PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES PROGRESS ON INVESTIGATIONS
To 30 June 2003
55th Parliament
Issued by Authority of the President of the Legislative Council and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
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 mdash
(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 mdash
(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 mdash
(a) to give priority mdash
(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 mdash
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)
wwwparliamentvicgovau
2
DRUGS AND CRIME PREVENTION COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3541 Facsimile (03) 9651 3603
Email dcpcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaudcpc
Members
(Council) Ms C Hirsh and The Hon S M Nguyen (Assembly) Hon R R Cooper Ms K Marshall Mr Ian Maxfield Dr B Sykes and
Mr K Wells
Chair Ms C Hirsh MLC
Executive Officer Sandy Cook
INQUIRY INTO WHITE COLLAR CRIME
Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
(a) The extent and nature of fraud and white-collar crime in Victoria
(b) The impact of new technology supporting e-commerce on the opportunities for fraud
(c) The current and proposed state commonwealth and international strategies and initiatives in relation to dealing with fraud and white-collar crime and
(d) The need for policy and legislative reform to combat fraud and white-collar crime in Victoria
This inquiry lapsed with the prorogation of the last Parliament The terms of reference were re-referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 17 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
On going circulation of the Discussion Paper Expert (in camera) evidence provided to the Committee by a police officer from
the Major Fraud Group - Victoria Police
3
Study tour to Canberra Sydney and Brisbane 23 ndash 27 June 2003 involving site visits and discussions with the following representatives Canberra
Mr Chris Clark Acting Director Australian Crime Commission
Ms Lisa Carr National Fraud Desk and Identity Fraud Australian Crime Commission Federal Agent Nigel Phair Australian Federal Police
Mr Nicholas Klein Team Leader in the High Tech Crime Team Australian Federal Police
Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
Mr Neil Mann Deputy Commissioner Australian Taxation Office
Mr Chris Barlow Assistant Commissioner Australian Taxation Office
Mr John McNamara Assistant Commissioner Australian Taxation Office
Mr Rory Mulligan Assistant Commissioner ndash Internal Assurance Branch Australian Taxation Office
Mr Peter Zdjelar Director of Fraud Prevention and Control Australian Taxation Office
Mr Keith Besgrove Chief General Manager Regulation amp Analysis Group National Office for Information Economy
Mr Phil Malone E-Business Branch National Office for Information Economy Sydney
Mr Aub Chapman Head of Operations Westpac Banking Corporation
Mr Mark Bezzina Director Communications IT and eCommerce Standards Australia
Mr Tom Godfrey Standards Australia
Mr Graham Austin Manager Fraud Minimisation NSW Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages
Mr Tom Jambrich Assistant Auditor General NSW Audit Office
Mr Stephen Horne Performance Audit Director NSW Audit Office
Mr Bruce Cox Regional Director - Global Security AMEX Mr Jilluck Wong Regional Director - Fraud Prevention AMEX
Mr Michael Outram Executive Director NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption
Mr Ted Dunstone Previous Director Biometrics Institute
Ms Louise Collins Consultant SAGEM
Mr Tony Vaccarella Identification Systems Account Executive SAGEM
4
Brisbane Ms Leanne Joy Clare Director of Public Prosecutions for Queensland
Mr Phillip Bennett Financial Analyst Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
Mr Ray Bange Acting Manager Misconduct Prevention Unit Crime and Misconduct Commission
Mr Tony Clowes Officer in Charge ndash Forensic Computing Crime and Misconduct Commission
Ms Narelle George Misconduct Prevention Officer Crime and Misconduct Commission
Mr David Goody Principal Financial Investigator Crime and Misconduct Commission
ISSUE OF AMPHETAMINE AND lsquoPARTY DRUGrsquo USE IN VICTORIA
Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Council on 15 May 2002 to inquire into and report to Parliament by the first sitting day in 2003 on the issue of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use in Victoria In particular the committee is requested to
1 examine the nature extent and culture of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use
2 determine the demographic profile of users
3 examine the short and long term consequences of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use
4 examine the relationship of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use to other forms of licit and illicit substance use
5 review the adequacy of existing strategies for dealing with amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use
6 consider best practice strategies to address the issue of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use including regulatory law enforcement education and treatment responses
This inquiry lapsed with the prorogation of the last Parliament The terms of reference were re-referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 17 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
Research and review of literature continued Writing and editing of Discussion Paper Carolyn Hirsh MLC Chair Dr Bill Sykes MLA Executive Officer and Senior Legal
Research Officer attended the seminar ldquoBeyond e exploring the impact of party drugs on current day use and culturerdquo organised by VAADA
5
Expert (in camera) evidence provided to the Committee by police officers from Drug amp Alcohol Strategy Unit ndash Victoria Police
Study tour to Canberra Sydney and Brisbane 23 ndash 27 June 2003 involving site visits and discussions with the following representatives Canberra
Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology Dr Natalie Taylor Researcher Australian Institute of Criminology Ms Janet Smith Manager Information Services JV Barry Library Standing Committee on Family and Community Affairs Parliament of Australia Mrs Kay Hull MP(Chair) Mrs Julia Irwin MP (Deputy Chair) Mr Peter Dutton MP Mr Cameron Thompson MP Ms Bev Forbes Secretary
Mr Chris Clark Acting Director Australian Crime Commission Mr Shaun Reynolds Team Leader-Drugs Unit Australian Crime Commission Mr Nicholas Klein Team Leader in the High Tech Crime Team Australian
Federal Police Mr Keith Tomlinson Australian Federal Police Mr Phil Case Australian Federal Police Sydney Dr John Howard Programme Director Ted Noffs Foundation Mr Paul Dillon Media Liaison and Information Manager National Drug and
Alcohol Research Centre University of New South Wales Dr Louisa Degenhardt Lecturer National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre
University of New South Wales Dr Rebecca McKetin Research Fellow National Drug and Alcohol Research
Centre University of New South Wales Ms Bronwyn Crosby Manager of Clinical Services St Vincentrsquos
HospitalAlcohol and Drug Information Service Ms Carol Stubley Nursing Unit Manager St Vincentrsquos HospitalAlcohol and
Drug Information Service Ms Lorraine Buckner Pitts Health Education OfficerCounsellor St Vincentrsquos
HospitalAlcohol and Drug Information Service Brisbane Detective Inspector Gregory Tutt Illicit Laboratory Investigation Team
Queensland Police Sergeant Scott Feeney Chemical Diversion Desk Officer Queensland Police
6
Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Graham Rynders Queensland Police Detective Superintendent Kev RobinsonQueensland Police Detective Sergeant Jason Renwick Illicit Laboratory Team Queensland Police Detective Senior Constable Fiona Hinshelwood Sexual Crimes Investigation
Unit Queensland Police Ms Robyn Stewart Executive Secretary Assistant Commissioner (Crime
Operations) Queensland Police Mr Michael Dart Alcohol Tobacco and other Drugs
Policy Advisor to the Minister Queensland Health
Dr Kevin Lambkin Acting Manager Alcohol Tobacco and other Drugs Queensland Health
Mr Robert Kemp Manager Queensland Needle Availability Support Program Public Health Service Queensland Health
INQUIRY INTO STRATEGIES TO REDUCE HARMFUL ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION Referred to the Committee by the Governor in Council on 6 May 2003 to inquire into consider and report to Parliament on strategies to reduce harmful alcohol consumption In particular the Committee is required to 1 Investigate the nature extent and culture of alcohol consumption on the Victorian
community and the associated costs to the community 2 Examine the role of alcohol advertising including its influence on harmful alcohol
consumption and high-risk groups such as young people and Kooris 3 Review the adequacy of existing strategies for reducing harmful alcohol
consumption 4 Recommend best practice strategies to address the issue of harmful alcohol
consumption including regulatory law enforcement education and treatment responses
5 Examine national and international legislation reports and material relevant to
this issue The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 September 2004
Activity during June 2003
Work has not commenced on this Inquiry
7
INQUIRY OF VIOLENCE ASSOCIATED WITH MOTOR VEHICLE USE
Referred to the Committee from the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on
(a) the incidence prevalence severity cost and impact of violence associated with motor vehicle use
(b) a review of Victorian national and international research into violence associated with motor vehicle use
(c) the effectiveness of strategies and initiatives relating to violence associated with motor vehicle use and
(d) the need for policy and legislative reform to reduce violence associated with the motor vehicle use at the state level
Activity during June 2003
Work has not commenced on this Inquiry
8
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3592 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email edcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauedc
Members
(Assembly) Mr H F Delahunty Mr B J Jenkins Ms M Morand and
Mr T G Robinson
(Council) The Hons B N Atkinson R H Bowden and N Pullen
Chairman Mr T G Robinson MP
Executive Officer Mr R A Willis
INQUIRY INTO EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR VICTORIAN RURAL INDUSTRIES
Terms of Reference received by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Report due 30 September 2003
Activities during June 2003
Melbourne public hearings held on 23 and 24 June 2003 Witnesses included food export businesses government departments and agribusiness organisations
Review of evidence and drafting of report
Future Activities
Canberra meetings scheduled for 14 July 2003 with key government departments
Committee meetings scheduled for 15-18 July in Auckland and Wellington to discuss marketing and branding of food exports
Committee to deliberate on draft report
9
INQUIRY INTO ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF VICTORIArsquoS CULTURALLY DIVERSE POPULATION
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the actual and potential contribution to the economy of Victorias culturally diverse population including new arrivals with particular emphasis on the importance of Victorias cultural diversity in improving productivity increasing exports attracting foreign investment and creating competitive advantage in the Australian and international markets and in respect of the above (a) identify industry sectorsbusinesses that are actual or potential beneficiaries of cultural diversity particularly in terms of investment and productivity improvement
(b) whether there are particular issues for industry and business in rural and regional areas and how these regions may benefit from cultural diversity in Victoria including by addressing labour market shortages through new or recent arrivals from overseas
(c) identify ways to take advantage of cultural diversity in the economy to increase Victorias productivity and export markets
(d) the appropriate role of Government in facilitating maximum use of Victorias cultural diversity to promote productivity and export markets and
(e) identify ways of measuring the benefits of cultural diversity including new arrivals to the Victorian economy
Report due 30 September 2004 INQUIRY INTO LABOUR HIRE EMPLOYMENT IN VICTORIA
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003
(a) The extent and breadth of labour hire employment in Victoria including the
(i) employment status of workers engaged by labour hire companies
(ii) use of labour hire in particular industries andor regions and
(iii) application of industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation
(b) the consequences of the use of labour hire employment Consideration should be given but is not limited to
(i) the rights and obligations of labour hire employees labour hire agencies andor host employers under industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation Any ambiguity about the nature of rights and obligations between the three parties should also be considered
(ii) the impact on industry skills levels
(iii) contribution to the casualisation of the work force and
(iv) the extent of any such consequences
10
(c) recommendations based on an assessment of the above matters and including consideration of
(i) the jurisdictional limitations of Victorias industrial relations powers
(ii) the recommendations of the New South Wales labour hire task force and the responsibilities of the New South Wales labour hire industry council (if established)
(iii) regulation in other Australian jurisdictions
(iv) impact on business and
(v) Worksafe Victoria campaigns and activities
Report due 31 December 2004
11
12
EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3570 Facsimile 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) The Hons Helen Buckingham and Peter Hall (Assembly) Ms Anne Eckstein Mr Steve Herbert Mr Nicholas Kotsiras Ms Janice Munt and Mr Victor Perton
Chairman Steve Herbert MP
Executive Officer Ms Karen Ellingford
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following two terms of reference ndash
1 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the suitability of current pre-service teacher training courses including
(a) future requirements of such courses to train teachers appropriate for future schooling and
(b) the particular training needs and arrangements for mature-age entrants from other professions mdash
and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to
(i) determine the range and nature of pre-service teacher training courses within Victoria and the variation among these courses in areas of contact and practicum time and in course focus on content and pedagogy
(ii) examine a range of pre-service teacher training courses across Australia and internationally focusing on how these courses differ and how they meet the needs of teachers and education systems for the 21st century
(iii)determine the skills and knowledge required of teachers and therefore of pre-service teacher training courses in response to reflect the changing nature of education in the 21st century
13
(iv) examine issues related to attracting people from other professions
to become qualified teachers in Victoria and
(v) make recommendations on specific requirements for pre-service teacher training courses based on the skills and knowledge required of teachers in the 21st century and to support increased entry of mature-age entrants from other professions
2 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 June 2004 on the impact of the high levels of unmet demand for places in higher education institutions on Victoria and in particular to consider
(a) the relationship between unmet demand and high-level skill shortages in the Victorian economy
(b) whether unmet demand has a negative effect on Victorian industry
(c) how the demand for teaching and nursing places is affected by insufficient numbers of HECS places (ie in courses not available as full-fee paying courses)
(d) how unmet demand impacts on the demand for TAFE places
(e) the degree to which commonwealth higher education funding policies directly contribute to unmet demand and
(f) the need at a national level to improve cooperative arrangements between the vocational education and training and higher education sectors
The Committee met with the New Zealand Parliamentrsquos Education and Science Committee which was visiting Australia on a fact finding mission
The Staffing Sub-Committee interviewed for the position of Executive Officer to the Committee and has appointed Ms Karen Ellingford
14
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3533 Facsimile (03) 9651 3537
Email enrcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauenrc
Members
(Council) The Hons A Coote D K Drum J G Hilton W Lovell
(Assembly) Ms J T Duncan Ms J M Lindell and Mr G Seitz
Chair Ms J M Lindell MP
Executive Officer Dr Caroline Williams
LAPSED INQUIRIES
The following inquiries lapsed with the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002 and have not been referred back to the Committee
Improving the Procedures for the Acquisition of Private Land for Use as a Park Impact Management and Use of Carp Possession and Trade of Exotic Vertebrate Animals Floodplain Management in Regional Victoria Urban Cat Control and Management in Victoria
ADEQUACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY SERVICES
Referred to the Committee during the 54th Parliament by Order in Council on 20 March 2001 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Work commenced on the Inquiry in January 2002 A discussion paper was released submissions called for inspections and public hearings held a survey of veterinary practitioners undertaken and a draft report prepared The inquiry lapsed on the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002
Terms of reference were referred back to the Committee by Order in Council on 15 April 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Activities during June 2003
Inquiry report tabled in Parliament on 4 June 2003 Members statements were made by the Chair Ms Jenny Lindell MP in the Legislative Assembly and by Ms Andrea Coote MLC in the Legislative Council on Wednesday 4 June 2003
15
Report distributed to Minister and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Minister for Environment Water Secretaries of Departments of Agriculture and Sustainability amp Environment contact departmental staff veterinary industry peak bodies all submittees and hearing witnesses as well as contacts at inspection sites Bulk copies were also forwarded to Information Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment Information Centre A copy went to each of the 3 legal deposit entities A further printing has been organised for all regional veterinarians who participated in the survey
Future activity
Await Government response to the report due on 4 December 2003 IMPACT AND TRENDS IN SOIL ACIDITY
Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 5 June 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 The Committee is required to
1) review projected social economic and environmental impacts of soil acidity at a regional and catchment scale
2) develop recommendations to reduce the projected impact of soil acidity identifying areas for potential partnerships with industry and the community and
3) identify future research and development priorities
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 March 2004
Activities during June 2003
On 25 June 2003 letter sent to Minister for Agriculture requesting a briefing on acid soils
Briefing paper on a strategy for undertaking the Inquiry prepared for consideration at the next Committee meeting
Future Activities
Committee to receive a briefing on acid soils from the Department of Primary Industries on Wednesday 16 July 2003
Strategy for undertaking the Inquiry to be considered at the next Committee meeting
Inspections and hearings to be held
16
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
Activities during June 2003
Committee and Executive Officer attended National Conference of Public Works and Environment Committees in Western Australia 29 June ndash 3 July 2003
Environment and Natural Resources Committee (Victoria) nominated to host conference in 2004
Future activity
Commence planning of 2004 conference
17
18
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
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 mdash
(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 mdash
(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 mdash
(a) to give priority mdash
(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 mdash
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)
wwwparliamentvicgovau
2
DRUGS AND CRIME PREVENTION COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3541 Facsimile (03) 9651 3603
Email dcpcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaudcpc
Members
(Council) Ms C Hirsh and The Hon S M Nguyen (Assembly) Hon R R Cooper Ms K Marshall Mr Ian Maxfield Dr B Sykes and
Mr K Wells
Chair Ms C Hirsh MLC
Executive Officer Sandy Cook
INQUIRY INTO WHITE COLLAR CRIME
Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
(a) The extent and nature of fraud and white-collar crime in Victoria
(b) The impact of new technology supporting e-commerce on the opportunities for fraud
(c) The current and proposed state commonwealth and international strategies and initiatives in relation to dealing with fraud and white-collar crime and
(d) The need for policy and legislative reform to combat fraud and white-collar crime in Victoria
This inquiry lapsed with the prorogation of the last Parliament The terms of reference were re-referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 17 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
On going circulation of the Discussion Paper Expert (in camera) evidence provided to the Committee by a police officer from
the Major Fraud Group - Victoria Police
3
Study tour to Canberra Sydney and Brisbane 23 ndash 27 June 2003 involving site visits and discussions with the following representatives Canberra
Mr Chris Clark Acting Director Australian Crime Commission
Ms Lisa Carr National Fraud Desk and Identity Fraud Australian Crime Commission Federal Agent Nigel Phair Australian Federal Police
Mr Nicholas Klein Team Leader in the High Tech Crime Team Australian Federal Police
Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
Mr Neil Mann Deputy Commissioner Australian Taxation Office
Mr Chris Barlow Assistant Commissioner Australian Taxation Office
Mr John McNamara Assistant Commissioner Australian Taxation Office
Mr Rory Mulligan Assistant Commissioner ndash Internal Assurance Branch Australian Taxation Office
Mr Peter Zdjelar Director of Fraud Prevention and Control Australian Taxation Office
Mr Keith Besgrove Chief General Manager Regulation amp Analysis Group National Office for Information Economy
Mr Phil Malone E-Business Branch National Office for Information Economy Sydney
Mr Aub Chapman Head of Operations Westpac Banking Corporation
Mr Mark Bezzina Director Communications IT and eCommerce Standards Australia
Mr Tom Godfrey Standards Australia
Mr Graham Austin Manager Fraud Minimisation NSW Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages
Mr Tom Jambrich Assistant Auditor General NSW Audit Office
Mr Stephen Horne Performance Audit Director NSW Audit Office
Mr Bruce Cox Regional Director - Global Security AMEX Mr Jilluck Wong Regional Director - Fraud Prevention AMEX
Mr Michael Outram Executive Director NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption
Mr Ted Dunstone Previous Director Biometrics Institute
Ms Louise Collins Consultant SAGEM
Mr Tony Vaccarella Identification Systems Account Executive SAGEM
4
Brisbane Ms Leanne Joy Clare Director of Public Prosecutions for Queensland
Mr Phillip Bennett Financial Analyst Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
Mr Ray Bange Acting Manager Misconduct Prevention Unit Crime and Misconduct Commission
Mr Tony Clowes Officer in Charge ndash Forensic Computing Crime and Misconduct Commission
Ms Narelle George Misconduct Prevention Officer Crime and Misconduct Commission
Mr David Goody Principal Financial Investigator Crime and Misconduct Commission
ISSUE OF AMPHETAMINE AND lsquoPARTY DRUGrsquo USE IN VICTORIA
Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Council on 15 May 2002 to inquire into and report to Parliament by the first sitting day in 2003 on the issue of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use in Victoria In particular the committee is requested to
1 examine the nature extent and culture of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use
2 determine the demographic profile of users
3 examine the short and long term consequences of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use
4 examine the relationship of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use to other forms of licit and illicit substance use
5 review the adequacy of existing strategies for dealing with amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use
6 consider best practice strategies to address the issue of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use including regulatory law enforcement education and treatment responses
This inquiry lapsed with the prorogation of the last Parliament The terms of reference were re-referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 17 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
Research and review of literature continued Writing and editing of Discussion Paper Carolyn Hirsh MLC Chair Dr Bill Sykes MLA Executive Officer and Senior Legal
Research Officer attended the seminar ldquoBeyond e exploring the impact of party drugs on current day use and culturerdquo organised by VAADA
5
Expert (in camera) evidence provided to the Committee by police officers from Drug amp Alcohol Strategy Unit ndash Victoria Police
Study tour to Canberra Sydney and Brisbane 23 ndash 27 June 2003 involving site visits and discussions with the following representatives Canberra
Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology Dr Natalie Taylor Researcher Australian Institute of Criminology Ms Janet Smith Manager Information Services JV Barry Library Standing Committee on Family and Community Affairs Parliament of Australia Mrs Kay Hull MP(Chair) Mrs Julia Irwin MP (Deputy Chair) Mr Peter Dutton MP Mr Cameron Thompson MP Ms Bev Forbes Secretary
Mr Chris Clark Acting Director Australian Crime Commission Mr Shaun Reynolds Team Leader-Drugs Unit Australian Crime Commission Mr Nicholas Klein Team Leader in the High Tech Crime Team Australian
Federal Police Mr Keith Tomlinson Australian Federal Police Mr Phil Case Australian Federal Police Sydney Dr John Howard Programme Director Ted Noffs Foundation Mr Paul Dillon Media Liaison and Information Manager National Drug and
Alcohol Research Centre University of New South Wales Dr Louisa Degenhardt Lecturer National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre
University of New South Wales Dr Rebecca McKetin Research Fellow National Drug and Alcohol Research
Centre University of New South Wales Ms Bronwyn Crosby Manager of Clinical Services St Vincentrsquos
HospitalAlcohol and Drug Information Service Ms Carol Stubley Nursing Unit Manager St Vincentrsquos HospitalAlcohol and
Drug Information Service Ms Lorraine Buckner Pitts Health Education OfficerCounsellor St Vincentrsquos
HospitalAlcohol and Drug Information Service Brisbane Detective Inspector Gregory Tutt Illicit Laboratory Investigation Team
Queensland Police Sergeant Scott Feeney Chemical Diversion Desk Officer Queensland Police
6
Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Graham Rynders Queensland Police Detective Superintendent Kev RobinsonQueensland Police Detective Sergeant Jason Renwick Illicit Laboratory Team Queensland Police Detective Senior Constable Fiona Hinshelwood Sexual Crimes Investigation
