00pm
Minister for Gaming and Minister for Major Projects
and Tourism
25
Friday 22 June
9.30am – 12.30pm
Minister for Education and Minister for the Arts
Friday, 22 June
2.00pm – 5.00pm
Minister for Community Services
Wednesday 1 August
9.30 am – 12.00 noon
Minister for Agriculture and Minister for
Aboriginal Affairs
Wednesday 1 August
2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
Minister for Industrial Relations
Thursday 2 August
9.30 am – 11.30 am
Minister for Local Government and Minister for
WorkCover
Thursday, 2 August
2.00 pm – 4.45 pm
Minister for Small Business and Minister for
Consumer Affairs
Friday, 3 August
9.30 am – 11.30 am
Parliamentary Departments
Friday, 3 August
1.30 pm – 4.30 pm
Minister for Police and Emergency Services and
Minister for Corrections (originally scheduled for 31
July)
Tuesday, 7 August
9.00 am – 12.30 pm
Minister for Health and Minister for Planning
Tuesday, 7 August
2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Minister for Finance and Minister for Post
Compulsory Education, Employment & Training
Wednesday, 8 August
9.30 am – 12.30 pm
Minister for Transport (incl. Roads/Citylink)
Wednesday, 8 August
2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Minister for Housing and Minister for Aged Care
(to be confirmed)
Tuesday, 14 August
9.30 am – 12.00 pm
Minister for Energy and Resources and Minister for
Ports (originally scheduled for 9 August)
Tuesday, 14 August
1.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Attorney‐General, Minister for Manufacturing
Industry and Minister for Racing (to be confirmed –
originally scheduled for 9 August)
26
Wednesday, 15 August
9.30 am – 12.30 pm
Minister for Environment and Conservation and
Minister for Women’s Affairs (originally scheduled
for 31 July)
AUDITOR‐GENERAL’S REPORTS ON MINISTERIAL PORTFOLIOS (MAY 1996
TO MAY 2000), STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL OPERATIONS 1995‐96,
GOVERNMENT’S ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT 1996‐97, 1997‐98 AND
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT’S FINANCES 1998‐99, 1999‐2000, AUDITOR‐
GENERAL’S REPORT OF THE FINANCES OF THE STATE OF VICTORIA 1999‐2000
AND SPECIAL PERFORMANCE REPORTS NOS. 42 TO 68 AND RESPONSES BY
THE MINISTER FOR FINANCE.
Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b).
Report (No. 30) relating to the Auditor‐General’s Reports No’s. 39 to 41 tabled in the
Legislative Council on 3 June 1999. Report also available on the PAEC Home Page.
Government response tabled on 29 February 2000.
Follow up of all other reports commenced.
Executive Officer and Research Officer met with officers from Department of Human
Services to discuss developments since the government’s response to Auditor‐General’s
Report No. 43.
Briefing papers prepared on Auditor‐General’s Report No. 43 (Protecting Victoria’s
Children) and No. 46 (Public Housing and Law Enforcement Assistance Program).
On 12 April 2000, a Sub‐Committee was appointed to review all outstanding matters raised
in the reports of the Auditor‐General.
On 8 June 2000, the Committee considered briefing papers on Auditor‐General’s Reports
Nos 43 and 46.
Correspondence forwarded to various Ministers seeking further information.
Response received from the Minister for Housing and Aged Care.
On 8 August 2000, response received from the Acting Director, Community Care,
Department of Human Services, to various issues raised by the Sub‐Committee.
On 16 August 2000, response received from the Minister for Police and Emergency Services
in relation to issues raised by the Sub‐Committee concerning the Law Enforcement
Assistance Program.
On 11 October 2000, a public hearing was held on Report Number 43 – Protecting Victoria’s
Children: The role of the Department of Human Services. The following witnesses gave
evidence:
Ms Coleen Clare, Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Welfare Association of Victoria;
27
Mr Ken Patterson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Welfare Association of
Victoria;
Mr Bernard Lamb, Anglicare Victoria;
Mr Brian Mitchell, MacKillop Family Services;
Mr John Avent, Salvation Army;
Mr Victor Coull, Glastonbury Family Services;
Ms Rosie Lever, Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Protection Society;
Ms Karen Flanagan, Senior Manager, Children’s Protection Society;
Ms Lou Hewitt, Senior Manager, Children’s Protection Society;
Ms Muriel Cadd, Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
Cooperative;
Mr Alf Bamblett, Executive Officer, Victorian Aboriginal Community Service
Association;
Mr Graeme Schaeche, Assistant General Manager — Student Welfare and Support,
Department of Education, Employment and Training;
Ms Colleen Murphy, Student Welfare Officer, Department of Education, Employment
and Training;
Ms Margaret Wagstaff, Director, Community Care Division, Department of Human
Services; and
Ms Jenny McAuley, Assistant Director, Child Protection and Juvenile Justice, Department
of Human Services.
On 8 November 2000, the Sub‐Committee took evidence from the following witnesses:
Mr P. Steele, Vice‐President, Primary, Australian Education Union;
Ms C. Stewart, Deputy Secretary, Australian Education Union;
Mr J. Fogarty, Board Member, Children’s Protection Society;
Professor D. Scott, Department of Social Work, University of Melbourne;
Mr J. Tucci, Chief Executive Officer, Australians Against Child Abuse;
Mr M. White, Director of Schools, Department of Education, Employment and Training;
and
Ms C. Murphy, Manager, Student Welfare, Department of Education, Employment and
Training.
Submissions and correspondence received in relation to Report No. 43.
On 20 December 2000, the Chairman gave a presentation to the Board of the Glastonbury
Child and Family Services Society.
On 23 January 2001, the Sub‐Committee met with Ms Gilian Calvert, NSW Commissioner
for Children and Young People.
28
Further research work undertaken.
Work commenced on preparing draft report.
