accountability of the executive: through senate estimates

how many senate standing committees is there and name 2

8, economics and education and employment

standing committees definition

long term parliamentary committees that are set up under the standing orders and exist for the life of the parliament

2 functions of each committee

• legislation function (irrelevant however as executive is not legislature)

• refrences function (inquires into topics that arent legislation)

example of a committee using their references function

the community affairs references committee recommended unsniffable fuel

what is the 3rd function that the standing committees perform twice a year?

estimates committees.

estimates committees role (5)

• hold executive accountable for government spending

• can question ministers and senior public servants (only from senate though)

• they can ask almost anything as they are independent

• can expose governments wrongdoing

• can degenerate into partisan contests

examples of what senate estimate committees have done (2)

• exposed mathias corman’s free flights booked through helloworld CEO (also a liberal party donor)

• exposed that PM’s office knew about Bridget Mckenzies awarding of grants to marginal electorates

who do estimates committees consist of

six total members, 3 govt members, 2 opposition members, 1 from minority/independents groups

standing committee for scrutiny of delegated legislation

• their role is to oversee subordinate legislation (regulations) to ensure its complying with legislation

• scrutinises approx 1500 regulations per year

• holds public service accountable for regulations that dont go through parliament