Unit Queensland Police Ms Robyn Stewart Executive Secretary Assistant Commissioner (Crime
Operations) Queensland Police Mr Michael Dart Alcohol Tobacco and other Drugs
Policy Advisor to the Minister Queensland Health
Dr Kevin Lambkin Acting Manager Alcohol Tobacco and other Drugs Queensland Health
Mr Robert Kemp Manager Queensland Needle Availability Support Program Public Health Service Queensland Health
INQUIRY INTO STRATEGIES TO REDUCE HARMFUL ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION Referred to the Committee by the Governor in Council on 6 May 2003 to inquire into consider and report to Parliament on strategies to reduce harmful alcohol consumption In particular the Committee is required to 1 Investigate the nature extent and culture of alcohol consumption on the Victorian
community and the associated costs to the community 2 Examine the role of alcohol advertising including its influence on harmful alcohol
consumption and high-risk groups such as young people and Kooris 3 Review the adequacy of existing strategies for reducing harmful alcohol
consumption 4 Recommend best practice strategies to address the issue of harmful alcohol
consumption including regulatory law enforcement education and treatment responses
5 Examine national and international legislation reports and material relevant to
this issue The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 September 2004
Activity during June 2003
Work has not commenced on this Inquiry
7
INQUIRY OF VIOLENCE ASSOCIATED WITH MOTOR VEHICLE USE
Referred to the Committee from the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on
(a) the incidence prevalence severity cost and impact of violence associated with motor vehicle use
(b) a review of Victorian national and international research into violence associated with motor vehicle use
(c) the effectiveness of strategies and initiatives relating to violence associated with motor vehicle use and
(d) the need for policy and legislative reform to reduce violence associated with the motor vehicle use at the state level
Activity during June 2003
Work has not commenced on this Inquiry
8
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3592 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email edcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauedc
Members
(Assembly) Mr H F Delahunty Mr B J Jenkins Ms M Morand and
Mr T G Robinson
(Council) The Hons B N Atkinson R H Bowden and N Pullen
Chairman Mr T G Robinson MP
Executive Officer Mr R A Willis
INQUIRY INTO EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR VICTORIAN RURAL INDUSTRIES
Terms of Reference received by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Report due 30 September 2003
Activities during June 2003
Melbourne public hearings held on 23 and 24 June 2003 Witnesses included food export businesses government departments and agribusiness organisations
Review of evidence and drafting of report
Future Activities
Canberra meetings scheduled for 14 July 2003 with key government departments
Committee meetings scheduled for 15-18 July in Auckland and Wellington to discuss marketing and branding of food exports
Committee to deliberate on draft report
9
INQUIRY INTO ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF VICTORIArsquoS CULTURALLY DIVERSE POPULATION
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the actual and potential contribution to the economy of Victorias culturally diverse population including new arrivals with particular emphasis on the importance of Victorias cultural diversity in improving productivity increasing exports attracting foreign investment and creating competitive advantage in the Australian and international markets and in respect of the above (a) identify industry sectorsbusinesses that are actual or potential beneficiaries of cultural diversity particularly in terms of investment and productivity improvement
(b) whether there are particular issues for industry and business in rural and regional areas and how these regions may benefit from cultural diversity in Victoria including by addressing labour market shortages through new or recent arrivals from overseas
(c) identify ways to take advantage of cultural diversity in the economy to increase Victorias productivity and export markets
(d) the appropriate role of Government in facilitating maximum use of Victorias cultural diversity to promote productivity and export markets and
(e) identify ways of measuring the benefits of cultural diversity including new arrivals to the Victorian economy
Report due 30 September 2004 INQUIRY INTO LABOUR HIRE EMPLOYMENT IN VICTORIA
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003
(a) The extent and breadth of labour hire employment in Victoria including the
(i) employment status of workers engaged by labour hire companies
(ii) use of labour hire in particular industries andor regions and
(iii) application of industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation
(b) the consequences of the use of labour hire employment Consideration should be given but is not limited to
(i) the rights and obligations of labour hire employees labour hire agencies andor host employers under industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation Any ambiguity about the nature of rights and obligations between the three parties should also be considered
(ii) the impact on industry skills levels
(iii) contribution to the casualisation of the work force and
(iv) the extent of any such consequences
10
(c) recommendations based on an assessment of the above matters and including consideration of
(i) the jurisdictional limitations of Victorias industrial relations powers
(ii) the recommendations of the New South Wales labour hire task force and the responsibilities of the New South Wales labour hire industry council (if established)
(iii) regulation in other Australian jurisdictions
(iv) impact on business and
(v) Worksafe Victoria campaigns and activities
Report due 31 December 2004
11
12
EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3570 Facsimile 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) The Hons Helen Buckingham and Peter Hall (Assembly) Ms Anne Eckstein Mr Steve Herbert Mr Nicholas Kotsiras Ms Janice Munt and Mr Victor Perton
Chairman Steve Herbert MP
Executive Officer Ms Karen Ellingford
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following two terms of reference ndash
1 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the suitability of current pre-service teacher training courses including
(a) future requirements of such courses to train teachers appropriate for future schooling and
(b) the particular training needs and arrangements for mature-age entrants from other professions mdash
and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to
(i) determine the range and nature of pre-service teacher training courses within Victoria and the variation among these courses in areas of contact and practicum time and in course focus on content and pedagogy
(ii) examine a range of pre-service teacher training courses across Australia and internationally focusing on how these courses differ and how they meet the needs of teachers and education systems for the 21st century
(iii)determine the skills and knowledge required of teachers and therefore of pre-service teacher training courses in response to reflect the changing nature of education in the 21st century
13
(iv) examine issues related to attracting people from other professions
to become qualified teachers in Victoria and
(v) make recommendations on specific requirements for pre-service teacher training courses based on the skills and knowledge required of teachers in the 21st century and to support increased entry of mature-age entrants from other professions
2 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 June 2004 on the impact of the high levels of unmet demand for places in higher education institutions on Victoria and in particular to consider
(a) the relationship between unmet demand and high-level skill shortages in the Victorian economy
(b) whether unmet demand has a negative effect on Victorian industry
(c) how the demand for teaching and nursing places is affected by insufficient numbers of HECS places (ie in courses not available as full-fee paying courses)
(d) how unmet demand impacts on the demand for TAFE places
(e) the degree to which commonwealth higher education funding policies directly contribute to unmet demand and
(f) the need at a national level to improve cooperative arrangements between the vocational education and training and higher education sectors
The Committee met with the New Zealand Parliamentrsquos Education and Science Committee which was visiting Australia on a fact finding mission
The Staffing Sub-Committee interviewed for the position of Executive Officer to the Committee and has appointed Ms Karen Ellingford
14
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3533 Facsimile (03) 9651 3537
Email enrcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauenrc
Members
(Council) The Hons A Coote D K Drum J G Hilton W Lovell
(Assembly) Ms J T Duncan Ms J M Lindell and Mr G Seitz
Chair Ms J M Lindell MP
Executive Officer Dr Caroline Williams
LAPSED INQUIRIES
The following inquiries lapsed with the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002 and have not been referred back to the Committee
Improving the Procedures for the Acquisition of Private Land for Use as a Park Impact Management and Use of Carp Possession and Trade of Exotic Vertebrate Animals Floodplain Management in Regional Victoria Urban Cat Control and Management in Victoria
ADEQUACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY SERVICES
Referred to the Committee during the 54th Parliament by Order in Council on 20 March 2001 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Work commenced on the Inquiry in January 2002 A discussion paper was released submissions called for inspections and public hearings held a survey of veterinary practitioners undertaken and a draft report prepared The inquiry lapsed on the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002
Terms of reference were referred back to the Committee by Order in Council on 15 April 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Activities during June 2003
Inquiry report tabled in Parliament on 4 June 2003 Members statements were made by the Chair Ms Jenny Lindell MP in the Legislative Assembly and by Ms Andrea Coote MLC in the Legislative Council on Wednesday 4 June 2003
15
Report distributed to Minister and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Minister for Environment Water Secretaries of Departments of Agriculture and Sustainability amp Environment contact departmental staff veterinary industry peak bodies all submittees and hearing witnesses as well as contacts at inspection sites Bulk copies were also forwarded to Information Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment Information Centre A copy went to each of the 3 legal deposit entities A further printing has been organised for all regional veterinarians who participated in the survey
Future activity
Await Government response to the report due on 4 December 2003 IMPACT AND TRENDS IN SOIL ACIDITY
Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 5 June 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 The Committee is required to
1) review projected social economic and environmental impacts of soil acidity at a regional and catchment scale
2) develop recommendations to reduce the projected impact of soil acidity identifying areas for potential partnerships with industry and the community and
3) identify future research and development priorities
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 March 2004
Activities during June 2003
On 25 June 2003 letter sent to Minister for Agriculture requesting a briefing on acid soils
Briefing paper on a strategy for undertaking the Inquiry prepared for consideration at the next Committee meeting
Future Activities
Committee to receive a briefing on acid soils from the Department of Primary Industries on Wednesday 16 July 2003
Strategy for undertaking the Inquiry to be considered at the next Committee meeting
Inspections and hearings to be held
16
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
Activities during June 2003
Committee and Executive Officer attended National Conference of Public Works and Environment Committees in Western Australia 29 June ndash 3 July 2003
Environment and Natural Resources Committee (Victoria) nominated to host conference in 2004
Future activity
Commence planning of 2004 conference
17
18
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
DRUGS AND CRIME PREVENTION COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3541 Facsimile (03) 9651 3603
Email dcpcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaudcpc
Members
(Council) Ms C Hirsh and The Hon S M Nguyen (Assembly) Hon R R Cooper Ms K Marshall Mr Ian Maxfield Dr B Sykes and
Mr K Wells
Chair Ms C Hirsh MLC
Executive Officer Sandy Cook
INQUIRY INTO WHITE COLLAR CRIME
Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
(a) The extent and nature of fraud and white-collar crime in Victoria
(b) The impact of new technology supporting e-commerce on the opportunities for fraud
(c) The current and proposed state commonwealth and international strategies and initiatives in relation to dealing with fraud and white-collar crime and
(d) The need for policy and legislative reform to combat fraud and white-collar crime in Victoria
This inquiry lapsed with the prorogation of the last Parliament The terms of reference were re-referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 17 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
On going circulation of the Discussion Paper Expert (in camera) evidence provided to the Committee by a police officer from
the Major Fraud Group - Victoria Police
3
Study tour to Canberra Sydney and Brisbane 23 ndash 27 June 2003 involving site visits and discussions with the following representatives Canberra
Mr Chris Clark Acting Director Australian Crime Commission
Ms Lisa Carr National Fraud Desk and Identity Fraud Australian Crime Commission Federal Agent Nigel Phair Australian Federal Police
Mr Nicholas Klein Team Leader in the High Tech Crime Team Australian Federal Police
Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
Mr Neil Mann Deputy Commissioner Australian Taxation Office
Mr Chris Barlow Assistant Commissioner Australian Taxation Office
Mr John McNamara Assistant Commissioner Australian Taxation Office
Mr Rory Mulligan Assistant Commissioner ndash Internal Assurance Branch Australian Taxation Office
Mr Peter Zdjelar Director of Fraud Prevention and Control Australian Taxation Office
Mr Keith Besgrove Chief General Manager Regulation amp Analysis Group National Office for Information Economy
Mr Phil Malone E-Business Branch National Office for Information Economy Sydney
Mr Aub Chapman Head of Operations Westpac Banking Corporation
Mr Mark Bezzina Director Communications IT and eCommerce Standards Australia
Mr Tom Godfrey Standards Australia
Mr Graham Austin Manager Fraud Minimisation NSW Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages
Mr Tom Jambrich Assistant Auditor General NSW Audit Office
Mr Stephen Horne Performance Audit Director NSW Audit Office
Mr Bruce Cox Regional Director - Global Security AMEX Mr Jilluck Wong Regional Director - Fraud Prevention AMEX
Mr Michael Outram Executive Director NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption
Mr Ted Dunstone Previous Director Biometrics Institute
Ms Louise Collins Consultant SAGEM
Mr Tony Vaccarella Identification Systems Account Executive SAGEM
4
Brisbane Ms Leanne Joy Clare Director of Public Prosecutions for Queensland
Mr Phillip Bennett Financial Analyst Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
Mr Ray Bange Acting Manager Misconduct Prevention Unit Crime and Misconduct Commission
Mr Tony Clowes Officer in Charge ndash Forensic Computing Crime and Misconduct Commission
Ms Narelle George Misconduct Prevention Officer Crime and Misconduct Commission
Mr David Goody Principal Financial Investigator Crime and Misconduct Commission
ISSUE OF AMPHETAMINE AND lsquoPARTY DRUGrsquo USE IN VICTORIA
Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Council on 15 May 2002 to inquire into and report to Parliament by the first sitting day in 2003 on the issue of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use in Victoria In particular the committee is requested to
1 examine the nature extent and culture of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use
2 determine the demographic profile of users
3 examine the short and long term consequences of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use
4 examine the relationship of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use to other forms of licit and illicit substance use
5 review the adequacy of existing strategies for dealing with amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use
6 consider best practice strategies to address the issue of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use including regulatory law enforcement education and treatment responses
This inquiry lapsed with the prorogation of the last Parliament The terms of reference were re-referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 17 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
Research and review of literature continued Writing and editing of Discussion Paper Carolyn Hirsh MLC Chair Dr Bill Sykes MLA Executive Officer and Senior Legal
Research Officer attended the seminar ldquoBeyond e exploring the impact of party drugs on current day use and culturerdquo organised by VAADA
5
Expert (in camera) evidence provided to the Committee by police officers from Drug amp Alcohol Strategy Unit ndash Victoria Police
Study tour to Canberra Sydney and Brisbane 23 ndash 27 June 2003 involving site visits and discussions with the following representatives Canberra
Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology Dr Natalie Taylor Researcher Australian Institute of Criminology Ms Janet Smith Manager Information Services JV Barry Library Standing Committee on Family and Community Affairs Parliament of Australia Mrs Kay Hull MP(Chair) Mrs Julia Irwin MP (Deputy Chair) Mr Peter Dutton MP Mr Cameron Thompson MP Ms Bev Forbes Secretary
Mr Chris Clark Acting Director Australian Crime Commission Mr Shaun Reynolds Team Leader-Drugs Unit Australian Crime Commission Mr Nicholas Klein Team Leader in the High Tech Crime Team Australian
Federal Police Mr Keith Tomlinson Australian Federal Police Mr Phil Case Australian Federal Police Sydney Dr John Howard Programme Director Ted Noffs Foundation Mr Paul Dillon Media Liaison and Information Manager National Drug and
Alcohol Research Centre University of New South Wales Dr Louisa Degenhardt Lecturer National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre
University of New South Wales Dr Rebecca McKetin Research Fellow National Drug and Alcohol Research
Centre University of New South Wales Ms Bronwyn Crosby Manager of Clinical Services St Vincentrsquos
HospitalAlcohol and Drug Information Service Ms Carol Stubley Nursing Unit Manager St Vincentrsquos HospitalAlcohol and
Drug Information Service Ms Lorraine Buckner Pitts Health Education OfficerCounsellor St Vincentrsquos
HospitalAlcohol and Drug Information Service Brisbane Detective Inspector Gregory Tutt Illicit Laboratory Investigation Team
Queensland Police Sergeant Scott Feeney Chemical Diversion Desk Officer Queensland Police
6
Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Graham Rynders Queensland Police Detective Superintendent Kev RobinsonQueensland Police Detective Sergeant Jason Renwick Illicit Laboratory Team Queensland Police Detective Senior Constable Fiona Hinshelwood Sexual Crimes Investigation
Unit Queensland Police Ms Robyn Stewart Executive Secretary Assistant Commissioner (Crime
Operations) Queensland Police Mr Michael Dart Alcohol Tobacco and other Drugs
Policy Advisor to the Minister Queensland Health
Dr Kevin Lambkin Acting Manager Alcohol Tobacco and other Drugs Queensland Health
Mr Robert Kemp Manager Queensland Needle Availability Support Program Public Health Service Queensland Health
INQUIRY INTO STRATEGIES TO REDUCE HARMFUL ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION Referred to the Committee by the Governor in Council on 6 May 2003 to inquire into consider and report to Parliament on strategies to reduce harmful alcohol consumption In particular the Committee is required to 1 Investigate the nature extent and culture of alcohol consumption on the Victorian
community and the associated costs to the community 2 Examine the role of alcohol advertising including its influence on harmful alcohol
consumption and high-risk groups such as young people and Kooris 3 Review the adequacy of existing strategies for reducing harmful alcohol
consumption 4 Recommend best practice strategies to address the issue of harmful alcohol
consumption including regulatory law enforcement education and treatment responses
5 Examine national and international legislation reports and material relevant to
this issue The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 September 2004
Activity during June 2003
Work has not commenced on this Inquiry
7
INQUIRY OF VIOLENCE ASSOCIATED WITH MOTOR VEHICLE USE
Referred to the Committee from the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on
(a) the incidence prevalence severity cost and impact of violence associated with motor vehicle use
(b) a review of Victorian national and international research into violence associated with motor vehicle use
(c) the effectiveness of strategies and initiatives relating to violence associated with motor vehicle use and
(d) the need for policy and legislative reform to reduce violence associated with the motor vehicle use at the state level
Activity during June 2003
Work has not commenced on this Inquiry
8
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3592 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email edcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauedc
Members
(Assembly) Mr H F Delahunty Mr B J Jenkins Ms M Morand and
Mr T G Robinson
(Council) The Hons B N Atkinson R H Bowden and N Pullen
Chairman Mr T G Robinson MP
Executive Officer Mr R A Willis
INQUIRY INTO EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR VICTORIAN RURAL INDUSTRIES
Terms of Reference received by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Report due 30 September 2003
Activities during June 2003
Melbourne public hearings held on 23 and 24 June 2003 Witnesses included food export businesses government departments and agribusiness organisations
Review of evidence and drafting of report
Future Activities
Canberra meetings scheduled for 14 July 2003 with key government departments
Committee meetings scheduled for 15-18 July in Auckland and Wellington to discuss marketing and branding of food exports
Committee to deliberate on draft report
9
INQUIRY INTO ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF VICTORIArsquoS CULTURALLY DIVERSE POPULATION
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the actual and potential contribution to the economy of Victorias culturally diverse population including new arrivals with particular emphasis on the importance of Victorias cultural diversity in improving productivity increasing exports attracting foreign investment and creating competitive advantage in the Australian and international markets and in respect of the above (a) identify industry sectorsbusinesses that are actual or potential beneficiaries of cultural diversity particularly in terms of investment and productivity improvement
(b) whether there are particular issues for industry and business in rural and regional areas and how these regions may benefit from cultural diversity in Victoria including by addressing labour market shortages through new or recent arrivals from overseas
(c) identify ways to take advantage of cultural diversity in the economy to increase Victorias productivity and export markets
(d) the appropriate role of Government in facilitating maximum use of Victorias cultural diversity to promote productivity and export markets and
(e) identify ways of measuring the benefits of cultural diversity including new arrivals to the Victorian economy
Report due 30 September 2004 INQUIRY INTO LABOUR HIRE EMPLOYMENT IN VICTORIA
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003
(a) The extent and breadth of labour hire employment in Victoria including the
(i) employment status of workers engaged by labour hire companies
(ii) use of labour hire in particular industries andor regions and
(iii) application of industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation
(b) the consequences of the use of labour hire employment Consideration should be given but is not limited to
(i) the rights and obligations of labour hire employees labour hire agencies andor host employers under industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation Any ambiguity about the nature of rights and obligations between the three parties should also be considered
(ii) the impact on industry skills levels
(iii) contribution to the casualisation of the work force and
(iv) the extent of any such consequences
10
(c) recommendations based on an assessment of the above matters and including consideration of
(i) the jurisdictional limitations of Victorias industrial relations powers
(ii) the recommendations of the New South Wales labour hire task force and the responsibilities of the New South Wales labour hire industry council (if established)
(iii) regulation in other Australian jurisdictions
(iv) impact on business and
(v) Worksafe Victoria campaigns and activities
Report due 31 December 2004
11
12
EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3570 Facsimile 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) The Hons Helen Buckingham and Peter Hall (Assembly) Ms Anne Eckstein Mr Steve Herbert Mr Nicholas Kotsiras Ms Janice Munt and Mr Victor Perton
Chairman Steve Herbert MP
Executive Officer Ms Karen Ellingford
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following two terms of reference ndash
1 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the suitability of current pre-service teacher training courses including
(a) future requirements of such courses to train teachers appropriate for future schooling and
(b) the particular training needs and arrangements for mature-age entrants from other professions mdash
and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to
(i) determine the range and nature of pre-service teacher training courses within Victoria and the variation among these courses in areas of contact and practicum time and in course focus on content and pedagogy
(ii) examine a range of pre-service teacher training courses across Australia and internationally focusing on how these courses differ and how they meet the needs of teachers and education systems for the 21st century
(iii)determine the skills and knowledge required of teachers and therefore of pre-service teacher training courses in response to reflect the changing nature of education in the 21st century
13
(iv) examine issues related to attracting people from other professions
to become qualified teachers in Victoria and
(v) make recommendations on specific requirements for pre-service teacher training courses based on the skills and knowledge required of teachers in the 21st century and to support increased entry of mature-age entrants from other professions
2 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 June 2004 on the impact of the high levels of unmet demand for places in higher education institutions on Victoria and in particular to consider