On 5 March 2001, the Sub‐Committee took evidence from the following witnesses:
Ms Moira Rayner, Director, London Children’s Rights Commissioner
Ms Patmalar Ambikapathy, Tasmania’s Commissioner for Children
Dr Barry Perry, The Ombudsman, Victoria
Activities during April 2001
On 11 April 2001, draft report on Auditor‐General’s Report No. 43 forwarded to Chairman
to review.
Draft report to be revised.
Future Activities
Draft report to be considered at a Sub‐Committee meeting.
Adoption, tabling and distribution of report.
Public hearing to be arranged on Report Number 46 (Public Housing and Law
Enforcement Assistance Program).
Briefing papers on Auditor‐General’s Reports Nos. 55 (Child care and Kindergartens:
caring about quality); Report No. 58 (State Revenue Office: A customer service focus
towards improving taxation collection); and Report No. 59 (Automating fare collection:
a major initiative in public transport) to be considered by Sub‐Committee.
Public hearings to be arranged.
OUTSOURCING OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES
Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b)
Draft report considered at Committee meeting on 2 June 1999.
Further consideration of report deferred until Commercial‐in‐Confidence report completed.
Parliament prorogued on 24 August 1999.
New Committee considered the draft report on 24 February 2000 and various amendments
agreed to.
Revised draft report considered by the Committee on 16 March 2000 and adopted.
Report No. 34 tabled in the Parliament on 5 April 2000.
The full text of the report is on the PAEC home page.
Press conference held on 5 April 2000.
29
Report distributed.
On 5 June 2000, representatives from the Committee met with the Queensland Public Works
Committee to discuss the recommendations of the Outsourcing Report and Commercial
in Confidence Report.
Government response to Committee’s report tabled in Parliament on 25 October 2000.
Future Activity
Briefing paper on the Government response to be considered at a full Committee
meeting.
COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE MATERIAL AND THE PUBLIC INTEREST
Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b).
Draft report considered by new Committee on 9 and 16 March 2000. Report adopted with
amendments.
Report No. 35 tabled in the Parliament on 5 April 2000.
The full text of the report is on the PAEC home page.
Press conference held on 5 April 2000.
Report distributed.
Government’s response to Committee’s report tabled in Parliament on 25 October 2000.
On 30 November 2000, Chairman addressed the National IPAA Conference on Rethinking
Secrecy in Government.
Future Activity
Briefing paper on the Government response to be considered at a full Committee
meeting.
ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING
Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b).
Interim Report (No 31) tabled on 3 June 1999. Report also available on the Internet.
Submissions received concerning the recommendations contained in the Interim report.
Government response tabled on 2 December 1999.
Committee considered a briefing paper on 23 March 2000 which proposed terms of
reference for the follow‐up Inquiry.
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 23 March 2000.
Researching and writing issues paper continued.
30
Sub‐Committee appointed on 12 April 2000.
Issues paper completed.
Mailing lists compiled.
On 23 May 2000, the Executive Officer and Research Officer attended a seminar on
environmental reporting organised by the Institution of Engineers.
Issues paper and work plan for the Inquiry considered by the Sub‐Committee on 8 June and
adopted.
Inquiry advertised on 10 June 2000.
Issues paper and request for submissions sent to government agencies, business and
community groups and interested individuals on 27 June 2000.
42 submissions received.
Deadline for receipt of submissions extended to 21 August 2000.
On 4 August 2000, the Chairman met with the New Zealand Parliamentary Commissioner
for the Environment to discuss matters raised in the Issues Paper.
On 14 August 2000, the Sub‐Committee was briefed by officers of the Department of
Natural Resources and Environment and the Environment Protection Authority.
Public hearing held on 25 August 2000 with:
Mr Claudio Senese, Group Manager Corporate Environment Group, Telstra and Ms
Joanne Saleeba, Environmental Analyst, Telstra and Ms Anne Learmonth,
Government Relations Group, Telstra;
Dr David Bowman, Senior Environment Adviser, The Shell Company of Australia;
Mr Chris Davey, Associate Director, Project and Structured Finance, National Australia
Bank;
Dr Jean Raar, Lecturer in Accounting, Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin University;
Ms Toni McCormack, Chief Executive Officer, and Mr Andrew Clooney, Industry
Officer, Victorian Water Industry Association Inc;
Public hearings held on 11 and 12 September with the following witnesses:
David Sinclair, Group Manager, Environment, Pasminco;
Mr Deane Belfield, Team Leader – Global Environmental Solutions, and Ms Corinne
Proske, PricewaterhouseCoopers;
Dr Fiona Solomon, Research Fellow CSIRO Minerals;
Mr Keith Wiltshire and Dr Ross Ulman, Save Albert Park;
Mr Peter Christoff, Lecturer ‐ Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences,
University of Melbourne;
Mr Simon Molesworth, AM, QC President, Environment Institute of Australia;
31
Dr Neil Byron, Productivity Commissioner, and Mr Robert Kerr, Head of Office,
Productivity Commission;
Ms Libby Chaplin, Co‐convenor, and Mr Trevor Thornton, Victorian Network
Environment Management Industry Association of Australia;
Dr Phillip Johnstone, Manager Environmental Policy, Bayside City Council, and
representing the Metropolitan Environment Forum of the International Council for
Local Environmental Initiatives;
Professor David Yencken, Environment Liaison Office (Victorian National Parks
Association, Australian Conservation Foundation, Friends of the Earth, Environment
Victoria, and The Wilderness Society Victoria);
Cr. L. Johnstone, and Mr Peter Lyon, Senior Policy Advisor – Environment, Municipal
Association of Victoria;
Mr Terence Jeyaretnam, Manager, Corporate Environmental Services, and Mr Ken Fung,
Manager, Planning and Environment, Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation
On 9 October 2000, public hearing held with the following witnesses:
Ms Michonne Van Rees ‐ Executive Director, Parks Flora and Fauna, Department of
Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE);
Mr Peter Sutherland ‐ Executive Director, Catchment and Water, DNRE;
Mr Steve Jacoby ‐ Director, Land Information Group, DNRE; and
Mr David Parkes, Policy Analyst, DNRE;
Cr. Julie Hanson, President, Victorian Local Governance Association;
Cr. Don Chambers, Vice‐President, Victorian Local Governance Association;
Mr Bernie Potter and Mr Stephen Ray, Environs Australia;
Ms Louise Hicks, Lawyer, Maddock, Lonie and Chisholm;
Mr Phillip Sutton, Green Innovations Inc;
Mr Rob Joy ‐ Executive Director, and Mr Terry A’Hearn ‐ Manager, Policy Co‐ordination
Branch, Environment Protection Authority;
Mr Stan Neild, Manager, Legislation Review, Mr Gerard Meade, Chairman, Legislative
Review Board, Mr Colin Parker, Director‐Accounting and Audit, CPA Australia, and
Mr Ian Nash, The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia;
Sub‐Committee met with the following witnesses in Sydney on 17 October and in Canberra
on 18 October 2000:
Mr Drew Collins ‐ Executive Director, Economics and Environmental Reporting, and Mr
Peter Maganov, NSW Environment Protection Authority;
Ms Vivienne Filling ‐ General Manager, Environment and Energy Services and Mr David
Bell ‐ Public Environmental Reporting Extension Officer, Australian Industry Group;
Ms Jan Lee‐Martin – Director, The Futures Foundation;
32
Ms Myra Craig ‐ Manager, Policy and Research Branch, NSW Department of Local
Government;
Mr Robert Verhey, NSW Local Government and Shires Associations;
Mr Marc Newson ‐ Principal Consultant on Environmental Accounting,
PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Member of the Environmental Accounting Taskforce,
Institute of Chartered Accountants;
Associate Professor Gregory Rose ‐ Faculty of Law, University of Wollongong;
Associate Professor Ronnie Harding ‐ Director, Institute of Environmental Studies,
University of New South Wales; and Dr Stephen Dovers ‐ Fellow, Centre for Resource
and Environmental Studies, Australian National University;
Dr Steve Hatfield‐Dodds ‐ Director, and Ms T. Brierly, Environmental Economics Unit,
Environment Australia;
Dr Helen Sims ‐ Office Manager, Office of the Commissioner for the Environment,
Australian Capital Territory;
Mr Con Boekel ‐ Head, Environment and Technology Strategies Branch; and Ms Jenny
Boshier ‐ Director, State of Environment Reporting Section, Environment Australia;
Ms Judith Kendrick, Director, Financial Sector Projects Branch, Mr David Pinch, Assistant
Director, Sustainable Industries Branch, Environment Australia;
Mr Duncan Paterson – Researcher, Corporate Ethics, Australian Ethical Investment Ltd;
Mr Dick Osborn ‐ Principal, Green Measures;
Mr Bob Harrison ‐ Director, Environment Statistics Section; and Mr Zia Abbasi ‐ Regional
Director, Victoria, Australian Bureau of Statistics;
Dr Clive Hamilton ‐ Executive Director, The Australia Institute Ltd;
Mr Rob Bastian ‐ Chief Executive, Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia;
Ms Molly Harriss Olson and Mr Phillip Toyne, Directors, EcoFutures.
In February 2001, draft report prepared and forwarded to the Chairman of the Sub‐
Committee to review.
In March, draft report further revised and forwarded to the Chairman of the Sub‐Committee
to review.
Activity during April 2001
On 12 April 2001, third version of the draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Sub‐
Committee to review.
Future Activities
Draft report to be considered at a Sub‐Committee meeting.
Adoption, tabling and distribution of report.
33
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b).
Seminar on the GST and its implications for Victoria held for Members of Parliament on 1
March 2000.
Briefing by Professor Klaus Luder, Professor of Public Sector Financial and Business
Administration, German Postgraduate School of Administrative Sciences, Speyer,
Germany.
On 23 March 2000, the Committee briefed Members of the Public Accounts Committee of
the North‐West Province of South Africa on the work of the Committee and its role in
reviewing aspects of the Financial Management Reform Program.
On 23 March 2000, the Committee was briefed by officers of the Department of Treasury
and Finance on the Financial Management legislation.
On 29 March 2000, the Chairman a presented paper on Achieving Performance
Improvement in the Public Sector – A Parliamentary Perspective, at the International
Institute of Research Conference in Canberra.
On 5 April 2000, a seminar on the work of the Auditor‐General’s Office and the Budget
Process was held for new Members of Parliament and their staff.
Detailed response prepared to the Australian Society of CPA’s discussion paper on whole of
government financial reporting.
On 22 May 2000, Chairman gave a presentation to the Director‐General of Infrastructure
and other senior officials from the Chinese Ministry of Finance.
On 16 August 2000, a seminar for Members of Parliament was held on the Future of Health
Care in Victoria.
Members of Parliament surveyed on possible topics for seminars.
On 17 August 2000, the Chairman gave a presentation “On the role of the PAEC in
evaluating public finances and public administration in Victoria” at the Australasian
Evaluation Society Conference at Geelong.
Response to CPA’s discussion paper considered at the meeting of the Committee on 17
August 2000, and tabled at ACPAC conference on 6 February 2001.
On 25 August 2000, the Chairman gave a presentation “On the role of the PAEC in
responsible financial management”, at the Department of Treasury and Finance Open
Day.
On 15 November 2000, a seminar for Members of Parliament was held on Victorian
Government’s Finances, 1999‐2000.
On 15 February 2001, Chairman gave a presentation on “Examining Government Reporting
Requirements” to an IIR Conference in Canberra.
34
Activity during April 2001
On 5 April 2001, the Committee met with Dr Sahala Benny Pasaribu from the Indonesian
Parliament to discuss governance and accountability issues relating to the financial
management reform program.
Future Activity
On 4 May 2001, the Chairman to brief senior Indonesian public officials on the work of
the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee.