(a) the relationship between unmet demand and high-level skill shortages in the Victorian economy
(b) whether unmet demand has a negative effect on Victorian industry
(c) how the demand for teaching and nursing places is affected by insufficient numbers of HECS places (ie in courses not available as full-fee paying courses)
(d) how unmet demand impacts on the demand for TAFE places
(e) the degree to which commonwealth higher education funding policies directly contribute to unmet demand and
(f) the need at a national level to improve cooperative arrangements between the vocational education and training and higher education sectors
The Committee met with the New Zealand Parliamentrsquos Education and Science Committee which was visiting Australia on a fact finding mission
The Staffing Sub-Committee interviewed for the position of Executive Officer to the Committee and has appointed Ms Karen Ellingford
14
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3533 Facsimile (03) 9651 3537
Email enrcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauenrc
Members
(Council) The Hons A Coote D K Drum J G Hilton W Lovell
(Assembly) Ms J T Duncan Ms J M Lindell and Mr G Seitz
Chair Ms J M Lindell MP
Executive Officer Dr Caroline Williams
LAPSED INQUIRIES
The following inquiries lapsed with the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002 and have not been referred back to the Committee
Improving the Procedures for the Acquisition of Private Land for Use as a Park Impact Management and Use of Carp Possession and Trade of Exotic Vertebrate Animals Floodplain Management in Regional Victoria Urban Cat Control and Management in Victoria
ADEQUACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY SERVICES
Referred to the Committee during the 54th Parliament by Order in Council on 20 March 2001 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Work commenced on the Inquiry in January 2002 A discussion paper was released submissions called for inspections and public hearings held a survey of veterinary practitioners undertaken and a draft report prepared The inquiry lapsed on the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002
Terms of reference were referred back to the Committee by Order in Council on 15 April 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Activities during June 2003
Inquiry report tabled in Parliament on 4 June 2003 Members statements were made by the Chair Ms Jenny Lindell MP in the Legislative Assembly and by Ms Andrea Coote MLC in the Legislative Council on Wednesday 4 June 2003
15
Report distributed to Minister and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Minister for Environment Water Secretaries of Departments of Agriculture and Sustainability amp Environment contact departmental staff veterinary industry peak bodies all submittees and hearing witnesses as well as contacts at inspection sites Bulk copies were also forwarded to Information Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment Information Centre A copy went to each of the 3 legal deposit entities A further printing has been organised for all regional veterinarians who participated in the survey
Future activity
Await Government response to the report due on 4 December 2003 IMPACT AND TRENDS IN SOIL ACIDITY
Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 5 June 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 The Committee is required to
1) review projected social economic and environmental impacts of soil acidity at a regional and catchment scale
2) develop recommendations to reduce the projected impact of soil acidity identifying areas for potential partnerships with industry and the community and
3) identify future research and development priorities
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 March 2004
Activities during June 2003
On 25 June 2003 letter sent to Minister for Agriculture requesting a briefing on acid soils
Briefing paper on a strategy for undertaking the Inquiry prepared for consideration at the next Committee meeting
Future Activities
Committee to receive a briefing on acid soils from the Department of Primary Industries on Wednesday 16 July 2003
Strategy for undertaking the Inquiry to be considered at the next Committee meeting
Inspections and hearings to be held
16
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
Activities during June 2003
Committee and Executive Officer attended National Conference of Public Works and Environment Committees in Western Australia 29 June ndash 3 July 2003
Environment and Natural Resources Committee (Victoria) nominated to host conference in 2004
Future activity
Commence planning of 2004 conference
17
18
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
Study tour to Canberra Sydney and Brisbane 23 ndash 27 June 2003 involving site visits and discussions with the following representatives Canberra
Mr Chris Clark Acting Director Australian Crime Commission
Ms Lisa Carr National Fraud Desk and Identity Fraud Australian Crime Commission Federal Agent Nigel Phair Australian Federal Police
Mr Nicholas Klein Team Leader in the High Tech Crime Team Australian Federal Police
Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
Mr Neil Mann Deputy Commissioner Australian Taxation Office
Mr Chris Barlow Assistant Commissioner Australian Taxation Office
Mr John McNamara Assistant Commissioner Australian Taxation Office
Mr Rory Mulligan Assistant Commissioner ndash Internal Assurance Branch Australian Taxation Office
Mr Peter Zdjelar Director of Fraud Prevention and Control Australian Taxation Office
Mr Keith Besgrove Chief General Manager Regulation amp Analysis Group National Office for Information Economy
Mr Phil Malone E-Business Branch National Office for Information Economy Sydney
Mr Aub Chapman Head of Operations Westpac Banking Corporation
Mr Mark Bezzina Director Communications IT and eCommerce Standards Australia
Mr Tom Godfrey Standards Australia
Mr Graham Austin Manager Fraud Minimisation NSW Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages
Mr Tom Jambrich Assistant Auditor General NSW Audit Office
Mr Stephen Horne Performance Audit Director NSW Audit Office
Mr Bruce Cox Regional Director - Global Security AMEX Mr Jilluck Wong Regional Director - Fraud Prevention AMEX
Mr Michael Outram Executive Director NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption
Mr Ted Dunstone Previous Director Biometrics Institute
Ms Louise Collins Consultant SAGEM
Mr Tony Vaccarella Identification Systems Account Executive SAGEM
4
Brisbane Ms Leanne Joy Clare Director of Public Prosecutions for Queensland
Mr Phillip Bennett Financial Analyst Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
Mr Ray Bange Acting Manager Misconduct Prevention Unit Crime and Misconduct Commission
Mr Tony Clowes Officer in Charge ndash Forensic Computing Crime and Misconduct Commission
Ms Narelle George Misconduct Prevention Officer Crime and Misconduct Commission
Mr David Goody Principal Financial Investigator Crime and Misconduct Commission
ISSUE OF AMPHETAMINE AND lsquoPARTY DRUGrsquo USE IN VICTORIA
Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Council on 15 May 2002 to inquire into and report to Parliament by the first sitting day in 2003 on the issue of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use in Victoria In particular the committee is requested to
1 examine the nature extent and culture of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use
2 determine the demographic profile of users
3 examine the short and long term consequences of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use
4 examine the relationship of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use to other forms of licit and illicit substance use
5 review the adequacy of existing strategies for dealing with amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use
6 consider best practice strategies to address the issue of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use including regulatory law enforcement education and treatment responses
This inquiry lapsed with the prorogation of the last Parliament The terms of reference were re-referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 17 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
Research and review of literature continued Writing and editing of Discussion Paper Carolyn Hirsh MLC Chair Dr Bill Sykes MLA Executive Officer and Senior Legal
Research Officer attended the seminar ldquoBeyond e exploring the impact of party drugs on current day use and culturerdquo organised by VAADA
5
Expert (in camera) evidence provided to the Committee by police officers from Drug amp Alcohol Strategy Unit ndash Victoria Police
Study tour to Canberra Sydney and Brisbane 23 ndash 27 June 2003 involving site visits and discussions with the following representatives Canberra
Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology Dr Natalie Taylor Researcher Australian Institute of Criminology Ms Janet Smith Manager Information Services JV Barry Library Standing Committee on Family and Community Affairs Parliament of Australia Mrs Kay Hull MP(Chair) Mrs Julia Irwin MP (Deputy Chair) Mr Peter Dutton MP Mr Cameron Thompson MP Ms Bev Forbes Secretary
Mr Chris Clark Acting Director Australian Crime Commission Mr Shaun Reynolds Team Leader-Drugs Unit Australian Crime Commission Mr Nicholas Klein Team Leader in the High Tech Crime Team Australian
Federal Police Mr Keith Tomlinson Australian Federal Police Mr Phil Case Australian Federal Police Sydney Dr John Howard Programme Director Ted Noffs Foundation Mr Paul Dillon Media Liaison and Information Manager National Drug and
Alcohol Research Centre University of New South Wales Dr Louisa Degenhardt Lecturer National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre
University of New South Wales Dr Rebecca McKetin Research Fellow National Drug and Alcohol Research
Centre University of New South Wales Ms Bronwyn Crosby Manager of Clinical Services St Vincentrsquos
HospitalAlcohol and Drug Information Service Ms Carol Stubley Nursing Unit Manager St Vincentrsquos HospitalAlcohol and
Drug Information Service Ms Lorraine Buckner Pitts Health Education OfficerCounsellor St Vincentrsquos
HospitalAlcohol and Drug Information Service Brisbane Detective Inspector Gregory Tutt Illicit Laboratory Investigation Team
Queensland Police Sergeant Scott Feeney Chemical Diversion Desk Officer Queensland Police
6
Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Graham Rynders Queensland Police Detective Superintendent Kev RobinsonQueensland Police Detective Sergeant Jason Renwick Illicit Laboratory Team Queensland Police Detective Senior Constable Fiona Hinshelwood Sexual Crimes Investigation
Unit Queensland Police Ms Robyn Stewart Executive Secretary Assistant Commissioner (Crime
Operations) Queensland Police Mr Michael Dart Alcohol Tobacco and other Drugs
Policy Advisor to the Minister Queensland Health
Dr Kevin Lambkin Acting Manager Alcohol Tobacco and other Drugs Queensland Health
Mr Robert Kemp Manager Queensland Needle Availability Support Program Public Health Service Queensland Health
INQUIRY INTO STRATEGIES TO REDUCE HARMFUL ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION Referred to the Committee by the Governor in Council on 6 May 2003 to inquire into consider and report to Parliament on strategies to reduce harmful alcohol consumption In particular the Committee is required to 1 Investigate the nature extent and culture of alcohol consumption on the Victorian
community and the associated costs to the community 2 Examine the role of alcohol advertising including its influence on harmful alcohol
consumption and high-risk groups such as young people and Kooris 3 Review the adequacy of existing strategies for reducing harmful alcohol
consumption 4 Recommend best practice strategies to address the issue of harmful alcohol
consumption including regulatory law enforcement education and treatment responses
5 Examine national and international legislation reports and material relevant to
this issue The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 September 2004
Activity during June 2003
Work has not commenced on this Inquiry
7
INQUIRY OF VIOLENCE ASSOCIATED WITH MOTOR VEHICLE USE
Referred to the Committee from the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on
(a) the incidence prevalence severity cost and impact of violence associated with motor vehicle use
(b) a review of Victorian national and international research into violence associated with motor vehicle use
(c) the effectiveness of strategies and initiatives relating to violence associated with motor vehicle use and
(d) the need for policy and legislative reform to reduce violence associated with the motor vehicle use at the state level
Activity during June 2003
Work has not commenced on this Inquiry
8
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3592 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email edcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauedc
Members
(Assembly) Mr H F Delahunty Mr B J Jenkins Ms M Morand and
Mr T G Robinson
(Council) The Hons B N Atkinson R H Bowden and N Pullen
Chairman Mr T G Robinson MP
Executive Officer Mr R A Willis
INQUIRY INTO EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR VICTORIAN RURAL INDUSTRIES
Terms of Reference received by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Report due 30 September 2003
Activities during June 2003
Melbourne public hearings held on 23 and 24 June 2003 Witnesses included food export businesses government departments and agribusiness organisations
Review of evidence and drafting of report
Future Activities
Canberra meetings scheduled for 14 July 2003 with key government departments
Committee meetings scheduled for 15-18 July in Auckland and Wellington to discuss marketing and branding of food exports
Committee to deliberate on draft report
9
INQUIRY INTO ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF VICTORIArsquoS CULTURALLY DIVERSE POPULATION
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the actual and potential contribution to the economy of Victorias culturally diverse population including new arrivals with particular emphasis on the importance of Victorias cultural diversity in improving productivity increasing exports attracting foreign investment and creating competitive advantage in the Australian and international markets and in respect of the above (a) identify industry sectorsbusinesses that are actual or potential beneficiaries of cultural diversity particularly in terms of investment and productivity improvement
(b) whether there are particular issues for industry and business in rural and regional areas and how these regions may benefit from cultural diversity in Victoria including by addressing labour market shortages through new or recent arrivals from overseas
(c) identify ways to take advantage of cultural diversity in the economy to increase Victorias productivity and export markets
(d) the appropriate role of Government in facilitating maximum use of Victorias cultural diversity to promote productivity and export markets and
(e) identify ways of measuring the benefits of cultural diversity including new arrivals to the Victorian economy
Report due 30 September 2004 INQUIRY INTO LABOUR HIRE EMPLOYMENT IN VICTORIA
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003
(a) The extent and breadth of labour hire employment in Victoria including the
(i) employment status of workers engaged by labour hire companies
(ii) use of labour hire in particular industries andor regions and
(iii) application of industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation
(b) the consequences of the use of labour hire employment Consideration should be given but is not limited to
(i) the rights and obligations of labour hire employees labour hire agencies andor host employers under industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation Any ambiguity about the nature of rights and obligations between the three parties should also be considered
(ii) the impact on industry skills levels
(iii) contribution to the casualisation of the work force and
(iv) the extent of any such consequences
10
(c) recommendations based on an assessment of the above matters and including consideration of
(i) the jurisdictional limitations of Victorias industrial relations powers
(ii) the recommendations of the New South Wales labour hire task force and the responsibilities of the New South Wales labour hire industry council (if established)
(iii) regulation in other Australian jurisdictions
(iv) impact on business and
(v) Worksafe Victoria campaigns and activities
Report due 31 December 2004
11
12
EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3570 Facsimile 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) The Hons Helen Buckingham and Peter Hall (Assembly) Ms Anne Eckstein Mr Steve Herbert Mr Nicholas Kotsiras Ms Janice Munt and Mr Victor Perton
Chairman Steve Herbert MP
Executive Officer Ms Karen Ellingford
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following two terms of reference ndash
1 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the suitability of current pre-service teacher training courses including
(a) future requirements of such courses to train teachers appropriate for future schooling and
(b) the particular training needs and arrangements for mature-age entrants from other professions mdash
and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to
(i) determine the range and nature of pre-service teacher training courses within Victoria and the variation among these courses in areas of contact and practicum time and in course focus on content and pedagogy
(ii) examine a range of pre-service teacher training courses across Australia and internationally focusing on how these courses differ and how they meet the needs of teachers and education systems for the 21st century
(iii)determine the skills and knowledge required of teachers and therefore of pre-service teacher training courses in response to reflect the changing nature of education in the 21st century
13
(iv) examine issues related to attracting people from other professions
to become qualified teachers in Victoria and
(v) make recommendations on specific requirements for pre-service teacher training courses based on the skills and knowledge required of teachers in the 21st century and to support increased entry of mature-age entrants from other professions
2 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 June 2004 on the impact of the high levels of unmet demand for places in higher education institutions on Victoria and in particular to consider
(a) the relationship between unmet demand and high-level skill shortages in the Victorian economy
(b) whether unmet demand has a negative effect on Victorian industry
(c) how the demand for teaching and nursing places is affected by insufficient numbers of HECS places (ie in courses not available as full-fee paying courses)
(d) how unmet demand impacts on the demand for TAFE places
(e) the degree to which commonwealth higher education funding policies directly contribute to unmet demand and
(f) the need at a national level to improve cooperative arrangements between the vocational education and training and higher education sectors
The Committee met with the New Zealand Parliamentrsquos Education and Science Committee which was visiting Australia on a fact finding mission
The Staffing Sub-Committee interviewed for the position of Executive Officer to the Committee and has appointed Ms Karen Ellingford
14
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3533 Facsimile (03) 9651 3537
Email enrcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauenrc
Members
(Council) The Hons A Coote D K Drum J G Hilton W Lovell
(Assembly) Ms J T Duncan Ms J M Lindell and Mr G Seitz
Chair Ms J M Lindell MP
Executive Officer Dr Caroline Williams
LAPSED INQUIRIES
The following inquiries lapsed with the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002 and have not been referred back to the Committee
Improving the Procedures for the Acquisition of Private Land for Use as a Park Impact Management and Use of Carp Possession and Trade of Exotic Vertebrate Animals Floodplain Management in Regional Victoria Urban Cat Control and Management in Victoria
ADEQUACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY SERVICES
Referred to the Committee during the 54th Parliament by Order in Council on 20 March 2001 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Work commenced on the Inquiry in January 2002 A discussion paper was released submissions called for inspections and public hearings held a survey of veterinary practitioners undertaken and a draft report prepared The inquiry lapsed on the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002
Terms of reference were referred back to the Committee by Order in Council on 15 April 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Activities during June 2003
Inquiry report tabled in Parliament on 4 June 2003 Members statements were made by the Chair Ms Jenny Lindell MP in the Legislative Assembly and by Ms Andrea Coote MLC in the Legislative Council on Wednesday 4 June 2003
15
Report distributed to Minister and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Minister for Environment Water Secretaries of Departments of Agriculture and Sustainability amp Environment contact departmental staff veterinary industry peak bodies all submittees and hearing witnesses as well as contacts at inspection sites Bulk copies were also forwarded to Information Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment Information Centre A copy went to each of the 3 legal deposit entities A further printing has been organised for all regional veterinarians who participated in the survey
Future activity
Await Government response to the report due on 4 December 2003 IMPACT AND TRENDS IN SOIL ACIDITY
Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 5 June 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 The Committee is required to
1) review projected social economic and environmental impacts of soil acidity at a regional and catchment scale
2) develop recommendations to reduce the projected impact of soil acidity identifying areas for potential partnerships with industry and the community and
3) identify future research and development priorities
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 March 2004
Activities during June 2003
On 25 June 2003 letter sent to Minister for Agriculture requesting a briefing on acid soils
Briefing paper on a strategy for undertaking the Inquiry prepared for consideration at the next Committee meeting
Future Activities
Committee to receive a briefing on acid soils from the Department of Primary Industries on Wednesday 16 July 2003
Strategy for undertaking the Inquiry to be considered at the next Committee meeting
Inspections and hearings to be held
16
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
Activities during June 2003
Committee and Executive Officer attended National Conference of Public Works and Environment Committees in Western Australia 29 June ndash 3 July 2003
Environment and Natural Resources Committee (Victoria) nominated to host conference in 2004
Future activity
Commence planning of 2004 conference
17
18
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
Brisbane Ms Leanne Joy Clare Director of Public Prosecutions for Queensland
Mr Phillip Bennett Financial Analyst Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
Mr Ray Bange Acting Manager Misconduct Prevention Unit Crime and Misconduct Commission
Mr Tony Clowes Officer in Charge ndash Forensic Computing Crime and Misconduct Commission
Ms Narelle George Misconduct Prevention Officer Crime and Misconduct Commission
Mr David Goody Principal Financial Investigator Crime and Misconduct Commission
ISSUE OF AMPHETAMINE AND lsquoPARTY DRUGrsquo USE IN VICTORIA
Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Council on 15 May 2002 to inquire into and report to Parliament by the first sitting day in 2003 on the issue of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use in Victoria In particular the committee is requested to
1 examine the nature extent and culture of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use
2 determine the demographic profile of users
3 examine the short and long term consequences of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use
4 examine the relationship of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use to other forms of licit and illicit substance use
5 review the adequacy of existing strategies for dealing with amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use
6 consider best practice strategies to address the issue of amphetamine and lsquoparty drugrsquo use including regulatory law enforcement education and treatment responses
This inquiry lapsed with the prorogation of the last Parliament The terms of reference were re-referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 17 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
Research and review of literature continued Writing and editing of Discussion Paper Carolyn Hirsh MLC Chair Dr Bill Sykes MLA Executive Officer and Senior Legal
Research Officer attended the seminar ldquoBeyond e exploring the impact of party drugs on current day use and culturerdquo organised by VAADA
5
Expert (in camera) evidence provided to the Committee by police officers from Drug amp Alcohol Strategy Unit ndash Victoria Police
Study tour to Canberra Sydney and Brisbane 23 ndash 27 June 2003 involving site visits and discussions with the following representatives Canberra
Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology Dr Natalie Taylor Researcher Australian Institute of Criminology Ms Janet Smith Manager Information Services JV Barry Library Standing Committee on Family and Community Affairs Parliament of Australia Mrs Kay Hull MP(Chair) Mrs Julia Irwin MP (Deputy Chair) Mr Peter Dutton MP Mr Cameron Thompson MP Ms Bev Forbes Secretary
Mr Chris Clark Acting Director Australian Crime Commission Mr Shaun Reynolds Team Leader-Drugs Unit Australian Crime Commission Mr Nicholas Klein Team Leader in the High Tech Crime Team Australian
Federal Police Mr Keith Tomlinson Australian Federal Police Mr Phil Case Australian Federal Police Sydney Dr John Howard Programme Director Ted Noffs Foundation Mr Paul Dillon Media Liaison and Information Manager National Drug and
Alcohol Research Centre University of New South Wales Dr Louisa Degenhardt Lecturer National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre
University of New South Wales Dr Rebecca McKetin Research Fellow National Drug and Alcohol Research
Centre University of New South Wales Ms Bronwyn Crosby Manager of Clinical Services St Vincentrsquos
HospitalAlcohol and Drug Information Service Ms Carol Stubley Nursing Unit Manager St Vincentrsquos HospitalAlcohol and
Drug Information Service Ms Lorraine Buckner Pitts Health Education OfficerCounsellor St Vincentrsquos
HospitalAlcohol and Drug Information Service Brisbane Detective Inspector Gregory Tutt Illicit Laboratory Investigation Team
Queensland Police Sergeant Scott Feeney Chemical Diversion Desk Officer Queensland Police
6
Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Graham Rynders Queensland Police Detective Superintendent Kev RobinsonQueensland Police Detective Sergeant Jason Renwick Illicit Laboratory Team Queensland Police Detective Senior Constable Fiona Hinshelwood Sexual Crimes Investigation
Unit Queensland Police Ms Robyn Stewart Executive Secretary Assistant Commissioner (Crime
Operations) Queensland Police Mr Michael Dart Alcohol Tobacco and other Drugs
Policy Advisor to the Minister Queensland Health
Dr Kevin Lambkin Acting Manager Alcohol Tobacco and other Drugs Queensland Health
Mr Robert Kemp Manager Queensland Needle Availability Support Program Public Health Service Queensland Health
INQUIRY INTO STRATEGIES TO REDUCE HARMFUL ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION Referred to the Committee by the Governor in Council on 6 May 2003 to inquire into consider and report to Parliament on strategies to reduce harmful alcohol consumption In particular the Committee is required to 1 Investigate the nature extent and culture of alcohol consumption on the Victorian
community and the associated costs to the community 2 Examine the role of alcohol advertising including its influence on harmful alcohol
consumption and high-risk groups such as young people and Kooris 3 Review the adequacy of existing strategies for reducing harmful alcohol
consumption 4 Recommend best practice strategies to address the issue of harmful alcohol
consumption including regulatory law enforcement education and treatment responses
5 Examine national and international legislation reports and material relevant to
this issue The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 September 2004
Activity during June 2003
Work has not commenced on this Inquiry
7
INQUIRY OF VIOLENCE ASSOCIATED WITH MOTOR VEHICLE USE
Referred to the Committee from the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on
(a) the incidence prevalence severity cost and impact of violence associated with motor vehicle use
(b) a review of Victorian national and international research into violence associated with motor vehicle use
(c) the effectiveness of strategies and initiatives relating to violence associated with motor vehicle use and
(d) the need for policy and legislative reform to reduce violence associated with the motor vehicle use at the state level
Activity during June 2003
Work has not commenced on this Inquiry
8
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3592 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email edcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauedc
Members
(Assembly) Mr H F Delahunty Mr B J Jenkins Ms M Morand and
Mr T G Robinson
(Council) The Hons B N Atkinson R H Bowden and N Pullen
Chairman Mr T G Robinson MP
Executive Officer Mr R A Willis
INQUIRY INTO EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR VICTORIAN RURAL INDUSTRIES
Terms of Reference received by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Report due 30 September 2003
Activities during June 2003
Melbourne public hearings held on 23 and 24 June 2003 Witnesses included food export businesses government departments and agribusiness organisations
Review of evidence and drafting of report
Future Activities
Canberra meetings scheduled for 14 July 2003 with key government departments
Committee meetings scheduled for 15-18 July in Auckland and Wellington to discuss marketing and branding of food exports
Committee to deliberate on draft report
9
INQUIRY INTO ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF VICTORIArsquoS CULTURALLY DIVERSE POPULATION
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the actual and potential contribution to the economy of Victorias culturally diverse population including new arrivals with particular emphasis on the importance of Victorias cultural diversity in improving productivity increasing exports attracting foreign investment and creating competitive advantage in the Australian and international markets and in respect of the above (a) identify industry sectorsbusinesses that are actual or potential beneficiaries of cultural diversity particularly in terms of investment and productivity improvement
(b) whether there are particular issues for industry and business in rural and regional areas and how these regions may benefit from cultural diversity in Victoria including by addressing labour market shortages through new or recent arrivals from overseas
(c) identify ways to take advantage of cultural diversity in the economy to increase Victorias productivity and export markets
(d) the appropriate role of Government in facilitating maximum use of Victorias cultural diversity to promote productivity and export markets and
(e) identify ways of measuring the benefits of cultural diversity including new arrivals to the Victorian economy
Report due 30 September 2004 INQUIRY INTO LABOUR HIRE EMPLOYMENT IN VICTORIA
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003
(a) The extent and breadth of labour hire employment in Victoria including the
(i) employment status of workers engaged by labour hire companies
(ii) use of labour hire in particular industries andor regions and
(iii) application of industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation
(b) the consequences of the use of labour hire employment Consideration should be given but is not limited to
(i) the rights and obligations of labour hire employees labour hire agencies andor host employers under industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation Any ambiguity about the nature of rights and obligations between the three parties should also be considered
(ii) the impact on industry skills levels
(iii) contribution to the casualisation of the work force and
(iv) the extent of any such consequences
10
(c) recommendations based on an assessment of the above matters and including consideration of
(i) the jurisdictional limitations of Victorias industrial relations powers
(ii) the recommendations of the New South Wales labour hire task force and the responsibilities of the New South Wales labour hire industry council (if established)
(iii) regulation in other Australian jurisdictions
(iv) impact on business and
(v) Worksafe Victoria campaigns and activities
Report due 31 December 2004
11
12
EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3570 Facsimile 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) The Hons Helen Buckingham and Peter Hall (Assembly) Ms Anne Eckstein Mr Steve Herbert Mr Nicholas Kotsiras Ms Janice Munt and Mr Victor Perton
Chairman Steve Herbert MP
Executive Officer Ms Karen Ellingford
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following two terms of reference ndash
1 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the suitability of current pre-service teacher training courses including
(a) future requirements of such courses to train teachers appropriate for future schooling and
(b) the particular training needs and arrangements for mature-age entrants from other professions mdash
and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to
(i) determine the range and nature of pre-service teacher training courses within Victoria and the variation among these courses in areas of contact and practicum time and in course focus on content and pedagogy
(ii) examine a range of pre-service teacher training courses across Australia and internationally focusing on how these courses differ and how they meet the needs of teachers and education systems for the 21st century
(iii)determine the skills and knowledge required of teachers and therefore of pre-service teacher training courses in response to reflect the changing nature of education in the 21st century
13
(iv) examine issues related to attracting people from other professions
to become qualified teachers in Victoria and
(v) make recommendations on specific requirements for pre-service teacher training courses based on the skills and knowledge required of teachers in the 21st century and to support increased entry of mature-age entrants from other professions
2 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 June 2004 on the impact of the high levels of unmet demand for places in higher education institutions on Victoria and in particular to consider
(a) the relationship between unmet demand and high-level skill shortages in the Victorian economy
(b) whether unmet demand has a negative effect on Victorian industry
(c) how the demand for teaching and nursing places is affected by insufficient numbers of HECS places (ie in courses not available as full-fee paying courses)
(d) how unmet demand impacts on the demand for TAFE places
(e) the degree to which commonwealth higher education funding policies directly contribute to unmet demand and
(f) the need at a national level to improve cooperative arrangements between the vocational education and training and higher education sectors
The Committee met with the New Zealand Parliamentrsquos Education and Science Committee which was visiting Australia on a fact finding mission
The Staffing Sub-Committee interviewed for the position of Executive Officer to the Committee and has appointed Ms Karen Ellingford
14
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3533 Facsimile (03) 9651 3537
Email enrcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauenrc
Members
(Council) The Hons A Coote D K Drum J G Hilton W Lovell
(Assembly) Ms J T Duncan Ms J M Lindell and Mr G Seitz
Chair Ms J M Lindell MP
Executive Officer Dr Caroline Williams
LAPSED INQUIRIES
The following inquiries lapsed with the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002 and have not been referred back to the Committee
Improving the Procedures for the Acquisition of Private Land for Use as a Park Impact Management and Use of Carp Possession and Trade of Exotic Vertebrate Animals Floodplain Management in Regional Victoria Urban Cat Control and Management in Victoria
ADEQUACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY SERVICES
Referred to the Committee during the 54th Parliament by Order in Council on 20 March 2001 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Work commenced on the Inquiry in January 2002 A discussion paper was released submissions called for inspections and public hearings held a survey of veterinary practitioners undertaken and a draft report prepared The inquiry lapsed on the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002
Terms of reference were referred back to the Committee by Order in Council on 15 April 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Activities during June 2003
Inquiry report tabled in Parliament on 4 June 2003 Members statements were made by the Chair Ms Jenny Lindell MP in the Legislative Assembly and by Ms Andrea Coote MLC in the Legislative Council on Wednesday 4 June 2003
15
Report distributed to Minister and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Minister for Environment Water Secretaries of Departments of Agriculture and Sustainability amp Environment contact departmental staff veterinary industry peak bodies all submittees and hearing witnesses as well as contacts at inspection sites Bulk copies were also forwarded to Information Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment Information Centre A copy went to each of the 3 legal deposit entities A further printing has been organised for all regional veterinarians who participated in the survey
Future activity
Await Government response to the report due on 4 December 2003 IMPACT AND TRENDS IN SOIL ACIDITY
Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 5 June 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 The Committee is required to
1) review projected social economic and environmental impacts of soil acidity at a regional and catchment scale
2) develop recommendations to reduce the projected impact of soil acidity identifying areas for potential partnerships with industry and the community and
3) identify future research and development priorities
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 March 2004
Activities during June 2003
On 25 June 2003 letter sent to Minister for Agriculture requesting a briefing on acid soils
Briefing paper on a strategy for undertaking the Inquiry prepared for consideration at the next Committee meeting
Future Activities
Committee to receive a briefing on acid soils from the Department of Primary Industries on Wednesday 16 July 2003
Strategy for undertaking the Inquiry to be considered at the next Committee meeting
Inspections and hearings to be held
16
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
Activities during June 2003
Committee and Executive Officer attended National Conference of Public Works and Environment Committees in Western Australia 29 June ndash 3 July 2003
Environment and Natural Resources Committee (Victoria) nominated to host conference in 2004
Future activity
Commence planning of 2004 conference
17
18
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
Expert (in camera) evidence provided to the Committee by police officers from Drug amp Alcohol Strategy Unit ndash Victoria Police
Study tour to Canberra Sydney and Brisbane 23 ndash 27 June 2003 involving site visits and discussions with the following representatives Canberra
Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology Dr Natalie Taylor Researcher Australian Institute of Criminology Ms Janet Smith Manager Information Services JV Barry Library Standing Committee on Family and Community Affairs Parliament of Australia Mrs Kay Hull MP(Chair) Mrs Julia Irwin MP (Deputy Chair) Mr Peter Dutton MP Mr Cameron Thompson MP Ms Bev Forbes Secretary
Mr Chris Clark Acting Director Australian Crime Commission Mr Shaun Reynolds Team Leader-Drugs Unit Australian Crime Commission Mr Nicholas Klein Team Leader in the High Tech Crime Team Australian
Federal Police Mr Keith Tomlinson Australian Federal Police Mr Phil Case Australian Federal Police Sydney Dr John Howard Programme Director Ted Noffs Foundation Mr Paul Dillon Media Liaison and Information Manager National Drug and
Alcohol Research Centre University of New South Wales Dr Louisa Degenhardt Lecturer National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre
University of New South Wales Dr Rebecca McKetin Research Fellow National Drug and Alcohol Research
Centre University of New South Wales Ms Bronwyn Crosby Manager of Clinical Services St Vincentrsquos
HospitalAlcohol and Drug Information Service Ms Carol Stubley Nursing Unit Manager St Vincentrsquos HospitalAlcohol and
Drug Information Service Ms Lorraine Buckner Pitts Health Education OfficerCounsellor St Vincentrsquos
HospitalAlcohol and Drug Information Service Brisbane Detective Inspector Gregory Tutt Illicit Laboratory Investigation Team
Queensland Police Sergeant Scott Feeney Chemical Diversion Desk Officer Queensland Police
6
Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Graham Rynders Queensland Police Detective Superintendent Kev RobinsonQueensland Police Detective Sergeant Jason Renwick Illicit Laboratory Team Queensland Police Detective Senior Constable Fiona Hinshelwood Sexual Crimes Investigation
Unit Queensland Police Ms Robyn Stewart Executive Secretary Assistant Commissioner (Crime
Operations) Queensland Police Mr Michael Dart Alcohol Tobacco and other Drugs
Policy Advisor to the Minister Queensland Health
Dr Kevin Lambkin Acting Manager Alcohol Tobacco and other Drugs Queensland Health
Mr Robert Kemp Manager Queensland Needle Availability Support Program Public Health Service Queensland Health
INQUIRY INTO STRATEGIES TO REDUCE HARMFUL ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION Referred to the Committee by the Governor in Council on 6 May 2003 to inquire into consider and report to Parliament on strategies to reduce harmful alcohol consumption In particular the Committee is required to 1 Investigate the nature extent and culture of alcohol consumption on the Victorian
community and the associated costs to the community 2 Examine the role of alcohol advertising including its influence on harmful alcohol
consumption and high-risk groups such as young people and Kooris 3 Review the adequacy of existing strategies for reducing harmful alcohol
consumption 4 Recommend best practice strategies to address the issue of harmful alcohol
consumption including regulatory law enforcement education and treatment responses
5 Examine national and international legislation reports and material relevant to
this issue The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 September 2004
Activity during June 2003
Work has not commenced on this Inquiry
7
INQUIRY OF VIOLENCE ASSOCIATED WITH MOTOR VEHICLE USE
Referred to the Committee from the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on
(a) the incidence prevalence severity cost and impact of violence associated with motor vehicle use
(b) a review of Victorian national and international research into violence associated with motor vehicle use
(c) the effectiveness of strategies and initiatives relating to violence associated with motor vehicle use and
(d) the need for policy and legislative reform to reduce violence associated with the motor vehicle use at the state level
Activity during June 2003
Work has not commenced on this Inquiry
8
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3592 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email edcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauedc
Members
(Assembly) Mr H F Delahunty Mr B J Jenkins Ms M Morand and
Mr T G Robinson
(Council) The Hons B N Atkinson R H Bowden and N Pullen
Chairman Mr T G Robinson MP
Executive Officer Mr R A Willis
INQUIRY INTO EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR VICTORIAN RURAL INDUSTRIES
Terms of Reference received by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Report due 30 September 2003
Activities during June 2003
Melbourne public hearings held on 23 and 24 June 2003 Witnesses included food export businesses government departments and agribusiness organisations
Review of evidence and drafting of report
Future Activities
Canberra meetings scheduled for 14 July 2003 with key government departments
Committee meetings scheduled for 15-18 July in Auckland and Wellington to discuss marketing and branding of food exports
Committee to deliberate on draft report
9
INQUIRY INTO ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF VICTORIArsquoS CULTURALLY DIVERSE POPULATION
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the actual and potential contribution to the economy of Victorias culturally diverse population including new arrivals with particular emphasis on the importance of Victorias cultural diversity in improving productivity increasing exports attracting foreign investment and creating competitive advantage in the Australian and international markets and in respect of the above (a) identify industry sectorsbusinesses that are actual or potential beneficiaries of cultural diversity particularly in terms of investment and productivity improvement
(b) whether there are particular issues for industry and business in rural and regional areas and how these regions may benefit from cultural diversity in Victoria including by addressing labour market shortages through new or recent arrivals from overseas
(c) identify ways to take advantage of cultural diversity in the economy to increase Victorias productivity and export markets
(d) the appropriate role of Government in facilitating maximum use of Victorias cultural diversity to promote productivity and export markets and
(e) identify ways of measuring the benefits of cultural diversity including new arrivals to the Victorian economy
Report due 30 September 2004 INQUIRY INTO LABOUR HIRE EMPLOYMENT IN VICTORIA
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003
(a) The extent and breadth of labour hire employment in Victoria including the
(i) employment status of workers engaged by labour hire companies
(ii) use of labour hire in particular industries andor regions and
(iii) application of industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation
(b) the consequences of the use of labour hire employment Consideration should be given but is not limited to
(i) the rights and obligations of labour hire employees labour hire agencies andor host employers under industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation Any ambiguity about the nature of rights and obligations between the three parties should also be considered
(ii) the impact on industry skills levels
(iii) contribution to the casualisation of the work force and
(iv) the extent of any such consequences
10
(c) recommendations based on an assessment of the above matters and including consideration of
(i) the jurisdictional limitations of Victorias industrial relations powers
(ii) the recommendations of the New South Wales labour hire task force and the responsibilities of the New South Wales labour hire industry council (if established)
(iii) regulation in other Australian jurisdictions
(iv) impact on business and
(v) Worksafe Victoria campaigns and activities
Report due 31 December 2004
11
12
EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3570 Facsimile 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) The Hons Helen Buckingham and Peter Hall (Assembly) Ms Anne Eckstein Mr Steve Herbert Mr Nicholas Kotsiras Ms Janice Munt and Mr Victor Perton
Chairman Steve Herbert MP
Executive Officer Ms Karen Ellingford
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following two terms of reference ndash
1 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the suitability of current pre-service teacher training courses including
(a) future requirements of such courses to train teachers appropriate for future schooling and
(b) the particular training needs and arrangements for mature-age entrants from other professions mdash
and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to
(i) determine the range and nature of pre-service teacher training courses within Victoria and the variation among these courses in areas of contact and practicum time and in course focus on content and pedagogy
(ii) examine a range of pre-service teacher training courses across Australia and internationally focusing on how these courses differ and how they meet the needs of teachers and education systems for the 21st century
(iii)determine the skills and knowledge required of teachers and therefore of pre-service teacher training courses in response to reflect the changing nature of education in the 21st century
13
(iv) examine issues related to attracting people from other professions
to become qualified teachers in Victoria and
(v) make recommendations on specific requirements for pre-service teacher training courses based on the skills and knowledge required of teachers in the 21st century and to support increased entry of mature-age entrants from other professions
2 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 June 2004 on the impact of the high levels of unmet demand for places in higher education institutions on Victoria and in particular to consider
(a) the relationship between unmet demand and high-level skill shortages in the Victorian economy
(b) whether unmet demand has a negative effect on Victorian industry
(c) how the demand for teaching and nursing places is affected by insufficient numbers of HECS places (ie in courses not available as full-fee paying courses)
(d) how unmet demand impacts on the demand for TAFE places
(e) the degree to which commonwealth higher education funding policies directly contribute to unmet demand and
(f) the need at a national level to improve cooperative arrangements between the vocational education and training and higher education sectors
The Committee met with the New Zealand Parliamentrsquos Education and Science Committee which was visiting Australia on a fact finding mission
The Staffing Sub-Committee interviewed for the position of Executive Officer to the Committee and has appointed Ms Karen Ellingford
14
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3533 Facsimile (03) 9651 3537
Email enrcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauenrc
Members
(Council) The Hons A Coote D K Drum J G Hilton W Lovell
(Assembly) Ms J T Duncan Ms J M Lindell and Mr G Seitz
Chair Ms J M Lindell MP
Executive Officer Dr Caroline Williams
LAPSED INQUIRIES
The following inquiries lapsed with the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002 and have not been referred back to the Committee
Improving the Procedures for the Acquisition of Private Land for Use as a Park Impact Management and Use of Carp Possession and Trade of Exotic Vertebrate Animals Floodplain Management in Regional Victoria Urban Cat Control and Management in Victoria
ADEQUACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY SERVICES
Referred to the Committee during the 54th Parliament by Order in Council on 20 March 2001 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Work commenced on the Inquiry in January 2002 A discussion paper was released submissions called for inspections and public hearings held a survey of veterinary practitioners undertaken and a draft report prepared The inquiry lapsed on the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002
Terms of reference were referred back to the Committee by Order in Council on 15 April 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Activities during June 2003
Inquiry report tabled in Parliament on 4 June 2003 Members statements were made by the Chair Ms Jenny Lindell MP in the Legislative Assembly and by Ms Andrea Coote MLC in the Legislative Council on Wednesday 4 June 2003
15
Report distributed to Minister and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Minister for Environment Water Secretaries of Departments of Agriculture and Sustainability amp Environment contact departmental staff veterinary industry peak bodies all submittees and hearing witnesses as well as contacts at inspection sites Bulk copies were also forwarded to Information Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment Information Centre A copy went to each of the 3 legal deposit entities A further printing has been organised for all regional veterinarians who participated in the survey
Future activity
Await Government response to the report due on 4 December 2003 IMPACT AND TRENDS IN SOIL ACIDITY
Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 5 June 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 The Committee is required to
1) review projected social economic and environmental impacts of soil acidity at a regional and catchment scale
2) develop recommendations to reduce the projected impact of soil acidity identifying areas for potential partnerships with industry and the community and
3) identify future research and development priorities
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 March 2004
Activities during June 2003
On 25 June 2003 letter sent to Minister for Agriculture requesting a briefing on acid soils
Briefing paper on a strategy for undertaking the Inquiry prepared for consideration at the next Committee meeting
Future Activities
Committee to receive a briefing on acid soils from the Department of Primary Industries on Wednesday 16 July 2003
Strategy for undertaking the Inquiry to be considered at the next Committee meeting
Inspections and hearings to be held
16
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
Activities during June 2003
Committee and Executive Officer attended National Conference of Public Works and Environment Committees in Western Australia 29 June ndash 3 July 2003
Environment and Natural Resources Committee (Victoria) nominated to host conference in 2004
Future activity
Commence planning of 2004 conference
17
18
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Graham Rynders Queensland Police Detective Superintendent Kev RobinsonQueensland Police Detective Sergeant Jason Renwick Illicit Laboratory Team Queensland Police Detective Senior Constable Fiona Hinshelwood Sexual Crimes Investigation
Unit Queensland Police Ms Robyn Stewart Executive Secretary Assistant Commissioner (Crime
Operations) Queensland Police Mr Michael Dart Alcohol Tobacco and other Drugs
Policy Advisor to the Minister Queensland Health
Dr Kevin Lambkin Acting Manager Alcohol Tobacco and other Drugs Queensland Health
Mr Robert Kemp Manager Queensland Needle Availability Support Program Public Health Service Queensland Health