AUSTRALASIAN COUNCIL OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEES (ACPAC)
On 11 February 2000, the Chairman and Executive Officer attended mid‐term meeting of
ACPAC in Canberra to discuss the theme of the Biennial Conference and the papers to be
presented.
Committee Members attended a meeting of Australasian Council of Public Accounts
Committees and Auditors‐General in Canberra between 4 and 6 February 2001.
Chairman gave presentations on the following issues:
Commercial in Confidence – Striking the Balance
A Response to CPA Australia’s Paper on the Examination of Whole of Government
Financial Reporting
Statement of Activities for 1999‐2000
Mr Loney, MP appointed Chairman of the Australasian Council of Public Accounts
Committees (ACPAC).
Future Activities
Organise mid‐term meeting of ACPAC.
Organise 7th Biennial Conference of ACPAC.
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference: Audit Act 1994, section 16(2).
On 17 December 1999, a meeting was held with the Auditor‐General to discuss audit
priorities.
On 10 February 2000 a Sub‐Committee, comprising the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Mrs
Maddigan and Ms Asher, was appointed to provide advice on the specifications for each
performance audit.
35
On 21 February 2000, the Sub‐Committee met with officers from the Auditor‐General’s
Office to discuss the objectives of the performance audits on the non‐metropolitan water
authorities; and intellectual disability services.
Sub‐Committee also met with the following witnesses to discuss the specifications for these
audits:
Mr Peter Doughty, Director, Water Agencies Branch, Department of Natural Resources
and Environment;
Ms Sue Jackson, Executive Officer, Council of Intellectual Disability Agencies;
Ms Toni McCormack, Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Water Industry Association;
Mr Arthur Rogers, Acting Director, Disability Services Division, Department of Human
Services;
Mrs Margaret Ryan.
On 24 February 2000, the full Committee endorsed proposed changes to the specifications.
On 29 February 2000, the Committee advised the Auditor‐General.
On 20 July 2000, discussions held with officers of the Auditor‐General’s Office on the
proposed scope of the performance audit on grants to non‐government organisations.
On 6 October 2000, the Sub‐Committee met with various officials from the Auditor‐
General’s Office to discuss the specifications for the following audits:
Teaching Equipment in the TAFE Sector;
Implementation of Local Priority Policing by Victoria Police; and
Managing Victoria’s Changing Health Care Service Delivery.
On 20 December 2000, the Sub‐Committee met with various officials from the Auditor‐
General’s Office to discuss the specifications for the following audits:
Salinity; Claims Management by the Victorian WorkCover Authority; and Claims
Management by the Transport Accident Commission.
On 23 January 2001, the Sub‐Committee met with the Victorian Chief Commissioner of
Police to take further evidence in connection with the performance audit of Local Priority
Policing.
Auditor‐General’s Reports on Grants to Non‐Government Organisations; Non‐Metropolitan
Water Authorities; and Intellectual Disability Services discussed at Committee meeting
on 8 March 2001.
On 8 March 2001, discussions held with the Auditor‐General concerning the performance
audit program for 2001‐2002.
Activity during April 2001
On 26 April 2001, meeting held with the Auditor‐General and senior officers of the
Victorian Auditor‐General’s Office to discuss the performance audit reports on Grants
to NGOs; Non‐Metropolitan Water Authorities and Intellectual Disability Services.
36
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES – SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR
COMMUNITY, HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b).
On 23 March 2000, the Committee considered a briefing paper and adopted terms of
reference for the Inquiry.
On 3 April 2000, the Executive Officer and Research Officer met with Mr Brian Joyce,
Assistant Director, Business Development Branch, Department of Human Services, to
discuss the present arrangements for service agreements.
Inquiry advertised in metropolitan and national newspapers on 15 April 2000.
Requests for submissions forwarded to various Ministers, organisations with Department of
Human Services service agreements, peak community, health and welfare organisations
and other interested individuals.
Sub‐Committee appointed on 12 April 2000.
On 25 May 2000, the Executive Officer and Research Officer met with Mr Shane Solomon,
Director, Policy Development and Planning, Department of Human Services to discuss
the strategy for the Inquiry.
Work plan for the Inquiry adopted.
On 9 June 2000, the Sub‐Committee met with Members of the New Zealand Social Affairs
Committee to discuss the funding arrangements for community, health and welfare
services in New Zealand.
On 16 June 2000, the Chairman and Members of the Sub‐Committee attended a forum for
agencies under the auspice of Catholic Social Services to discuss DHS service agreements.
One hundred and sixty‐one submissions received.
Submissions analysed and key issues identified.
On 24 August 2000, the Sub‐Committee was briefed by Mr S. Solomon, Director of Policy
Development and Planning Division and Mr L. Wallace, Director of Resources Division,
Department of Human Services and by Mr A. McCallum, President, Ms D. Fifer, Chief
Executive Officer and Ms M. Webster, a Board Member of the Victorian Council of Social
Service.
Sub‐Committee sought further information from Department of Human Services on a
number of issues raised in the Department’s submission.
Public hearings held in regional areas with the following witnesses:
Bendigo (19 September 2000):
Ms Anne McLennan, ‐ Manager Community Services, Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Mr Alan Taylor ‐ Chief Executive Officer, Cobaw Community Health Service
37
Mr Geoff Fawkner ‐ Chief Executive Officer, Wattle Human Services
Ms Jan Snell ‐ Manager, Partnerships and Service Planning. DHS Loddon Mallee Region
Office, Bendigo
Ms Kathy Byrne ‐ Chief Executive, Bendigo Health Care Group
Mr Andrew McCallum, ‐ Chief Executive Officer, St Lukes Anglicare, Bendigo
Echuca (20 September 2000):
Ms Maxine Brockfield – Manager, Community Health Services, Kyabram and District
Memorial Community Hospital
Ms Pam Whipp ‐ Acting Business Manager, Kyabram Community and Learning Centre
Mr Colin Jones – Nurse Manager, Lockington and District Bush Nursing Centre
Ms Jean Andrews ‐ General Manager, Community and Culture, Shire of Campaspe
Ms J. Hope Black ‐ Hon. President, Northern Disability Services Inc.