INQUIRY INTO STRATEGIES TO REDUCE HARMFUL ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION Referred to the Committee by the Governor in Council on 6 May 2003 to inquire into consider and report to Parliament on strategies to reduce harmful alcohol consumption In particular the Committee is required to 1 Investigate the nature extent and culture of alcohol consumption on the Victorian
community and the associated costs to the community 2 Examine the role of alcohol advertising including its influence on harmful alcohol
consumption and high-risk groups such as young people and Kooris 3 Review the adequacy of existing strategies for reducing harmful alcohol
consumption 4 Recommend best practice strategies to address the issue of harmful alcohol
consumption including regulatory law enforcement education and treatment responses
5 Examine national and international legislation reports and material relevant to
this issue The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 September 2004
Activity during June 2003
Work has not commenced on this Inquiry
7
INQUIRY OF VIOLENCE ASSOCIATED WITH MOTOR VEHICLE USE
Referred to the Committee from the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on
(a) the incidence prevalence severity cost and impact of violence associated with motor vehicle use
(b) a review of Victorian national and international research into violence associated with motor vehicle use
(c) the effectiveness of strategies and initiatives relating to violence associated with motor vehicle use and
(d) the need for policy and legislative reform to reduce violence associated with the motor vehicle use at the state level
Activity during June 2003
Work has not commenced on this Inquiry
8
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3592 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email edcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauedc
Members
(Assembly) Mr H F Delahunty Mr B J Jenkins Ms M Morand and
Mr T G Robinson
(Council) The Hons B N Atkinson R H Bowden and N Pullen
Chairman Mr T G Robinson MP
Executive Officer Mr R A Willis
INQUIRY INTO EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR VICTORIAN RURAL INDUSTRIES
Terms of Reference received by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Report due 30 September 2003
Activities during June 2003
Melbourne public hearings held on 23 and 24 June 2003 Witnesses included food export businesses government departments and agribusiness organisations
Review of evidence and drafting of report
Future Activities
Canberra meetings scheduled for 14 July 2003 with key government departments
Committee meetings scheduled for 15-18 July in Auckland and Wellington to discuss marketing and branding of food exports
Committee to deliberate on draft report
9
INQUIRY INTO ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF VICTORIArsquoS CULTURALLY DIVERSE POPULATION
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the actual and potential contribution to the economy of Victorias culturally diverse population including new arrivals with particular emphasis on the importance of Victorias cultural diversity in improving productivity increasing exports attracting foreign investment and creating competitive advantage in the Australian and international markets and in respect of the above (a) identify industry sectorsbusinesses that are actual or potential beneficiaries of cultural diversity particularly in terms of investment and productivity improvement
(b) whether there are particular issues for industry and business in rural and regional areas and how these regions may benefit from cultural diversity in Victoria including by addressing labour market shortages through new or recent arrivals from overseas
(c) identify ways to take advantage of cultural diversity in the economy to increase Victorias productivity and export markets
(d) the appropriate role of Government in facilitating maximum use of Victorias cultural diversity to promote productivity and export markets and
(e) identify ways of measuring the benefits of cultural diversity including new arrivals to the Victorian economy
Report due 30 September 2004 INQUIRY INTO LABOUR HIRE EMPLOYMENT IN VICTORIA
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003
(a) The extent and breadth of labour hire employment in Victoria including the
(i) employment status of workers engaged by labour hire companies
(ii) use of labour hire in particular industries andor regions and
(iii) application of industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation
(b) the consequences of the use of labour hire employment Consideration should be given but is not limited to
(i) the rights and obligations of labour hire employees labour hire agencies andor host employers under industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation Any ambiguity about the nature of rights and obligations between the three parties should also be considered
(ii) the impact on industry skills levels
(iii) contribution to the casualisation of the work force and
(iv) the extent of any such consequences
10
(c) recommendations based on an assessment of the above matters and including consideration of
(i) the jurisdictional limitations of Victorias industrial relations powers
(ii) the recommendations of the New South Wales labour hire task force and the responsibilities of the New South Wales labour hire industry council (if established)
(iii) regulation in other Australian jurisdictions
(iv) impact on business and
(v) Worksafe Victoria campaigns and activities
Report due 31 December 2004
11
12
EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3570 Facsimile 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) The Hons Helen Buckingham and Peter Hall (Assembly) Ms Anne Eckstein Mr Steve Herbert Mr Nicholas Kotsiras Ms Janice Munt and Mr Victor Perton
Chairman Steve Herbert MP
Executive Officer Ms Karen Ellingford
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following two terms of reference ndash
1 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the suitability of current pre-service teacher training courses including
(a) future requirements of such courses to train teachers appropriate for future schooling and
(b) the particular training needs and arrangements for mature-age entrants from other professions mdash
and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to
(i) determine the range and nature of pre-service teacher training courses within Victoria and the variation among these courses in areas of contact and practicum time and in course focus on content and pedagogy
(ii) examine a range of pre-service teacher training courses across Australia and internationally focusing on how these courses differ and how they meet the needs of teachers and education systems for the 21st century
(iii)determine the skills and knowledge required of teachers and therefore of pre-service teacher training courses in response to reflect the changing nature of education in the 21st century
13
(iv) examine issues related to attracting people from other professions
to become qualified teachers in Victoria and
(v) make recommendations on specific requirements for pre-service teacher training courses based on the skills and knowledge required of teachers in the 21st century and to support increased entry of mature-age entrants from other professions
2 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 June 2004 on the impact of the high levels of unmet demand for places in higher education institutions on Victoria and in particular to consider
(a) the relationship between unmet demand and high-level skill shortages in the Victorian economy
(b) whether unmet demand has a negative effect on Victorian industry
(c) how the demand for teaching and nursing places is affected by insufficient numbers of HECS places (ie in courses not available as full-fee paying courses)
(d) how unmet demand impacts on the demand for TAFE places
(e) the degree to which commonwealth higher education funding policies directly contribute to unmet demand and
(f) the need at a national level to improve cooperative arrangements between the vocational education and training and higher education sectors
The Committee met with the New Zealand Parliamentrsquos Education and Science Committee which was visiting Australia on a fact finding mission
The Staffing Sub-Committee interviewed for the position of Executive Officer to the Committee and has appointed Ms Karen Ellingford
14
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3533 Facsimile (03) 9651 3537
Email enrcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauenrc
Members
(Council) The Hons A Coote D K Drum J G Hilton W Lovell
(Assembly) Ms J T Duncan Ms J M Lindell and Mr G Seitz
Chair Ms J M Lindell MP
Executive Officer Dr Caroline Williams
LAPSED INQUIRIES
The following inquiries lapsed with the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002 and have not been referred back to the Committee
Improving the Procedures for the Acquisition of Private Land for Use as a Park Impact Management and Use of Carp Possession and Trade of Exotic Vertebrate Animals Floodplain Management in Regional Victoria Urban Cat Control and Management in Victoria
ADEQUACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY SERVICES
Referred to the Committee during the 54th Parliament by Order in Council on 20 March 2001 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Work commenced on the Inquiry in January 2002 A discussion paper was released submissions called for inspections and public hearings held a survey of veterinary practitioners undertaken and a draft report prepared The inquiry lapsed on the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002
Terms of reference were referred back to the Committee by Order in Council on 15 April 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Activities during June 2003
Inquiry report tabled in Parliament on 4 June 2003 Members statements were made by the Chair Ms Jenny Lindell MP in the Legislative Assembly and by Ms Andrea Coote MLC in the Legislative Council on Wednesday 4 June 2003
15
Report distributed to Minister and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Minister for Environment Water Secretaries of Departments of Agriculture and Sustainability amp Environment contact departmental staff veterinary industry peak bodies all submittees and hearing witnesses as well as contacts at inspection sites Bulk copies were also forwarded to Information Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment Information Centre A copy went to each of the 3 legal deposit entities A further printing has been organised for all regional veterinarians who participated in the survey
Future activity
Await Government response to the report due on 4 December 2003 IMPACT AND TRENDS IN SOIL ACIDITY
Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 5 June 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 The Committee is required to
1) review projected social economic and environmental impacts of soil acidity at a regional and catchment scale
2) develop recommendations to reduce the projected impact of soil acidity identifying areas for potential partnerships with industry and the community and
3) identify future research and development priorities
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 March 2004
Activities during June 2003
On 25 June 2003 letter sent to Minister for Agriculture requesting a briefing on acid soils
Briefing paper on a strategy for undertaking the Inquiry prepared for consideration at the next Committee meeting
Future Activities
Committee to receive a briefing on acid soils from the Department of Primary Industries on Wednesday 16 July 2003
Strategy for undertaking the Inquiry to be considered at the next Committee meeting
Inspections and hearings to be held
16
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
Activities during June 2003
Committee and Executive Officer attended National Conference of Public Works and Environment Committees in Western Australia 29 June ndash 3 July 2003
Environment and Natural Resources Committee (Victoria) nominated to host conference in 2004
Future activity
Commence planning of 2004 conference
17
18
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
INQUIRY OF VIOLENCE ASSOCIATED WITH MOTOR VEHICLE USE
Referred to the Committee from the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on
(a) the incidence prevalence severity cost and impact of violence associated with motor vehicle use
(b) a review of Victorian national and international research into violence associated with motor vehicle use
(c) the effectiveness of strategies and initiatives relating to violence associated with motor vehicle use and
(d) the need for policy and legislative reform to reduce violence associated with the motor vehicle use at the state level
Activity during June 2003
Work has not commenced on this Inquiry
8
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3592 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email edcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauedc
Members
(Assembly) Mr H F Delahunty Mr B J Jenkins Ms M Morand and
Mr T G Robinson
(Council) The Hons B N Atkinson R H Bowden and N Pullen
Chairman Mr T G Robinson MP
Executive Officer Mr R A Willis
INQUIRY INTO EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR VICTORIAN RURAL INDUSTRIES
Terms of Reference received by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Report due 30 September 2003
Activities during June 2003
Melbourne public hearings held on 23 and 24 June 2003 Witnesses included food export businesses government departments and agribusiness organisations
Review of evidence and drafting of report
Future Activities
Canberra meetings scheduled for 14 July 2003 with key government departments
Committee meetings scheduled for 15-18 July in Auckland and Wellington to discuss marketing and branding of food exports
Committee to deliberate on draft report
9
INQUIRY INTO ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF VICTORIArsquoS CULTURALLY DIVERSE POPULATION
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the actual and potential contribution to the economy of Victorias culturally diverse population including new arrivals with particular emphasis on the importance of Victorias cultural diversity in improving productivity increasing exports attracting foreign investment and creating competitive advantage in the Australian and international markets and in respect of the above (a) identify industry sectorsbusinesses that are actual or potential beneficiaries of cultural diversity particularly in terms of investment and productivity improvement
(b) whether there are particular issues for industry and business in rural and regional areas and how these regions may benefit from cultural diversity in Victoria including by addressing labour market shortages through new or recent arrivals from overseas
(c) identify ways to take advantage of cultural diversity in the economy to increase Victorias productivity and export markets
(d) the appropriate role of Government in facilitating maximum use of Victorias cultural diversity to promote productivity and export markets and
(e) identify ways of measuring the benefits of cultural diversity including new arrivals to the Victorian economy
Report due 30 September 2004 INQUIRY INTO LABOUR HIRE EMPLOYMENT IN VICTORIA
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003
(a) The extent and breadth of labour hire employment in Victoria including the
(i) employment status of workers engaged by labour hire companies
(ii) use of labour hire in particular industries andor regions and
(iii) application of industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation
(b) the consequences of the use of labour hire employment Consideration should be given but is not limited to
(i) the rights and obligations of labour hire employees labour hire agencies andor host employers under industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation Any ambiguity about the nature of rights and obligations between the three parties should also be considered
(ii) the impact on industry skills levels
(iii) contribution to the casualisation of the work force and
(iv) the extent of any such consequences
10
(c) recommendations based on an assessment of the above matters and including consideration of
(i) the jurisdictional limitations of Victorias industrial relations powers
(ii) the recommendations of the New South Wales labour hire task force and the responsibilities of the New South Wales labour hire industry council (if established)
(iii) regulation in other Australian jurisdictions
(iv) impact on business and
(v) Worksafe Victoria campaigns and activities
Report due 31 December 2004
11
12
EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3570 Facsimile 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) The Hons Helen Buckingham and Peter Hall (Assembly) Ms Anne Eckstein Mr Steve Herbert Mr Nicholas Kotsiras Ms Janice Munt and Mr Victor Perton
Chairman Steve Herbert MP
Executive Officer Ms Karen Ellingford
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following two terms of reference ndash
1 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the suitability of current pre-service teacher training courses including
(a) future requirements of such courses to train teachers appropriate for future schooling and
(b) the particular training needs and arrangements for mature-age entrants from other professions mdash
and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to
(i) determine the range and nature of pre-service teacher training courses within Victoria and the variation among these courses in areas of contact and practicum time and in course focus on content and pedagogy
(ii) examine a range of pre-service teacher training courses across Australia and internationally focusing on how these courses differ and how they meet the needs of teachers and education systems for the 21st century
(iii)determine the skills and knowledge required of teachers and therefore of pre-service teacher training courses in response to reflect the changing nature of education in the 21st century
13
(iv) examine issues related to attracting people from other professions
to become qualified teachers in Victoria and
(v) make recommendations on specific requirements for pre-service teacher training courses based on the skills and knowledge required of teachers in the 21st century and to support increased entry of mature-age entrants from other professions
2 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 June 2004 on the impact of the high levels of unmet demand for places in higher education institutions on Victoria and in particular to consider
(a) the relationship between unmet demand and high-level skill shortages in the Victorian economy
(b) whether unmet demand has a negative effect on Victorian industry
(c) how the demand for teaching and nursing places is affected by insufficient numbers of HECS places (ie in courses not available as full-fee paying courses)
(d) how unmet demand impacts on the demand for TAFE places
(e) the degree to which commonwealth higher education funding policies directly contribute to unmet demand and
(f) the need at a national level to improve cooperative arrangements between the vocational education and training and higher education sectors
The Committee met with the New Zealand Parliamentrsquos Education and Science Committee which was visiting Australia on a fact finding mission
The Staffing Sub-Committee interviewed for the position of Executive Officer to the Committee and has appointed Ms Karen Ellingford
14
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3533 Facsimile (03) 9651 3537
Email enrcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauenrc
Members
(Council) The Hons A Coote D K Drum J G Hilton W Lovell
(Assembly) Ms J T Duncan Ms J M Lindell and Mr G Seitz
Chair Ms J M Lindell MP
Executive Officer Dr Caroline Williams
LAPSED INQUIRIES
The following inquiries lapsed with the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002 and have not been referred back to the Committee
Improving the Procedures for the Acquisition of Private Land for Use as a Park Impact Management and Use of Carp Possession and Trade of Exotic Vertebrate Animals Floodplain Management in Regional Victoria Urban Cat Control and Management in Victoria
ADEQUACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY SERVICES
Referred to the Committee during the 54th Parliament by Order in Council on 20 March 2001 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Work commenced on the Inquiry in January 2002 A discussion paper was released submissions called for inspections and public hearings held a survey of veterinary practitioners undertaken and a draft report prepared The inquiry lapsed on the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002
Terms of reference were referred back to the Committee by Order in Council on 15 April 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Activities during June 2003
Inquiry report tabled in Parliament on 4 June 2003 Members statements were made by the Chair Ms Jenny Lindell MP in the Legislative Assembly and by Ms Andrea Coote MLC in the Legislative Council on Wednesday 4 June 2003
15
Report distributed to Minister and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Minister for Environment Water Secretaries of Departments of Agriculture and Sustainability amp Environment contact departmental staff veterinary industry peak bodies all submittees and hearing witnesses as well as contacts at inspection sites Bulk copies were also forwarded to Information Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment Information Centre A copy went to each of the 3 legal deposit entities A further printing has been organised for all regional veterinarians who participated in the survey
Future activity
Await Government response to the report due on 4 December 2003 IMPACT AND TRENDS IN SOIL ACIDITY
Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 5 June 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 The Committee is required to
1) review projected social economic and environmental impacts of soil acidity at a regional and catchment scale
2) develop recommendations to reduce the projected impact of soil acidity identifying areas for potential partnerships with industry and the community and
3) identify future research and development priorities
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 March 2004
Activities during June 2003
On 25 June 2003 letter sent to Minister for Agriculture requesting a briefing on acid soils
Briefing paper on a strategy for undertaking the Inquiry prepared for consideration at the next Committee meeting
Future Activities
Committee to receive a briefing on acid soils from the Department of Primary Industries on Wednesday 16 July 2003
Strategy for undertaking the Inquiry to be considered at the next Committee meeting
Inspections and hearings to be held
16
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
Activities during June 2003
Committee and Executive Officer attended National Conference of Public Works and Environment Committees in Western Australia 29 June ndash 3 July 2003
Environment and Natural Resources Committee (Victoria) nominated to host conference in 2004
Future activity
Commence planning of 2004 conference
17
18
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3592 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email edcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauedc
Members
(Assembly) Mr H F Delahunty Mr B J Jenkins Ms M Morand and
Mr T G Robinson
(Council) The Hons B N Atkinson R H Bowden and N Pullen
Chairman Mr T G Robinson MP
Executive Officer Mr R A Willis
INQUIRY INTO EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR VICTORIAN RURAL INDUSTRIES
Terms of Reference received by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Report due 30 September 2003
Activities during June 2003
Melbourne public hearings held on 23 and 24 June 2003 Witnesses included food export businesses government departments and agribusiness organisations
Review of evidence and drafting of report
Future Activities
Canberra meetings scheduled for 14 July 2003 with key government departments
Committee meetings scheduled for 15-18 July in Auckland and Wellington to discuss marketing and branding of food exports
Committee to deliberate on draft report
9
INQUIRY INTO ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF VICTORIArsquoS CULTURALLY DIVERSE POPULATION
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the actual and potential contribution to the economy of Victorias culturally diverse population including new arrivals with particular emphasis on the importance of Victorias cultural diversity in improving productivity increasing exports attracting foreign investment and creating competitive advantage in the Australian and international markets and in respect of the above (a) identify industry sectorsbusinesses that are actual or potential beneficiaries of cultural diversity particularly in terms of investment and productivity improvement
(b) whether there are particular issues for industry and business in rural and regional areas and how these regions may benefit from cultural diversity in Victoria including by addressing labour market shortages through new or recent arrivals from overseas
(c) identify ways to take advantage of cultural diversity in the economy to increase Victorias productivity and export markets
(d) the appropriate role of Government in facilitating maximum use of Victorias cultural diversity to promote productivity and export markets and
(e) identify ways of measuring the benefits of cultural diversity including new arrivals to the Victorian economy
Report due 30 September 2004 INQUIRY INTO LABOUR HIRE EMPLOYMENT IN VICTORIA
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003
(a) The extent and breadth of labour hire employment in Victoria including the
(i) employment status of workers engaged by labour hire companies
(ii) use of labour hire in particular industries andor regions and
(iii) application of industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation
(b) the consequences of the use of labour hire employment Consideration should be given but is not limited to
(i) the rights and obligations of labour hire employees labour hire agencies andor host employers under industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation Any ambiguity about the nature of rights and obligations between the three parties should also be considered
(ii) the impact on industry skills levels
(iii) contribution to the casualisation of the work force and
(iv) the extent of any such consequences
10
(c) recommendations based on an assessment of the above matters and including consideration of
(i) the jurisdictional limitations of Victorias industrial relations powers
(ii) the recommendations of the New South Wales labour hire task force and the responsibilities of the New South Wales labour hire industry council (if established)
(iii) regulation in other Australian jurisdictions
(iv) impact on business and
(v) Worksafe Victoria campaigns and activities
Report due 31 December 2004
11
12
EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3570 Facsimile 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) The Hons Helen Buckingham and Peter Hall (Assembly) Ms Anne Eckstein Mr Steve Herbert Mr Nicholas Kotsiras Ms Janice Munt and Mr Victor Perton
Chairman Steve Herbert MP
Executive Officer Ms Karen Ellingford
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following two terms of reference ndash
1 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the suitability of current pre-service teacher training courses including
(a) future requirements of such courses to train teachers appropriate for future schooling and
(b) the particular training needs and arrangements for mature-age entrants from other professions mdash
and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to
(i) determine the range and nature of pre-service teacher training courses within Victoria and the variation among these courses in areas of contact and practicum time and in course focus on content and pedagogy
(ii) examine a range of pre-service teacher training courses across Australia and internationally focusing on how these courses differ and how they meet the needs of teachers and education systems for the 21st century
(iii)determine the skills and knowledge required of teachers and therefore of pre-service teacher training courses in response to reflect the changing nature of education in the 21st century
13
(iv) examine issues related to attracting people from other professions
to become qualified teachers in Victoria and
(v) make recommendations on specific requirements for pre-service teacher training courses based on the skills and knowledge required of teachers in the 21st century and to support increased entry of mature-age entrants from other professions
2 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 June 2004 on the impact of the high levels of unmet demand for places in higher education institutions on Victoria and in particular to consider
(a) the relationship between unmet demand and high-level skill shortages in the Victorian economy
(b) whether unmet demand has a negative effect on Victorian industry
(c) how the demand for teaching and nursing places is affected by insufficient numbers of HECS places (ie in courses not available as full-fee paying courses)
(d) how unmet demand impacts on the demand for TAFE places
(e) the degree to which commonwealth higher education funding policies directly contribute to unmet demand and
(f) the need at a national level to improve cooperative arrangements between the vocational education and training and higher education sectors
The Committee met with the New Zealand Parliamentrsquos Education and Science Committee which was visiting Australia on a fact finding mission
The Staffing Sub-Committee interviewed for the position of Executive Officer to the Committee and has appointed Ms Karen Ellingford
14
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3533 Facsimile (03) 9651 3537
Email enrcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauenrc
Members
(Council) The Hons A Coote D K Drum J G Hilton W Lovell
(Assembly) Ms J T Duncan Ms J M Lindell and Mr G Seitz
Chair Ms J M Lindell MP
Executive Officer Dr Caroline Williams
LAPSED INQUIRIES
The following inquiries lapsed with the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002 and have not been referred back to the Committee
Improving the Procedures for the Acquisition of Private Land for Use as a Park Impact Management and Use of Carp Possession and Trade of Exotic Vertebrate Animals Floodplain Management in Regional Victoria Urban Cat Control and Management in Victoria
ADEQUACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY SERVICES
Referred to the Committee during the 54th Parliament by Order in Council on 20 March 2001 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Work commenced on the Inquiry in January 2002 A discussion paper was released submissions called for inspections and public hearings held a survey of veterinary practitioners undertaken and a draft report prepared The inquiry lapsed on the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002
Terms of reference were referred back to the Committee by Order in Council on 15 April 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Activities during June 2003
Inquiry report tabled in Parliament on 4 June 2003 Members statements were made by the Chair Ms Jenny Lindell MP in the Legislative Assembly and by Ms Andrea Coote MLC in the Legislative Council on Wednesday 4 June 2003
15
Report distributed to Minister and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Minister for Environment Water Secretaries of Departments of Agriculture and Sustainability amp Environment contact departmental staff veterinary industry peak bodies all submittees and hearing witnesses as well as contacts at inspection sites Bulk copies were also forwarded to Information Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment Information Centre A copy went to each of the 3 legal deposit entities A further printing has been organised for all regional veterinarians who participated in the survey
Future activity
Await Government response to the report due on 4 December 2003 IMPACT AND TRENDS IN SOIL ACIDITY
Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 5 June 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 The Committee is required to
1) review projected social economic and environmental impacts of soil acidity at a regional and catchment scale
2) develop recommendations to reduce the projected impact of soil acidity identifying areas for potential partnerships with industry and the community and
3) identify future research and development priorities
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 March 2004
Activities during June 2003
On 25 June 2003 letter sent to Minister for Agriculture requesting a briefing on acid soils
Briefing paper on a strategy for undertaking the Inquiry prepared for consideration at the next Committee meeting
Future Activities
Committee to receive a briefing on acid soils from the Department of Primary Industries on Wednesday 16 July 2003
Strategy for undertaking the Inquiry to be considered at the next Committee meeting
Inspections and hearings to be held
16
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
Activities during June 2003
Committee and Executive Officer attended National Conference of Public Works and Environment Committees in Western Australia 29 June ndash 3 July 2003
Environment and Natural Resources Committee (Victoria) nominated to host conference in 2004
Future activity
Commence planning of 2004 conference
17
18
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
INQUIRY INTO ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF VICTORIArsquoS CULTURALLY DIVERSE POPULATION
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the actual and potential contribution to the economy of Victorias culturally diverse population including new arrivals with particular emphasis on the importance of Victorias cultural diversity in improving productivity increasing exports attracting foreign investment and creating competitive advantage in the Australian and international markets and in respect of the above (a) identify industry sectorsbusinesses that are actual or potential beneficiaries of cultural diversity particularly in terms of investment and productivity improvement
(b) whether there are particular issues for industry and business in rural and regional areas and how these regions may benefit from cultural diversity in Victoria including by addressing labour market shortages through new or recent arrivals from overseas
(c) identify ways to take advantage of cultural diversity in the economy to increase Victorias productivity and export markets
(d) the appropriate role of Government in facilitating maximum use of Victorias cultural diversity to promote productivity and export markets and
(e) identify ways of measuring the benefits of cultural diversity including new arrivals to the Victorian economy
Report due 30 September 2004 INQUIRY INTO LABOUR HIRE EMPLOYMENT IN VICTORIA
Terms of Reference received by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2003
(a) The extent and breadth of labour hire employment in Victoria including the
(i) employment status of workers engaged by labour hire companies
(ii) use of labour hire in particular industries andor regions and
(iii) application of industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation
(b) the consequences of the use of labour hire employment Consideration should be given but is not limited to
(i) the rights and obligations of labour hire employees labour hire agencies andor host employers under industrial relations occupational health and safety and workers compensation legislation Any ambiguity about the nature of rights and obligations between the three parties should also be considered
(ii) the impact on industry skills levels
(iii) contribution to the casualisation of the work force and
(iv) the extent of any such consequences
10
(c) recommendations based on an assessment of the above matters and including consideration of
(i) the jurisdictional limitations of Victorias industrial relations powers
(ii) the recommendations of the New South Wales labour hire task force and the responsibilities of the New South Wales labour hire industry council (if established)
(iii) regulation in other Australian jurisdictions
(iv) impact on business and
(v) Worksafe Victoria campaigns and activities
Report due 31 December 2004
11
12
EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3570 Facsimile 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) The Hons Helen Buckingham and Peter Hall (Assembly) Ms Anne Eckstein Mr Steve Herbert Mr Nicholas Kotsiras Ms Janice Munt and Mr Victor Perton
Chairman Steve Herbert MP
Executive Officer Ms Karen Ellingford
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following two terms of reference ndash
1 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the suitability of current pre-service teacher training courses including
(a) future requirements of such courses to train teachers appropriate for future schooling and
(b) the particular training needs and arrangements for mature-age entrants from other professions mdash
and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to
(i) determine the range and nature of pre-service teacher training courses within Victoria and the variation among these courses in areas of contact and practicum time and in course focus on content and pedagogy
(ii) examine a range of pre-service teacher training courses across Australia and internationally focusing on how these courses differ and how they meet the needs of teachers and education systems for the 21st century
(iii)determine the skills and knowledge required of teachers and therefore of pre-service teacher training courses in response to reflect the changing nature of education in the 21st century
13
(iv) examine issues related to attracting people from other professions
to become qualified teachers in Victoria and
(v) make recommendations on specific requirements for pre-service teacher training courses based on the skills and knowledge required of teachers in the 21st century and to support increased entry of mature-age entrants from other professions
2 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 June 2004 on the impact of the high levels of unmet demand for places in higher education institutions on Victoria and in particular to consider
(a) the relationship between unmet demand and high-level skill shortages in the Victorian economy
(b) whether unmet demand has a negative effect on Victorian industry
(c) how the demand for teaching and nursing places is affected by insufficient numbers of HECS places (ie in courses not available as full-fee paying courses)
(d) how unmet demand impacts on the demand for TAFE places
(e) the degree to which commonwealth higher education funding policies directly contribute to unmet demand and
(f) the need at a national level to improve cooperative arrangements between the vocational education and training and higher education sectors
The Committee met with the New Zealand Parliamentrsquos Education and Science Committee which was visiting Australia on a fact finding mission
The Staffing Sub-Committee interviewed for the position of Executive Officer to the Committee and has appointed Ms Karen Ellingford
14
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3533 Facsimile (03) 9651 3537
Email enrcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauenrc
Members
(Council) The Hons A Coote D K Drum J G Hilton W Lovell
(Assembly) Ms J T Duncan Ms J M Lindell and Mr G Seitz
Chair Ms J M Lindell MP
Executive Officer Dr Caroline Williams
LAPSED INQUIRIES
The following inquiries lapsed with the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002 and have not been referred back to the Committee
Improving the Procedures for the Acquisition of Private Land for Use as a Park Impact Management and Use of Carp Possession and Trade of Exotic Vertebrate Animals Floodplain Management in Regional Victoria Urban Cat Control and Management in Victoria
ADEQUACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY SERVICES
Referred to the Committee during the 54th Parliament by Order in Council on 20 March 2001 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Work commenced on the Inquiry in January 2002 A discussion paper was released submissions called for inspections and public hearings held a survey of veterinary practitioners undertaken and a draft report prepared The inquiry lapsed on the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002
Terms of reference were referred back to the Committee by Order in Council on 15 April 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Activities during June 2003
Inquiry report tabled in Parliament on 4 June 2003 Members statements were made by the Chair Ms Jenny Lindell MP in the Legislative Assembly and by Ms Andrea Coote MLC in the Legislative Council on Wednesday 4 June 2003
15
Report distributed to Minister and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Minister for Environment Water Secretaries of Departments of Agriculture and Sustainability amp Environment contact departmental staff veterinary industry peak bodies all submittees and hearing witnesses as well as contacts at inspection sites Bulk copies were also forwarded to Information Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment Information Centre A copy went to each of the 3 legal deposit entities A further printing has been organised for all regional veterinarians who participated in the survey
Future activity
Await Government response to the report due on 4 December 2003 IMPACT AND TRENDS IN SOIL ACIDITY
Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 5 June 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 The Committee is required to
1) review projected social economic and environmental impacts of soil acidity at a regional and catchment scale
2) develop recommendations to reduce the projected impact of soil acidity identifying areas for potential partnerships with industry and the community and
3) identify future research and development priorities
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 March 2004
Activities during June 2003
On 25 June 2003 letter sent to Minister for Agriculture requesting a briefing on acid soils
Briefing paper on a strategy for undertaking the Inquiry prepared for consideration at the next Committee meeting
Future Activities
Committee to receive a briefing on acid soils from the Department of Primary Industries on Wednesday 16 July 2003
Strategy for undertaking the Inquiry to be considered at the next Committee meeting
Inspections and hearings to be held
16
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
Activities during June 2003
Committee and Executive Officer attended National Conference of Public Works and Environment Committees in Western Australia 29 June ndash 3 July 2003
Environment and Natural Resources Committee (Victoria) nominated to host conference in 2004
Future activity
Commence planning of 2004 conference
17
18
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
(c) recommendations based on an assessment of the above matters and including consideration of
(i) the jurisdictional limitations of Victorias industrial relations powers
(ii) the recommendations of the New South Wales labour hire task force and the responsibilities of the New South Wales labour hire industry council (if established)
(iii) regulation in other Australian jurisdictions
(iv) impact on business and
(v) Worksafe Victoria campaigns and activities
Report due 31 December 2004
11
12
EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3570 Facsimile 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) The Hons Helen Buckingham and Peter Hall (Assembly) Ms Anne Eckstein Mr Steve Herbert Mr Nicholas Kotsiras Ms Janice Munt and Mr Victor Perton
Chairman Steve Herbert MP
Executive Officer Ms Karen Ellingford
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following two terms of reference ndash
1 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the suitability of current pre-service teacher training courses including
(a) future requirements of such courses to train teachers appropriate for future schooling and
(b) the particular training needs and arrangements for mature-age entrants from other professions mdash
and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to
(i) determine the range and nature of pre-service teacher training courses within Victoria and the variation among these courses in areas of contact and practicum time and in course focus on content and pedagogy
(ii) examine a range of pre-service teacher training courses across Australia and internationally focusing on how these courses differ and how they meet the needs of teachers and education systems for the 21st century
(iii)determine the skills and knowledge required of teachers and therefore of pre-service teacher training courses in response to reflect the changing nature of education in the 21st century
13
(iv) examine issues related to attracting people from other professions
to become qualified teachers in Victoria and
(v) make recommendations on specific requirements for pre-service teacher training courses based on the skills and knowledge required of teachers in the 21st century and to support increased entry of mature-age entrants from other professions
2 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 June 2004 on the impact of the high levels of unmet demand for places in higher education institutions on Victoria and in particular to consider
(a) the relationship between unmet demand and high-level skill shortages in the Victorian economy
(b) whether unmet demand has a negative effect on Victorian industry
(c) how the demand for teaching and nursing places is affected by insufficient numbers of HECS places (ie in courses not available as full-fee paying courses)
(d) how unmet demand impacts on the demand for TAFE places
(e) the degree to which commonwealth higher education funding policies directly contribute to unmet demand and
(f) the need at a national level to improve cooperative arrangements between the vocational education and training and higher education sectors
The Committee met with the New Zealand Parliamentrsquos Education and Science Committee which was visiting Australia on a fact finding mission
The Staffing Sub-Committee interviewed for the position of Executive Officer to the Committee and has appointed Ms Karen Ellingford
14
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3533 Facsimile (03) 9651 3537
Email enrcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauenrc
Members
(Council) The Hons A Coote D K Drum J G Hilton W Lovell
(Assembly) Ms J T Duncan Ms J M Lindell and Mr G Seitz
Chair Ms J M Lindell MP
Executive Officer Dr Caroline Williams
LAPSED INQUIRIES
The following inquiries lapsed with the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002 and have not been referred back to the Committee
Improving the Procedures for the Acquisition of Private Land for Use as a Park Impact Management and Use of Carp Possession and Trade of Exotic Vertebrate Animals Floodplain Management in Regional Victoria Urban Cat Control and Management in Victoria
ADEQUACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY SERVICES
Referred to the Committee during the 54th Parliament by Order in Council on 20 March 2001 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Work commenced on the Inquiry in January 2002 A discussion paper was released submissions called for inspections and public hearings held a survey of veterinary practitioners undertaken and a draft report prepared The inquiry lapsed on the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002
Terms of reference were referred back to the Committee by Order in Council on 15 April 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Activities during June 2003
Inquiry report tabled in Parliament on 4 June 2003 Members statements were made by the Chair Ms Jenny Lindell MP in the Legislative Assembly and by Ms Andrea Coote MLC in the Legislative Council on Wednesday 4 June 2003
15
Report distributed to Minister and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Minister for Environment Water Secretaries of Departments of Agriculture and Sustainability amp Environment contact departmental staff veterinary industry peak bodies all submittees and hearing witnesses as well as contacts at inspection sites Bulk copies were also forwarded to Information Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment Information Centre A copy went to each of the 3 legal deposit entities A further printing has been organised for all regional veterinarians who participated in the survey
Future activity
Await Government response to the report due on 4 December 2003 IMPACT AND TRENDS IN SOIL ACIDITY
Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 5 June 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 The Committee is required to
1) review projected social economic and environmental impacts of soil acidity at a regional and catchment scale
2) develop recommendations to reduce the projected impact of soil acidity identifying areas for potential partnerships with industry and the community and
3) identify future research and development priorities
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 March 2004
Activities during June 2003
On 25 June 2003 letter sent to Minister for Agriculture requesting a briefing on acid soils
Briefing paper on a strategy for undertaking the Inquiry prepared for consideration at the next Committee meeting
Future Activities
Committee to receive a briefing on acid soils from the Department of Primary Industries on Wednesday 16 July 2003
Strategy for undertaking the Inquiry to be considered at the next Committee meeting
Inspections and hearings to be held
16
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
Activities during June 2003
Committee and Executive Officer attended National Conference of Public Works and Environment Committees in Western Australia 29 June ndash 3 July 2003
Environment and Natural Resources Committee (Victoria) nominated to host conference in 2004
Future activity
Commence planning of 2004 conference
17
18
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
12
EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3570 Facsimile 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) The Hons Helen Buckingham and Peter Hall (Assembly) Ms Anne Eckstein Mr Steve Herbert Mr Nicholas Kotsiras Ms Janice Munt and Mr Victor Perton
Chairman Steve Herbert MP
Executive Officer Ms Karen Ellingford
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following two terms of reference ndash
1 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the suitability of current pre-service teacher training courses including
(a) future requirements of such courses to train teachers appropriate for future schooling and
(b) the particular training needs and arrangements for mature-age entrants from other professions mdash
and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to
(i) determine the range and nature of pre-service teacher training courses within Victoria and the variation among these courses in areas of contact and practicum time and in course focus on content and pedagogy
(ii) examine a range of pre-service teacher training courses across Australia and internationally focusing on how these courses differ and how they meet the needs of teachers and education systems for the 21st century
(iii)determine the skills and knowledge required of teachers and therefore of pre-service teacher training courses in response to reflect the changing nature of education in the 21st century
13
(iv) examine issues related to attracting people from other professions
to become qualified teachers in Victoria and
(v) make recommendations on specific requirements for pre-service teacher training courses based on the skills and knowledge required of teachers in the 21st century and to support increased entry of mature-age entrants from other professions
2 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 June 2004 on the impact of the high levels of unmet demand for places in higher education institutions on Victoria and in particular to consider
(a) the relationship between unmet demand and high-level skill shortages in the Victorian economy
(b) whether unmet demand has a negative effect on Victorian industry
(c) how the demand for teaching and nursing places is affected by insufficient numbers of HECS places (ie in courses not available as full-fee paying courses)
(d) how unmet demand impacts on the demand for TAFE places
(e) the degree to which commonwealth higher education funding policies directly contribute to unmet demand and
(f) the need at a national level to improve cooperative arrangements between the vocational education and training and higher education sectors
The Committee met with the New Zealand Parliamentrsquos Education and Science Committee which was visiting Australia on a fact finding mission
The Staffing Sub-Committee interviewed for the position of Executive Officer to the Committee and has appointed Ms Karen Ellingford
14
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3533 Facsimile (03) 9651 3537
Email enrcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauenrc
Members
(Council) The Hons A Coote D K Drum J G Hilton W Lovell
(Assembly) Ms J T Duncan Ms J M Lindell and Mr G Seitz
Chair Ms J M Lindell MP
Executive Officer Dr Caroline Williams
LAPSED INQUIRIES
The following inquiries lapsed with the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002 and have not been referred back to the Committee
Improving the Procedures for the Acquisition of Private Land for Use as a Park Impact Management and Use of Carp Possession and Trade of Exotic Vertebrate Animals Floodplain Management in Regional Victoria Urban Cat Control and Management in Victoria
ADEQUACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY SERVICES
Referred to the Committee during the 54th Parliament by Order in Council on 20 March 2001 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Work commenced on the Inquiry in January 2002 A discussion paper was released submissions called for inspections and public hearings held a survey of veterinary practitioners undertaken and a draft report prepared The inquiry lapsed on the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002
Terms of reference were referred back to the Committee by Order in Council on 15 April 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Activities during June 2003
Inquiry report tabled in Parliament on 4 June 2003 Members statements were made by the Chair Ms Jenny Lindell MP in the Legislative Assembly and by Ms Andrea Coote MLC in the Legislative Council on Wednesday 4 June 2003
15
Report distributed to Minister and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Minister for Environment Water Secretaries of Departments of Agriculture and Sustainability amp Environment contact departmental staff veterinary industry peak bodies all submittees and hearing witnesses as well as contacts at inspection sites Bulk copies were also forwarded to Information Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment Information Centre A copy went to each of the 3 legal deposit entities A further printing has been organised for all regional veterinarians who participated in the survey
Future activity
Await Government response to the report due on 4 December 2003 IMPACT AND TRENDS IN SOIL ACIDITY
Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 5 June 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 The Committee is required to