Wodonga (21 September 2000):
Mr Luke Rumbold – Director, Upper Murray Family Care
Mrs Nancy Wright – Chairperson, Yarrawonga Neighbourhood House
Mr Mike Jarrett – Coordinator, Disability Advocacy and Information Service
Ms Ruth Tai – Manager, Community Services, Indigo Shire Council, Beechworth
Ms Christine Giles ‐ Director of Nursing, Wangaratta District Base Hospital
Public hearing held in Melbourne on 26 September with the following witnesses:
Ms Margaret Wagstaff, ‐ Director, Community Care, Department of Human Services
Mr Malcolm Cooke ‐ Freehill Hollingdale and Page
Ms Margaret Hamley – Director, Social Program Consultancy Unit, The Salvation Army
Mr Dan Romanis ‐ Chief Executive Officer, Mr Richard Alderson – Director, Asset
Management, and Ms Pat McPherson ‐ Policy and Planning Officer,Royal District
Nursing Service.
Private meeting held in Brisbane on 27 September 2000 with the following witnesses:
Ms Helen Gadsden ‐ Senior Policy Officer, Community Services Strategy Secretariat,
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Ms Helen Gadsden, Community Services Strategy Co‐ordinating Group
Ms Shirley Watters, Queensland Council of Social Service
Catherine McDonald and Ms Di Zetlin, The University of Queensland
Associate Professor Neal Ryan ‐ Queensland University of Technology
Public hearing held in Melbourne on 28 September 2000 with the following witnesses:
Mr Chris Pearson ‐ Director of Services, Centacare Catholic Family Services
38
Ms Annette Coy ‐ Executive Officer, South East Palliative Care Ltd; and
Ms Judie Hind‐Roff ‐ Acting Executive Officer, Peninsula Hospice Service
Ms Mavis Smith ‐ Executive Director, Victorian Healthcare Association
Mr Mark Grant ‐ Infoxchange
Public hearing held in Melbourne on 11 October 2000 with the following witnesses:
Ms Sandra de Wolf, Chief Executive Officer, Berry Street Inc.
Ms Marilyn Webster, Catholic Social Services
Ms Clare Hargreaves, Senior Policy Adviser, Municipal Association of Victoria
Ms Carol Blair, Director, Council Services, Bass Coast Shire Council
Mr Sauro Antonelli, Director, Community Programs, Banyule City Council
Reverend R. Cleary, Melbourne Citymission
Mr J. Fendyk, Director, Aged Care and Disability Services; and
Mr R. Nicholls, Social Policy Officer, Wesley Central Mission.
Public hearing held in Melbourne on 19 October 2000 with the following witnesses:
Ms Dimity Fifer, Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Council of Social Service
Ms Marilyn Webster, Board Member, Victorian Council of Social Service
Ms Angela Were, Operations Manager, Anglicare Victoria
Ms Merial Clark, Executive Officer, Association of Neighbourhood Houses and Learning
Centres
Ms Marilyn Beaumont, Executive Director, Women’s Health Victoria
Ms Licia Kokocinski, Executive Director, Action on Disability within Ethnic
Communities
Ms Hanna Kaiser, Coordinator, Women’s Liberation Halfway House
Ms Zwlle Thlebane, Group Worker, Women’s Liberation Halfway House
Ms Mignon Mant, Chief Executive Officer, O’Connell Family Centre (Grey Sisters) Inc.
Mr Ian Goldsmith, Mercy Health and Aged Care Group
Mr Ross Buscemi, Program Manager, South Central Region Migrant Resource Centre
Reverend David Pargeter, Director, Justice and World Mission, UnitingCare Victoria;
and
Ms Mandy Leveratt, Policy Officer, UnitingCare Victoria
Public hearing held in Melbourne on 8 November 2000 with the following witnesses:
Mr Nick Foa, Director, City Services, City of Maroondah
Ms Terry Wilkinson, Manager, Community Services, City of Maroondah
Mr Doug Dalton, Chief Executive Officer, UnitingCare Connections
39
Ms Lesley Oakley, Director, Outer Southern Region, UnitingCare Connections
Ms Sue Kirkegard, Executive Officer, ACROD
Ms Vici Funnell, Spastic Society of Victoria
Mr Brendan Lillywhite, Vision Australia
Ms Sharon Moore, RMIT University School of Management
Ms Sue Jackson, Executive Officer, Council of Intellectual Disability Agencies
Mr Paul Linossier, Chief Executive Officer, Mackillop Family Services
Public hearing held in Melbourne on 20 November 2000 with the following witnesses:
Mr S. Capp, Chief Executive Officer, Southern Health
Mr C. Putt, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Southern Health
Mr M. Sammells, Chief Finance Officer, Southern Health
Mr R. Hermanus, President, Volunteering Victoria
Mr M. Yore, Director, Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service
Ms M. Kenny, Assistant Director and Youth Coordinator, Good Shepherd Youth and
Family Service
Ms V. Ayres‐Wearne, Social Policy Research Worker, Good Shepherd Youth and Family
Service
Ms C. Clare, Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Welfare Association of Victoria
Mr K. Patterson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Welfare Association of
Victoria
Mr C. Marshall, Policy Development Officer, Children’s Welfare Association of Victoria
Mr A. Stripp, Regional Director, Southern Metropolitan Office, Department of Human
Services
Ms F. Milsom, Programs Officer, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria
Professor J. Carter, Deakin University.