1) review projected social economic and environmental impacts of soil acidity at a regional and catchment scale
2) develop recommendations to reduce the projected impact of soil acidity identifying areas for potential partnerships with industry and the community and
3) identify future research and development priorities
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 March 2004
Activities during June 2003
On 25 June 2003 letter sent to Minister for Agriculture requesting a briefing on acid soils
Briefing paper on a strategy for undertaking the Inquiry prepared for consideration at the next Committee meeting
Future Activities
Committee to receive a briefing on acid soils from the Department of Primary Industries on Wednesday 16 July 2003
Strategy for undertaking the Inquiry to be considered at the next Committee meeting
Inspections and hearings to be held
16
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
Activities during June 2003
Committee and Executive Officer attended National Conference of Public Works and Environment Committees in Western Australia 29 June ndash 3 July 2003
Environment and Natural Resources Committee (Victoria) nominated to host conference in 2004
Future activity
Commence planning of 2004 conference
17
18
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3570 Facsimile 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) The Hons Helen Buckingham and Peter Hall (Assembly) Ms Anne Eckstein Mr Steve Herbert Mr Nicholas Kotsiras Ms Janice Munt and Mr Victor Perton
Chairman Steve Herbert MP
Executive Officer Ms Karen Ellingford
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following two terms of reference ndash
1 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2004 on the suitability of current pre-service teacher training courses including
(a) future requirements of such courses to train teachers appropriate for future schooling and
(b) the particular training needs and arrangements for mature-age entrants from other professions mdash
and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to
(i) determine the range and nature of pre-service teacher training courses within Victoria and the variation among these courses in areas of contact and practicum time and in course focus on content and pedagogy
(ii) examine a range of pre-service teacher training courses across Australia and internationally focusing on how these courses differ and how they meet the needs of teachers and education systems for the 21st century
(iii)determine the skills and knowledge required of teachers and therefore of pre-service teacher training courses in response to reflect the changing nature of education in the 21st century
13
(iv) examine issues related to attracting people from other professions
to become qualified teachers in Victoria and
(v) make recommendations on specific requirements for pre-service teacher training courses based on the skills and knowledge required of teachers in the 21st century and to support increased entry of mature-age entrants from other professions
2 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 June 2004 on the impact of the high levels of unmet demand for places in higher education institutions on Victoria and in particular to consider
(a) the relationship between unmet demand and high-level skill shortages in the Victorian economy
(b) whether unmet demand has a negative effect on Victorian industry
(c) how the demand for teaching and nursing places is affected by insufficient numbers of HECS places (ie in courses not available as full-fee paying courses)
(d) how unmet demand impacts on the demand for TAFE places
(e) the degree to which commonwealth higher education funding policies directly contribute to unmet demand and
(f) the need at a national level to improve cooperative arrangements between the vocational education and training and higher education sectors
The Committee met with the New Zealand Parliamentrsquos Education and Science Committee which was visiting Australia on a fact finding mission
The Staffing Sub-Committee interviewed for the position of Executive Officer to the Committee and has appointed Ms Karen Ellingford
14
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3533 Facsimile (03) 9651 3537
Email enrcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauenrc
Members
(Council) The Hons A Coote D K Drum J G Hilton W Lovell
(Assembly) Ms J T Duncan Ms J M Lindell and Mr G Seitz
Chair Ms J M Lindell MP
Executive Officer Dr Caroline Williams
LAPSED INQUIRIES
The following inquiries lapsed with the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002 and have not been referred back to the Committee
Improving the Procedures for the Acquisition of Private Land for Use as a Park Impact Management and Use of Carp Possession and Trade of Exotic Vertebrate Animals Floodplain Management in Regional Victoria Urban Cat Control and Management in Victoria
ADEQUACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY SERVICES
Referred to the Committee during the 54th Parliament by Order in Council on 20 March 2001 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Work commenced on the Inquiry in January 2002 A discussion paper was released submissions called for inspections and public hearings held a survey of veterinary practitioners undertaken and a draft report prepared The inquiry lapsed on the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002
Terms of reference were referred back to the Committee by Order in Council on 15 April 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Activities during June 2003
Inquiry report tabled in Parliament on 4 June 2003 Members statements were made by the Chair Ms Jenny Lindell MP in the Legislative Assembly and by Ms Andrea Coote MLC in the Legislative Council on Wednesday 4 June 2003
15
Report distributed to Minister and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Minister for Environment Water Secretaries of Departments of Agriculture and Sustainability amp Environment contact departmental staff veterinary industry peak bodies all submittees and hearing witnesses as well as contacts at inspection sites Bulk copies were also forwarded to Information Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment Information Centre A copy went to each of the 3 legal deposit entities A further printing has been organised for all regional veterinarians who participated in the survey
Future activity
Await Government response to the report due on 4 December 2003 IMPACT AND TRENDS IN SOIL ACIDITY
Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 5 June 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 The Committee is required to
1) review projected social economic and environmental impacts of soil acidity at a regional and catchment scale
2) develop recommendations to reduce the projected impact of soil acidity identifying areas for potential partnerships with industry and the community and
3) identify future research and development priorities
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 March 2004
Activities during June 2003
On 25 June 2003 letter sent to Minister for Agriculture requesting a briefing on acid soils
Briefing paper on a strategy for undertaking the Inquiry prepared for consideration at the next Committee meeting
Future Activities
Committee to receive a briefing on acid soils from the Department of Primary Industries on Wednesday 16 July 2003
Strategy for undertaking the Inquiry to be considered at the next Committee meeting
Inspections and hearings to be held
16
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
Activities during June 2003
Committee and Executive Officer attended National Conference of Public Works and Environment Committees in Western Australia 29 June ndash 3 July 2003
Environment and Natural Resources Committee (Victoria) nominated to host conference in 2004
Future activity
Commence planning of 2004 conference
17
18
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
(iv) examine issues related to attracting people from other professions
to become qualified teachers in Victoria and
(v) make recommendations on specific requirements for pre-service teacher training courses based on the skills and knowledge required of teachers in the 21st century and to support increased entry of mature-age entrants from other professions
2 For inquiry consideration and report by 30 June 2004 on the impact of the high levels of unmet demand for places in higher education institutions on Victoria and in particular to consider
(a) the relationship between unmet demand and high-level skill shortages in the Victorian economy
(b) whether unmet demand has a negative effect on Victorian industry
(c) how the demand for teaching and nursing places is affected by insufficient numbers of HECS places (ie in courses not available as full-fee paying courses)
(d) how unmet demand impacts on the demand for TAFE places
(e) the degree to which commonwealth higher education funding policies directly contribute to unmet demand and
(f) the need at a national level to improve cooperative arrangements between the vocational education and training and higher education sectors
The Committee met with the New Zealand Parliamentrsquos Education and Science Committee which was visiting Australia on a fact finding mission
The Staffing Sub-Committee interviewed for the position of Executive Officer to the Committee and has appointed Ms Karen Ellingford
14
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3533 Facsimile (03) 9651 3537
Email enrcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauenrc
Members
(Council) The Hons A Coote D K Drum J G Hilton W Lovell
(Assembly) Ms J T Duncan Ms J M Lindell and Mr G Seitz
Chair Ms J M Lindell MP
Executive Officer Dr Caroline Williams
LAPSED INQUIRIES
The following inquiries lapsed with the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002 and have not been referred back to the Committee
Improving the Procedures for the Acquisition of Private Land for Use as a Park Impact Management and Use of Carp Possession and Trade of Exotic Vertebrate Animals Floodplain Management in Regional Victoria Urban Cat Control and Management in Victoria
ADEQUACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY SERVICES
Referred to the Committee during the 54th Parliament by Order in Council on 20 March 2001 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Work commenced on the Inquiry in January 2002 A discussion paper was released submissions called for inspections and public hearings held a survey of veterinary practitioners undertaken and a draft report prepared The inquiry lapsed on the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002
Terms of reference were referred back to the Committee by Order in Council on 15 April 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Activities during June 2003
Inquiry report tabled in Parliament on 4 June 2003 Members statements were made by the Chair Ms Jenny Lindell MP in the Legislative Assembly and by Ms Andrea Coote MLC in the Legislative Council on Wednesday 4 June 2003
15
Report distributed to Minister and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Minister for Environment Water Secretaries of Departments of Agriculture and Sustainability amp Environment contact departmental staff veterinary industry peak bodies all submittees and hearing witnesses as well as contacts at inspection sites Bulk copies were also forwarded to Information Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment Information Centre A copy went to each of the 3 legal deposit entities A further printing has been organised for all regional veterinarians who participated in the survey
Future activity
Await Government response to the report due on 4 December 2003 IMPACT AND TRENDS IN SOIL ACIDITY
Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 5 June 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 The Committee is required to
1) review projected social economic and environmental impacts of soil acidity at a regional and catchment scale
2) develop recommendations to reduce the projected impact of soil acidity identifying areas for potential partnerships with industry and the community and
3) identify future research and development priorities
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 March 2004
Activities during June 2003
On 25 June 2003 letter sent to Minister for Agriculture requesting a briefing on acid soils
Briefing paper on a strategy for undertaking the Inquiry prepared for consideration at the next Committee meeting
Future Activities
Committee to receive a briefing on acid soils from the Department of Primary Industries on Wednesday 16 July 2003
Strategy for undertaking the Inquiry to be considered at the next Committee meeting
Inspections and hearings to be held
16
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
Activities during June 2003
Committee and Executive Officer attended National Conference of Public Works and Environment Committees in Western Australia 29 June ndash 3 July 2003
Environment and Natural Resources Committee (Victoria) nominated to host conference in 2004
Future activity
Commence planning of 2004 conference
17
18
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3533 Facsimile (03) 9651 3537
Email enrcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauenrc
Members
(Council) The Hons A Coote D K Drum J G Hilton W Lovell
(Assembly) Ms J T Duncan Ms J M Lindell and Mr G Seitz
Chair Ms J M Lindell MP
Executive Officer Dr Caroline Williams
LAPSED INQUIRIES
The following inquiries lapsed with the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002 and have not been referred back to the Committee
Improving the Procedures for the Acquisition of Private Land for Use as a Park Impact Management and Use of Carp Possession and Trade of Exotic Vertebrate Animals Floodplain Management in Regional Victoria Urban Cat Control and Management in Victoria
ADEQUACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY SERVICES
Referred to the Committee during the 54th Parliament by Order in Council on 20 March 2001 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Work commenced on the Inquiry in January 2002 A discussion paper was released submissions called for inspections and public hearings held a survey of veterinary practitioners undertaken and a draft report prepared The inquiry lapsed on the prorogation of the Legislative Council and dissolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 November 2002
Terms of reference were referred back to the Committee by Order in Council on 15 April 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968
Activities during June 2003
Inquiry report tabled in Parliament on 4 June 2003 Members statements were made by the Chair Ms Jenny Lindell MP in the Legislative Assembly and by Ms Andrea Coote MLC in the Legislative Council on Wednesday 4 June 2003
15
Report distributed to Minister and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Minister for Environment Water Secretaries of Departments of Agriculture and Sustainability amp Environment contact departmental staff veterinary industry peak bodies all submittees and hearing witnesses as well as contacts at inspection sites Bulk copies were also forwarded to Information Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment Information Centre A copy went to each of the 3 legal deposit entities A further printing has been organised for all regional veterinarians who participated in the survey
Future activity
Await Government response to the report due on 4 December 2003 IMPACT AND TRENDS IN SOIL ACIDITY
Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 5 June 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 The Committee is required to
1) review projected social economic and environmental impacts of soil acidity at a regional and catchment scale
2) develop recommendations to reduce the projected impact of soil acidity identifying areas for potential partnerships with industry and the community and
3) identify future research and development priorities
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 March 2004
Activities during June 2003
On 25 June 2003 letter sent to Minister for Agriculture requesting a briefing on acid soils
Briefing paper on a strategy for undertaking the Inquiry prepared for consideration at the next Committee meeting
Future Activities
Committee to receive a briefing on acid soils from the Department of Primary Industries on Wednesday 16 July 2003
Strategy for undertaking the Inquiry to be considered at the next Committee meeting
Inspections and hearings to be held
16
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
Activities during June 2003
Committee and Executive Officer attended National Conference of Public Works and Environment Committees in Western Australia 29 June ndash 3 July 2003
Environment and Natural Resources Committee (Victoria) nominated to host conference in 2004
Future activity
Commence planning of 2004 conference
17
18
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
Report distributed to Minister and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Minister for Environment Water Secretaries of Departments of Agriculture and Sustainability amp Environment contact departmental staff veterinary industry peak bodies all submittees and hearing witnesses as well as contacts at inspection sites Bulk copies were also forwarded to Information Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment Information Centre A copy went to each of the 3 legal deposit entities A further printing has been organised for all regional veterinarians who participated in the survey
Future activity
Await Government response to the report due on 4 December 2003 IMPACT AND TRENDS IN SOIL ACIDITY
Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 5 June 2003 under section 4F of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 The Committee is required to
1) review projected social economic and environmental impacts of soil acidity at a regional and catchment scale
2) develop recommendations to reduce the projected impact of soil acidity identifying areas for potential partnerships with industry and the community and
3) identify future research and development priorities
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 March 2004
Activities during June 2003
On 25 June 2003 letter sent to Minister for Agriculture requesting a briefing on acid soils
Briefing paper on a strategy for undertaking the Inquiry prepared for consideration at the next Committee meeting
Future Activities
Committee to receive a briefing on acid soils from the Department of Primary Industries on Wednesday 16 July 2003
Strategy for undertaking the Inquiry to be considered at the next Committee meeting
Inspections and hearings to be held
16
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
Activities during June 2003
Committee and Executive Officer attended National Conference of Public Works and Environment Committees in Western Australia 29 June ndash 3 July 2003
Environment and Natural Resources Committee (Victoria) nominated to host conference in 2004
Future activity
Commence planning of 2004 conference
17
18
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF PARLIAMENTARY PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES
Activities during June 2003
Committee and Executive Officer attended National Conference of Public Works and Environment Committees in Western Australia 29 June ndash 3 July 2003
Environment and Natural Resources Committee (Victoria) nominated to host conference in 2004
Future activity
Commence planning of 2004 conference
17
18
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
18
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3520 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email fcdcparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaufcdc
Members
(Council) The Hon D Davis (Assembly) Ms H McTaggart Ms L Neville Mrs E J Powell Mrs H Shardey
Mr R Smith and Mr D Wilson
Chairman Mr R Smith MLC
Executive Officer Mr P L Bourke
EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON THE VICTORIAN COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS ON THE DIMINISHING ACCESS TO AFTER HOURS AND BULK BILLING GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 The decline in the bulk-billing of general practitioner (GP) services in Victoria since 1996
2 The increase in patient presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 and the extent to which this includes providing types of medical services that normally would be provided by a GP in a primary care setting (GP-type services)
3 The causes in increased presentations to public hospital emergency departments in Victoria since 1996 including difficulties in patients gaining access to bulk-billed and after-hours GP services
4 The availability of after-hours GP services in metropolitan regional and rural Victoria
5 What effective measures can be taken to reduce the number of presentations to public hospital emergency departments consistent with maintaining the principle of universal access of eligible persons to health care free of charge at the point of access and
6 the extent to which Commonwealth and Victorian legislation may affect Victorias ability to develop and implement effective and patient-centred solutions to relieve the pressure on public hospital emergency departments to provide GP-type services
In considering this reference the Committee should examine
19
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
1 Available bulk-billing patient out-of-pocket expenses and emergency department data at regional and local levels highlighting where bulk-billing rates are lowest and where emergency department presentations for urgency categories 4 and 5 are highest
2 The respective roles and responsibilities of the Commonwealth and the Victorian governments
3 Relevant Victorian and Commonwealth policies and legislation including the 1999-2003 and 2003-08 Australian Health Care Agreements and
4 Innovative and relevant models of care and service delivery in other Australian States and Territories and overseas The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 30 June 2004
Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of Rural Hearings
Preparation of databases EXAMINING THE ROLES OF COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF METROPOLITAN HEALTH SERVICES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the roles of Community Advisory Committees of Metropolitan Health Services In particular the Committee is required to 1 Review establishment composition and objectives of these Committees in all
Metropolitan Health Services 2 Report on work programs and achievement of all Committees 3 Make recommendations about the future directions of the Committees with regard
to the membership communications and community interactions with Metropolitan Services
The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Activities during June 2003 Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
20
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF URBAN DESIGN AND THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC ART IN VICTORIA
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003 To inquire into consider and make recommendations on options to improve the quality of urban design and increase opportunities for public art in development in Victoria and in particular to report on- 1 To identify mechanisms and good practice for the delivery of urban art outcomes both by the public and private sectors either as integral parts of development or as contributions to art works in the public realm
2 The adequacy of existing programs and funding mechanisms for the delivery and support or urban design and public art and make recommendations for cost-effective improvements in these programs and mechanisms
3 Recommendations for mechanisms to increase funding for urban design and public art and in particular ways to forge partnerships between the public and private sectors for that purpose
4 Recommendations to improve community understanding of access to and active participation in urban design and public art
5 The need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement any recommendations made as a result of the Inquiry In conducting the Inquiry the Committee is requested to seek information from relevant organisations in the arts design and urban planning sectors the general community Local Government and other Government agencies In particular the Committee is requested to examine delivery and funding mechanisms for urban design and public art in other Australian States and Territories and comparable mechanisms internationally The Committee is required to report to Parliament by 5 December 2003
Activity during June 2003
Inquiry has not yet commenced CURRENT FORMS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY VICTORIAN COUNCILS
Referred by Order in Council 6 May 2003
Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
Activities during June 2003
Discussion of possible witnesses
Organisation of visit to Metropolitan Hospitals
Preparation of databases
21
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
22
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
LAW REFORM COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3644 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Email VPLRCparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaulawreform
Members
(Council) Ms D G Hadden the Hons A Brideson and RA Dalla-Riva (Assembly) Ms DA Beard Mr R Hudson Mr A G Lupton and
Mr N J Maughan Chairman Mr R Hudson MP
Executive Officer Ms M L Mason
INQUIRY INTO FORENSIC SAMPLING AND THE USE OF DNA DATABASES IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
Referred by Order in Council in the Government Gazette of 17 April 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
The collection use and effectiveness of forensic sampling and the use of DNA databases in criminal investigations with particular emphasis on identifying areas and procedures which would more effectively utilise forensic sampling and improve investigation and detection of crime
The Terms of Reference for this inquiry exactly replicate those of the reference given to the Committee in the 54th Parliament and which lapsed when Parliament was prorogued in November 2002
Activities during June 2003
Public hearing held on 2 June 2003 -
Witness Affiliation Assistant Commissioner Noel Ashby Acting Commander I Thomas Superintendent Paul Evans Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Mr John Wallace Prof John Scheffer
Victoria Police Acting Director Assistant Director Biology Victoria Forensic Science Centre
23
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
Dr J Gans Mr N McNamara Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin
Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Crime Victims Support Association Senior Policy and Research Officer Criminal Lawyer Victoria Legal Aid
Committee meeting of 23 June 2003 included meeting with Professor Mark Findlay author of a review of forensic sampling provisions in NSW
Summary of work completed during 54th Parliament
Meetings during an overseas study tour JanuaryFebruary 2002
San Francisco Police Department Ms Cydne Holt Supervisor Forensic Biology Section
Forensic Services Division
California Department of Justice Mr Harry Dorfman Assistant District Attorney
Attorney-Generalrsquos Office Federal Bureau of Investigations Mr John Behun
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) Forensic Science Systems Unit
New York City Police Department Robert Messner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau Civil Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Martin Gleeson Managing Attorney
Mr Peter Ostapenko Associate Staff Analyst Office of Management Analysis and Planning
Mr Thomas Prasso
Director License Division
Thomas Doepfner
Assistant Commissioner Legal Bureau