Public hearings held in Melbourne on 6 December 2000 with the following witnesses:
Mr Tony Nicholson, Chief Executive Officer, Hanover
Mr David Murray, Policy Director, Jesuit Social Services
Mr Rob Cavanaugh, Manager‐Finance and Administration, Jesuit Social Services
Professor Stephen Duckett, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, LaTrobe University
Ms Maria Bohan, Executive Director, Carers Association Victoria
Mr Boris Struk, Executive Director, Muscular Dystrophy Association
Public hearing held in Sale on 7 December 2000 with the following witnesses:
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Ms Thelma Kingwill, Secretary, Headway Gippsland
Mr Peter Craighead, Chair, Central Gippsland Regional Youth Committee
Mr N. Smith, Small Rural Health Group and Lakes Entrance Community Health Centre
Mr Ian Fraser, Chief Executive Officer, Central Gippsland Health Service
Mr John Lau, Director‐Corporate Services, Central Gippsland Health Service
Ms Leona Mann, Director‐Community Care Services, Central Gippsland Health Service
Mr Bruce Graham, Director‐Strategic Development, Wellington Shire Council
Ms Glenys Butler, Social Planner, Wellington Shire Council
Mr Laurie Harkin, Regional Director, DHS Gippsland Region Office
Ms Dorothy Wee, Partnerships and Service Planning Manager, DHS Gippsland Region
Office
Public hearing held in Geelong on 8 December 2000 with the following witnesses:
Ms Moyneen Curtis, Chief Executive Officer, Bellarine Peninsula Community Health
Service
Ms Anne Condon, Regional Director, MacKillop Family Services (Barwon), Bethany
Family Support Inc.
Mr S. Murphy, Executive Officer, Barwon Association of Youth Support and
Accommodation
Ms Penny Cash and Ms Carol Adams, Zena Collective
Dr John Gallichio, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Barwon Health
Mr John Linke, Chief Financial Officer, Barwon Health
Mr David Dillon, Senior Financial Officer, Barwon Health
Ms Anna Fletcher, General Manager ‐ Community and Mental Health Services, Barwon
Health
Mr Neil Klemm, Community Services Manager, Golden Plains Shire
In March 2001, work commenced on preparing draft report.
Final hearing held on 6 March 2001 with Vice‐President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Victorian Council of Social Services.
Activity during April 2001
On 30 April 2001, several chapters of the draft report forwarded to the Chairperson of the
Sub‐Committee to review.
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub‐Committee.
Adoption, tabling and distribution of report.
41
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b).
Briefing paper considered by the Committee on 23 March 2000 and terms of reference for the
Inquiry adopted.
Activity during April 2001
Work commenced on preparing issues paper.
Future Activities
Issues paper to be completed and considered by the Sub‐Committee.
Inquiry to be advertised.
Sub‐Committee to be appointed.
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE
ASSETS
Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b).
Briefing paper considered by the Committee on 23 March 2000 and terms of reference for the
Inquiry adopted.
Inquiry advertised in major metropolitan newspapers on 1 April 2000.
Sub‐Committee appointed on 12 April 2000.
Requests for submissions forwarded to the Treasurer, some government agencies, councils,
accounting organisations and interested individuals.
Thirty‐two submissions received.
Submissions analysed and key issues identified.
On 12 October 2000 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses:
Mr Ian Langfield‐Smith, Specialist Adviser to the Inquiry
Mr Greg Pound, Assistant Auditor‐General, Accounting and Auditing Policy, Victorian
Auditor‐General’s Office
Mr Erik Hopp, Director, Accounting and Auditing Policy, Victorian Auditor‐General’s
Office
Mr Martin Hallett, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Museum Victoria
Mr Tim Stranks, Executive Projects Officer, Museum Victoria
Mr Doug Thompson, Director of Finance, VicRoads.
42
Public hearing held in Melbourne on 10 November 2000 with the following witnesses:
Mr G. Newcombe, General Manager, National Gallery of Victoria
Professor J. Ross, Chief Botanist of Victoria
Ms L. McAllister, Research Officer, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Professor G. Carnegie, Head of School of Accounting and Finance, Deakin University
Mr K. Alfredson, Chairman, Australian Accounting Standards Board
Mr J. Paul, Senior Project Manager, Australian Accounting Standards Board
Mr F. Micallef, General Manager — Accounting, North Limited
Public hearing held in Canberra on 13 December 2000 with the following witnesses:
Professor Alan Barton, Department of Commerce, Faculty of Economics and Commerce,
Australian National University
Mr Brett Kaufmann, Head of the Commonwealth Accounting Centre of Excellence Team,
Commonwealth Department of Finance and Administration
Ms Margaret Baird, Head of Finance, National Gallery of Australia
Mr Mark Dawes, Head of Corporate Services, Australian War Memorial
Mr Mark Whitmore, Assistant Director ‐ National Collections, Australian War Memorial
Ms Leanne Patterson, Assistant Director – Finance, Australian War Memorial
Public hearing held in Sydney on 14 December 2000 with the following witnesses:
Professor Peter Wolnizer, Dean, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of
Sydney
Professor Bob Walker, Professor of Accounting, School of Accounting, University of NSW
and Chairman of the Board, Superannuation Administration Corporation of NSW
Mr Martin Smith, Senior Policy Adviser, NSW Treasury
Mr Andrew Waddington, Finance Manager, Crown Transactions, NSW Treasury
Professor Des Griffin, Former Director, Australian Museum
Mr Richard Llewellyn, Manager, Collection Valuation Project for Australian Museum,
Powerhouse Museum, State Library, Royal Botanic Gardens and NSW Parliamentary
Library
Mr Bob Sendt, NSW Auditor‐General
Ms Maria Spriggins, Director of Audit; Audit Office of NSW
Mr Sam Kalagurgevic, Director of Audit, Audit Office of NSW.
Public hearing held on 7 March 2001 with the following witnesses:
Mr Steve Gurr, Acting Director, Financial Policy and Compliance; Department of
Treasury and Finance;
43
Mr Warren McGregor, Stevenson McGregor (Consultants);
Mr Graeme Addicott, Regional Manager, Darwin Region, Australian Valuation Office;
Mr Allan Molland, School of Accounting and Law, RMIT University; and
Ms Carmel Capitanio, Lecturer, Department of Accounting and Management, School of
Business, LaTrobe University.
Activities during April 2001
Further public hearing held on 10 April 2001 with the following witnesses:
Mr Robert Marsh, City of Melbourne
Mr Bill Forrester and Mr Anthony Connelly, Melbourne Water Corporation
Mr Andrew Bainbridge and Mr Keith Caldwell, Moorabool Shire Council
Mr Jack Dunham, Valuer‐General of Victoria, and Mr Graeme Balfour, Office of the
Valuer‐General of Victoria
Mrs Ruth Picker, Partner and Business Unit Director, National Accounting and
Auditing Standards, Ernst & Young
Future Activities
Options paper to be prepared.
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub‐Committee.
Adoption, tabling and distribution of report.
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AND CARBON TRADING
Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b).
Briefing paper considered by the Committee on 23 March 2000 and terms of reference for the
Inquiry adopted.
Sub‐Committee appointed on 12 April 2000.
Further work undertaken on Issues Paper.
On 5 June 2000, Members of the Sub‐Committee attended an Emissions Trading Forum
organised by the Institution of Engineers.
On 28 February 2001, a seminar for Members of Parliament was held on environmental
issues.
On 8 March 2001 the Committee resolved that this Inquiry will not proceed at this stage.
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
44
Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b).
Briefing paper and draft terms of reference considered by the Committee on 27 April 2000.
Sub‐Committee appointed on 12 April 2000.
Future Activities
Draft terms of reference and briefing paper to be revised and re‐considered by the
Committee.
Discussion paper to be prepared.
Inquiry to be advertised.
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b).
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000.
Terms of reference advertised and submissions called for in metropolitan and national press
on 4 April 2000.
Sub‐Committee appointed on 12 April 2000.
Requests for submissions sent to a number of statutory office‐holders on 18 April 2000.
Ten submissions received.
Submissions analysed and key issues identified.
On 3 and 4 August 2000, Sub‐Committee met with New Zealand statutory Officers of
Parliament, the Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, the Officers of
Parliament Committee and officials from the New Zealand Treasury.
On 22 August 2000, the Sub‐Committee met with the Victorian Auditor‐General, Mr W.
Cameron, and the Assistant Auditor‐General, Mr J. Manders.
Further research undertaken
On 9 October 2000, a public hearing was held in Melbourne with the following witnesses:
Mr Peter Salway, Commissioner for Public Employment
Dr Wayne Chamley, Management Group, The Purple Sage Project
Professor Colin Clark, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Business and Law and Head of the
Public Sector Research Unit, Victoria University of Technology
Mr Michael De Martinis, Lecturer, School of Accounting and Finance, Victoria University
of Technology
On 10 October 2000, a public hearing was held in Canberra with the following witnesses:
Mr Harry Evans, Clerk of the Senate
45
Mr John Parkinson, Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors‐General and
A.C.T. Auditor‐General
Mr Ron McLeod, Commonwealth Ombudsman
Mr Oliver Winder, Deputy Commonwealth Ombudsman
Mr Bob Charles, MP, Chairman of the Commonwealth Joint Committee of Public
Accounts and Audit
Dr Margot Kerley, Secretary to the Commonwealth Joint Committee of Public Accounts
and Audit
Dr John Uhr, Research School of Social Sciences, Australian National University
Professor Roger Wettenhall, Visiting Fellow, Research School of Public Sector
Management, University of Canberra.
On 29 March 2001 the following witnesses gave evidence:
Dr John Tamblyn, Victorian Regulator‐General; and
Dr Barry Perry, The Ombudsman Victoria
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub‐Committee.
Adoption, tabling and distribution of report.
FOLLOW UP REVIEW OF THE ARRANGMENTS FOR THE COLLECTION OF
OUTSTANDING FINES AND UNEXECUTED WARRANTS
Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b).
On 9 March 2000, the Committee considered a briefing paper to follow up the
implementation of the recommendations contained in the Public Accounts and Estimates
Committee report (No. 21).
Committee wrote to the Attorney‐General on 4 April 2000 requesting a briefing on the status
of the draft legislation relating to the fines enforcement system.
Briefing deferred until after Cabinet has considered draft legislation.
Future Activity
Briefing by Officers of Department of Justice to be arranged.
AUDITOR‐GENERAL’S OFFICE
Source of reference: Audit Act 1994, sections 7A(2) and 7D(2).
46
On 12 April 2000, officers of the Department of Treasury and Finance briefed the Committee
on proposed amendments to the Audit Act.
On 27 April 2000, the Committee considered a letter from the Auditor‐General concerning
the annual budget and annual plan for the Victorian Auditor‐General’s Office.
Response sent to the Auditor‐General.
On 17 May 2000, Committee met with the Auditor‐General for a briefing on the
Auditor‐General’s 2000‐2001 budget and annual plan.
On 24 May 2000, the Committee forwarded comments on the annual plan to the
Auditor‐General.
On 8 June 2000, the Committee considered a submission from the Auditor‐General
concerning capital funding needs.
Committee endorsed the Auditor‐General’s proposed course of action.
In September 2000, draft protocol forwarded to Committee.
On 9 November 2000, the Committee considered the Auditor‐General’s report for the
period ending 30 September 2000.
On 9 November 2000, the Committee reviewed the Victorian Auditor‐General’s Office
objectives and strategies for the next three years and strategic priorities for 2001‐2002.
On 22 November 2000, the Chairman and Executive Officer met with Dr John Mayne,
Principal Director with the Office of the Auditor‐General of Canada to discuss issues
relating to performance auditing.
Meeting held on 8 March 2001 with the Auditor‐General to discuss the Victorian
Auditor‐General’s Office draft annual plan and draft budget estimates for 2001‐
2002.
Committee sought and received further information that was considered at the
Committeeʹs meetings on 15 and 29 March 2001.
On 8 March 2001 the Committee discussed the draft specifications for the independent
financial and performance audits of the Victorian Auditor‐Generalʹs Office.
Draft specifications forwarded to the Auditor‐General for comment.
Auditor‐Generalʹs comments on the draft specifications considered by the Committee on
15 March 2001.
Specifications for the performance and financial audits adopted by the Committee on 15
March 2001.
Tenders called for on 17 March 2001. Closing date for receipt of submissions is 6 April
2001.
Specifications forwarded to a number of consulting and auditing organisations.
Sub‐Committee appointed to review all tender proposals.
47
Activities during April 2001
Chairman discussed the Victorian Auditor‐General’s Officeʹs budget with officials
from Department of Treasury and Finance.
Committeeʹs response to the Victorian Auditor‐General’s Officeʹs Draft Annual Plan
prepared and forwarded to the Auditor‐General.
On 23 April 2001, Sub‐Committee met with short‐listed tenderers for the performance
and financial audits of the Victorian Auditor‐General’s Office.
Draft report prepared recommending the appointment of the financial and performance
auditors.
Draft report considered, amended and adopted at Committee meeting on 26 April 2001.
Future Activities
Report to be tabled during the first sitting week in May 2001.
Contracts for the appointment of the auditors to be prepared.
48
49
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE
Level 8, 35 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: (03) 9651 3632 Facsimile: (03) 9651 3691
Email: www.parliament.vic.gov.au/parlrsc
Members:
(Council) The Hons Andrew Brideson and Elaine Carbines MLC.
(Assembly) Mr. Don Kilgour, Mr. C A C Langdon Mr. Tony Plowman, Mr. Garry Spry and
Mr. Ian Trezise, MP.
Chairman: Hon Andrew Brideson, MLC
Acting Executive Officer: Ms. A Douglas
RURAL ROAD SAFETY AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Reference from Legislative Council on 1 March 2000.
Submissions received up to October 2000.
Initiate meetings with similar jurisdictions in rural NSW.
The Committee has sought a reporting date of late 2001. The purpose is to allow further
comparative evidence to be sought.
Activity during April 2001
Committee has advertised for a Research Officer to replace existing Research Officer who
is currently the Acting Executive Officer. Applications close 2 May 2001.
Committee visited Canberra and spoke to staff from the Department of Transport as well
as the Australian Local Government Association regarding funding arrangements of rural
roads. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau also met with the Committee and
discussed the newly released National Road Safety Strategy.
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51
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS
COMMITTEE
Level 8, 35 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000
Telephone: (03) 9651 3618 Facsimile: (03) 9651 3674
Website: www.parliament.vic.gov.au/sarc
Email: [email protected](Scrutiny of Bills)
[email protected](Scrutiny of Regulations)
Members:
(Council) The Hons. M A Birrell, M T Luckins (Deputy Chair), J Mikakos and
C A Strong.
(Assembly) Mrs E Beattie, Mr C Carli, Mr M Dixon, Ms M J Gillett (Chair),
Mr T Robinson.
Chair: Ms M Gillett MP Executive Officer: Mr A J Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Regulation Review Subcommittee
The Hon. Jenny Mikakos MLC (Chair)
Mr Martin Dixon MP
Ms Mary Gillett MP
The Hon. Maree Luckins MLC, and
Mr Tony Robinson MP.
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
The Hon. Chris Strong MLC (Chair)
The Hon. Maree Luckins MLC
Mrs Liz Beattie MP
Mr Carlo Carli MP, and
Mr Martin Dixon MP
Parliamentary Committees Act Subcommittee
Ms Mary Gillett MP (Chair),
The Hon. Mark Birrell MLC,
Mr Martin Dixon MP, and
Mr Tony Robinson MP.
Information Privacy Subcommittee
Mr Carlo Carli MP (Chair)
Ms E. Beattie MP
Mr Martin Dixon MP, and
The Hon. Maree Luckins MLC
52
CURRENT COMMITTEE REFERENCES
Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 – [Parliamentary Committees Act Subcommittee];
Summary Offences Act 1966 – [Redundant Legislation Subcommittee];
Vagrancy Act 1966 – [Redundant Legislation Subcommittee]; and the
Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 – [Regulation Review Subcommittee].
Privacy Code of Conduct for Members of the Victorian Parliament – [Information Privacy
Subcommittee]
Activities during April 2001
FULL COMMITTEE
The Full Committee met on 2 April and 30 April to consider Alert Digest No’s 3 and 4 of
2001. The Committee presented a report on the following Bills –
Alert Digest No.3 of 2001
Barley Marketing (Amendment) Bill
City of Melbourne Bill
Corporations (Commonwealth Powers) Bill
Parliamentary Precincts Bill
State Owned Enterprises (Amendment) Bill
Alert Digest No.4 of 2001
Auction Sales (Repeal) Bill
Benefits Associations (Repeal) Bill
Electricity Industry Acts (Further Amendment) Bill
Food (Amendment) Bill
Health Services (Health Purchasing Victoria) Bill
Road Safety (Alcohol and Drugs Enforcement Measures) Bill
Tobacco (Further Amendment) Bill
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Sub‐committee held Public Hearings on 26 and 27 April 2001 concerning the inquiry
into the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994.
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet during April. Work continued on the draft discussion
paper on the Summary Offences Act 1966. The discussion paper is to due to be published
and distributed in early May 2001.
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54
PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES ACT SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 11 April to review its visit to New Zealand on 14 and 15 March
to examine the New Zealand House of Representatives Committee system, functions and
powers. Currently members are considering a number of model draft Bills to achieve a
clearer and improved Act.
INFORMATION PRIVACY SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 2 and 30 April 2001. Members discussed the future
conduct of the Inquiry, developing an interim privacy code for Members of the
Victorian Parliament and reviewed resumes of prospective consultants for the
inquiry.