George Grasso
Deputy Commissioner Legal Matters
Detective Edward Wallace
Senior Crime Scene Analyst Forensic Investigation Division
24
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
Office of Forensic Services New York State Division of Criminal Justice Mr John Hicks Director Office of Forensic and Victim Services
Division of Criminal Justice Services
Ms Julie Pasquini
DNA Collection Coordinator
Dr Bob Shaler Director Forensic Biology NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
UK Forensic Science Service Mr Mark Lowther Manager Corporate Markets Market Sector Development
Mr Chris Hadkiss
DNA Manager Forensic Science Services
Mr Denesh Kara Interpol Mr Werner Schuller Operational Police Forensic Support
Manager Interpol DNA Projects
Discussion Paper distributed with initial contact letter to stakeholders requesting submissions Also available on Committee website
Commissioning of three expert papers which have been placed on Committee website
Legal and ethical issues ndash prepared by Barrister Dr Ian Freckelton
Practical and technical issues ndash prepared by the Victorian Forensic Science Centre
Forensic Procedures Potential Impacts on Victoriarsquos Indigenous Community ndash prepared by Dr Greg Gardner Parliamentary Library
Members of the Committee and staff attended Law Asia Seminar on DNA related legal issues
Public hearings were held on 22 and 23 July 2002
Witness Affiliation Commander P Hornbuckle Acting Inspector A OrsquoConnor Detective Inspector D Cowlishaw Dr J Gans Mr D Hoenig
Corporate Policy Legislative Review and Proposals DNA Implementation Unit Victoria Police Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law Melbourne University Executive Officer New South Wales Innocence Panel and Senior Policy Analyst New South Wales Ministry for Police
25
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
Ms L Weathered Ms K Edwards Mr P Chadwick Acting Prof D Wells Ms A Radonik Ms S Nicholson Mr R Punshon SC Mr R Nankivell Mr D Faram Ms A Palk Mr D Laschko Mr J Scheffer Dr P Stringer Mr N McNamara Mr N Halvagas Mr J Magill Ms M Parsell Mr P Coghlan QC Ms R Sharp Mr V Stojcevski Mr J McLoughlin Father P Norden Ms E Hunt
Director Griffith University Innocence Project Co-ordinator Innocence Project University of Technology Sydney Privacy Commissioner Head Division of Clinical Medicine Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Case Worker Director Youth Law Chair Member Criminal Bar Association of Victoria President Assistant Law Institute of Victoria Biology Division Victoria Forensic Science Centre Crime Victims Support Association Private Citizen Manager Forensic Science Laboratory Accreditation Program National Association of Testing Authorities Director of Public Prosecutions Solicitor Office of Public Prosecutions Victoria Legal Aid Director Jesuit Social Services Co-Executive Director Public Interest Law Clearing House
26
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
Mr D Meagher Mr G Connellan
Lecturer in Law Deakin University Vice-President Victorian Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty Victoria)
Committee and staff visited the Victorian Forensic Science Centre in August 2002 to inspect the laboratory and be briefed on the Centrersquos activities
Committee members travelled to Brisbane Sydney and Adelaide for meetings during September 2002
Brisbane 19 September 2002
Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
Queensland Department of Health Scientific Services Laboratory Associate Professor Leo Freeney Senior Scientist
Sydney 20 September 2002
NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
NSW Legislative Council Standing Committee on Law and Justice Hon Ron Dyer Chairman Hon John Ryan Deputy Chair
NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
27
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
Adelaide 25 September 2002
South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
Future Activity
Redrafting of report
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE OFFENCES
Referred by Order in Council on 6 May 2003
To inquire into consider and report on
1 The current state of law in Victoria in relation to administration of justice offences (such as perjury perverting the course of justice falsifying evidence and threatening witnesses) and
2 Whether these laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to interstate laws and the recommendations of the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee Discussion Paper on Administration of Justice Offences (July 1997)
Activity during June 2003
Drafting of discussion paper
Future Activity
Discussion paper release and call for submissions planned for August 2003
INQUIRY ON THE REVIEW OF EXISTING WARRANT PROCEDURES
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
1 Victorias existing warrant powers and procedures including arrest warrants warrants to seize property and search warrants and
2 whether the existing laws should be amended and in what way having particular regard to the need to promote fairness consistency and efficiency
This inquiry has not yet commenced
28
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
INQUIRY INTO THE ADMINISTRATION AND PROBATE ACT 1958
Referred by Order in Council on 3 June 2003
To inquire into consider and report to Parliament on
The Administration and Probate Act 1958 and in particular to have regard to issues including but not limited to
1 the desirability of new legislation and procedures to deal with the administration of a deceased persons estate
2 whether the act should be amended to provide alternative mechanisms for the resolution of disputes that involve small estates
3 whether the Magistrates Court and the County Court should also be given jurisdiction to deal with grants of probate and administration and deal with disputes relating to wills and
4 whether amendments are necessary in relation to the charges and commissions of solicitors who also act as executors
This inquiry has not yet commenced
29
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
30
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
OUTER SUBURBANINTERFACE SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3570 Facsimile (03) 9651 3601
Email markrobertsparliamentvicgovau
Website
Members
(Council) Mr J E Scheffer and Mr A K Somyurek
(Assembly) Mr E N Baillieu Ms R Buchanan Mr M F Dixon Mr D A Nardella and Hon K M Smith
Chairman Don Nardella MP
Interim Executive Officer Mark Roberts
Activities during June 2003
On 3 June 2003 the Legislative Assembly referred to the Committee the following terms of reference ndash
For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on sustainable urban design for new communities in outer suburban areas and in conducting the Inquiry the committee is to
(a) identify the current practice of urban design for new communities and articulate the potential contribution of urban design to sustainability objectives
(b) examine best practice urban design in urban development projects by state agencies
(c) examine and report on the relationship and opportunities in the achievement of urban design objectives between the public and private domains
(d) investigate the potential effectiveness of the Pride of Place program in the achievement of sustainable urban design for new communities and
(e) investigate the contribution of key elements of urban design to the achievement of greenhouse strategy and Melbourne 2030 objectives including
31
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
(i) water sensitive design
(ii) provision of public open space
(iii)road safety
(iv) public safety
(v) reduced car dependency and
(vi) physical and social well-being
The Staffing Sub-Committee recently interviewed applicants for the position of Executive Officer with a decision to be made shortly
32
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3551 Facsimile (03) 9651 3552
Email paecparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovaupaecdefaulthtm
Members
(Council) The Hons B Baxter B Forwood (Deputy Chair) G K Rich-Phillips
and Ms G D Romanes
(Assembly) Ms C Campbell Mr R W Clark Mr L Donnellan Ms D Green Mr J Merlino
Chair Hon C Campbell MP
Executive Officer Ms M Cornwell
UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Report No 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001
On 2 November 2001 the Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance advised that an issue proposal was being prepared to the Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board to resolve the matters raised in the Committeersquos report
On 8 July 2002 letter sent to the Chairman ndash Urgent Issues Group of the Australian Accounting Standards Board requesting information about the status of the review of unfunded superannuation liabilities
On 31 July 2002 response received advising that the Urgent Issues Group (UIA) Agenda Committee has agreed to include a project on the unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial statements of Australian universities on the UIArsquos work program
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered a letter from the Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board advising that the Urgent Issues Group has now reached a consensus concerning the accounting by universities in relation to unfunded superannuation
33
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
Future Activity
New Committee to monitor developments
2000-2001 BUDGET OUTCOMES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 19 September 2002 draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
During April 2003 the Chair of the new Committee reviewed the draft report
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted with amendments
On 11 June 2003 Report No51 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
On 25 September 2002 the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54th Parliament to review
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
In April 2003 the draft report was forwarded to the Chair of the new Committee to review
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee discussed the draft report and agreed to refer the report to the former Chairman for comment
Draft report forwarded to the former Chairman
34
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
Activities during June 2003
On 4 June 2003 advice received from the former Chairman
On 10 June 2003 draft report further considered by the Committee and adopted
On June 2003 Report No 52 was tabled in the Legislative Council
Future Activities
Distribute report to interested parties
Report to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly
Await Government response to the report which is due to be tabled on 12 December 2003
2003-2004 BUDGET ESTIMATES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F (1)(b)
On 2 April 2003 estimates questionnaire distributed to all Departments the Environment Protection Authority and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament
On 8 May 2003 a briefing for Members of Parliament on the State Budget for 2003-2004 was held
Background briefing papers on the budget estimates for each portfolio prepared
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 13 May 2 pm to 5 pm
Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Wednesday 14 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for State and Regional Development and Minister for Innovation
Treasurer
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Arts Minister for Womenrsquos Affairs Minister for Planning
Thursday 15 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Health
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Consumer Affairs Minister for Finance
Friday 16 May 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Education and Training
2 pm to 445 pm Minister for Employment Minister for Education Services Minister for Youth Affairs
35
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
Friday 23 May 930 am to 1145 am
Minister for Local Government Minister for Housing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Corrections Minister for Police and Emergency Services
Tuesday 27 May 1 pm to 4 pm
Minister for Environment Minister for Water Minister for Victorian Communities
Wednesday 28 May 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Financial Services Industry Minister for Manufacturing and Exports
2 pm to 4 pm Minister for Resources Minister for Energy Industries
Thursday 29 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Information and Communication Technology
Minister for Small Business
2 pm to 430 pm Minister for Community Services
Friday 30 May 930 am to 12 noon
Minister for Tourism Minister for Gaming and Minister for Racing
2 pm to 5 pm Minister for Industrial Relations Minister for WorkCover Attorney-General
On 26 May 2003 follow-up questions forwarded to the Premier Minister for Multicultural Affairs and the Treasurer
Activities during June 2003
Estimates hearings held on the following dates
Tuesday 17 June 2 pm to 5 pm
Minister for Major Projects Minister for Transport
Wednesday 18 June 930 am to 1130 am
Minister for Agriculture
Thursday 19 June 930 am to 1230 pm
Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Commonwealth Games
2 pm to 415 pm Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Aged Care
Tuesday 24 June 11 am to 1 pm
Presiding Officers of the Parliament
Follow up questions forwarded to Ministers
36
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
Future Activities
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
Report to be tabled in Parliament and distributed
REVIEW OF AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS REPORTS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
The Committee of the 54th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill ndash Waste Management by Municipal Councils
Evidence taken from the Auditor-General
On 31 October 2002 a list of questions relating to the Auditor-Generalrsquos Report No 51 was forwarded to the Minister for Health
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 7 January 2003 response received from the Minister for Health
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee resolved to recommence the Inquiries undertaken by the previous Committee and considered Briefing Papers on proposed strategies for undertaking the Inquiries
On 5 May 2003 the Auditor-General and officers of the VAGO briefed the Committee on the Report on Parliamentary Control and Management of Appropriations
Future Activities
In relation to Report No 51 further questions to be forwarded to the Minister for Health and a public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
In relation to Report No 65 briefing paper to be revised and reconsidered by the Committee Public hearing to be arranged for 14 August 2003
Briefing papers to be prepared on Reports of the Auditor-General on
Parliamentary control and management of appropriations and
Performance management and reporting
37
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Future Activity
On 20 August 2003 the Committee to brief Members of the NSW Public Accounts Committee on its work in relation to financial and performance management issues
PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 section 16(2)
On 31 March 2003 discussions held with the Auditor-General concerning the proposed performance audit program for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committee wrote to the Auditor-General nominating a number of areas that could be included in the next annual plan of audits to be undertaken by the VAGO
Activities during June 2003
On 18 June 2003 the Sub-Committee considered the objectives and specifications for proposed performance audits on
Development of Policy Advice
Establishing Sustainable Forests
Budget Development and Management within Departments
Future Activity
On 11 August 2003 the Sub-Committee to consider the objectives and specifications for two proposed performance audits
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 18 April 2002 PAEC Report No 47 tabled in the Parliament
Government response to report was tabled on 17 October 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response to the previous Committeersquos report
38
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
Future Activity
Committee to seek clarification about a number of matters contained in the Governmentrsquos response
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Inquiry advertised on 6 April 2002
Issues paper distributed to all government entities and other interested parties
On 1 May 2002 evidence taken from the Municipal Association of Victoria the Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Victorian Council of Social Service Energy Action Group and Professor Graeme Hodge
51 submissions received
Submissions analysed and briefing paper prepared
On 24 October 2002 a whole of government submission received
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activity
Public hearings to be organised
VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 49 was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 20 May 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Future Activity
Briefing paper to be prepared and considered by the Committee at a meeting on 20 August 2003
39
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 6 February 2002 and Sub-Committee appointed to undertake Inquiry
On 2 March 2002 Inquiry advertised in various metropolitan and national newspapers
On 30 April 2002 the Sub-Committee was briefed by representatives from the Victorian Auditor-Generalrsquos Office Department of Treasury and Finance Tasman Economics Institution of Engineers Transfield PricewaterhouseCoopers Professor Graeme Hodge and Dr Raphael Arndt
34 submissions received and background briefing paper prepared
On 15 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr T Cave General Manager Major Projects Delivery and Mr J Charleson Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Department of Justice and
Mr G Campbell Partner Maddocks
On 20 August 2002 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses
Mr G Joyce Graeme Joyce Pty Ltd
Dr A Smith Director and Ms M Baker Melbourne City Link and
Ms C Hilder Director Policy Australian Council for Infrastructure Development
Public hearing held on 24 September 2002 with the following witnesses
Mr J Myers Head of Business Strategy and Ms S Gandur Head of Communications National Express Group
Mr Paul Kennelly Research Officer Australian Education Union ndash Victorian Branch
Ms Cath Smith Chief Executive Officer VCOSS and Ms C Atkins Policy Analyst VCOSS
Mr Don Johnson General Manager ndash Victoria Thiess
Public hearings held in Brisbane Sydney and Canberra with the following individuals and organisations Infrastructure Partnerships Taskforce Department of State Development
Queensland Queensland Audit Office Queensland Council of Unions Department of Health Queensland Queensland Transport and Main Roads Treasury NSW NSW Auditor-General Professor Sheil Academic University of New South Wales Tony Harris Australian Financial Review Macquarie Bank NSW Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Robert Opiat Director PPPs Baulderstone Hornibrook
40
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
Commonwealth Auditor-General Mr John Quiggin academic Australian National University Mr Kenneth Davidson ndash media commentator
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the Committee considered a background briefing paper on the status of the Inquiry and key issues identified
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
On 5 and 6 August 2003 the Chair Deputy Chair and the Committeersquos Executive Officer to attend the National Infrastructure Summit Conference in Sydney
On 7 August 2003 the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Sub-Committee to take evidence from expert witnesses in Sydney
On 8 September 2003 Sub-Committee to take evidence in Melbourne
Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub-Committee in November 2003
STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
Summary of work completed during the 54th Parliament
Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000
Inquiry advertised
Ten submissions received
Submissions analysed and key issues identified
Evidence taken from the 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 the Victorian Auditor-General Mr W Cameron and the Assistant Auditor-General Mr J Manders 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 Mr Harry Evans Clerk of the Senate Mr John Parkinson Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors-General and ACT 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
41
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
School of Social Sciences Australian National University Professor Roger Wettenhall Visiting Fellow Research School of Public Sector Management University of Canberra Dr John Tamblyn Victorian Regulator-General and Dr Barry Perry The Victorian Ombudsman
Research undertaken on developments overseas
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Work undertaken by the new Committee
On 5 May 2003 the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee
Future Activities
Draft report to be revised to take into account recent amendments to the Audit Act and relevant developments overseas
Draft report to be considered by the Committee on 20 August 2003
AUDITOR-GENERALrsquoS OFFICE
Source of reference Audit Act 1994 sections 7A(2) and 7D(2)
Summary of work undertaken in the 54th Parliament
On 27 May 2002 suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received
Protocol statement discussed at the Committeersquos meeting on 26 September 2002 and revised
Proposed changes to the protocol statement forwarded to the Auditor-General on 4 November 2002
Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002
Summary of work undertaken by the new Committee
On 31 March 2003 the Auditor-General briefed the new Committee on the VAGOrsquos proposed budget and annual plan for 2003-04
The Committee sought advice from the Department of Treasury and Finance on the proposed 2003-04 budget of the VAGO
On 2 April 2003 the Committee forwarded a response concerning the Auditor-Generalrsquos budget estimates for 2003-04 to the Treasurer
On 22 April 2003 the Committee discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 22 April 2003 the new Committee considered the Auditor-Generalrsquos response to the Committeersquos suggestions for changes to the protocol statement
Committee resolved to adopt the protocol subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements
42
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
On 5 May 2003 the Committee was briefed by the Minister for Finance on proposed changes to the Audit Act
On 5 May 2003 the Committee again discussed the VAGO proposed annual plan for 2003-04
On 20 May 2003 the Committeersquos response to the Draft Annual Plan forwarded to the Auditor-General
Activities during June 2003
On 27 June 2003 the Chair was the keynote speaker at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference for VAGO staff
Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-Generalrsquos conference
CHANGES TO THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SERVICE
Source of reference Referred by the Legislative Council on 21 November 2001
On 30 October 2002 PAEC Report No 50 tabled in the Parliament
On 29 April 2003 Government response to the report was tabled in the Parliament
Work undertaken by the new Committee
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response prepared
Activity during June 2003
Briefing paper on the Governmentrsquos response considered at a meeting of the Committee on 10 June 2003
UNAUTHORISED DISCLOSURE OF CORRESPONDENCE
Source of reference Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 section 4F(1)(b)
On 5 May 2003 the Committee resolved to undertake an Inquiry into the leaking of correspondence to the media
Sub-Committee comprising the Chair Deputy Chairman Mr Donnellan and Mr Clark appointed
Letters and statutory declaration forms sent to all Members and staff of the Committee to the journalists who wrote the articles about the letter and to the Auditor-General seeking information about the leaking of the document
Activities during June 2003
Responses received
Sub-Committee met on 10 June 2003 to consider the responses
43
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
Sub-Committee resolved to recommend to the full Committee that no further action be taken as the evidence is inconclusive
Future Activity
To be discussed at the Committee meeting scheduled for 20 August 2003
44
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile (03) 9651 3691
Email rscparliamentvicgovau
Website httpwwwparliamentvicgovauparlrsc
Members
(Council) The Hons Barry Bishop John Eren and Graeme Stoney MLC (Assembly) Mr Alistair Harkness Mr Craig Langdon Mr Terry Mulder and Mr
Ian Trezise MP
Chairman Mr Ian Trezise MP
Executive Officer Ms A Douglas ROAD SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS
Terms of Reference issued by Order in Council on 15 April 2003
Activities during June 2003
The Committee met with the Manager Office of Senior Victorians Policy Consultant Aged Care and Senior Project Officer Rural Human Services Strategy from the Department of Human Services the General Manager Public Policy Chief Behavioural Scientist and Road User Programs Officer from the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria Ltd the Executive Director of Alzheimerrsquos Association a Lecturer from LaTrobe University School of Occupational Therapy a Professor from the Centre for Eye Research Melbourne University who all briefed the Committee on issues pertaining to the Inquiry into Improving Road Safety for Older Road Users
The Committee also conducted a site visit to the Accident Research Centre Monash University and a study tour in NSW
The Committee held meetings at the NSW Parliament and were briefed by staff of the Roads amp Traffic Authority NSW the Dean of Health Sciences University of Sydney the Policy Advisor Mobility Safety Department of the NRMA a geriatrician from the Central Coast Area Health Service experts from the Australian Driver Trainers Association the Director Rural and Regional Strategy from the Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources the Manager Community Transport from the Ministry of Transport and the Pedestrian Council of Australia The Committee also met the new members of the Road Safety (Staysafe) Committee of NSW
45
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
Future Activity
The Committee will begin deliberation of draft report
COUNTRY ROAD TOLL
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on and report by 31 March 2004 on factors that contribute to the unacceptably high road toll in country Victoria and in particular to report on (a) the incidence and causative role of speed drugs alcohol and fatigue in
rural road crashes (b) the role of the road and roadside environment in the causation and severity
of crashes (c) the role and potential contribution to crash causation of vehicle features
such as cruise control and in car navigation systems (d) the extent and effectiveness of enforcement activities in country Victoria (e) measures which could be introduced to reduce the incidence and severity
of crashes and (f) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies local government motoring organisations and the community In particular the committee is requested to examine measures being developed and implemented in other jurisdictions and countries with significant and comparable rural road networks CRASHES INVOLVING ROADSIDE OBJECTS
Terms of Reference issued by resolution of the Legislative Assembly on 5 June 2003 For inquiry consideration and report by 31 March 2004 on (a) the incidence causes and appropriate means of addressing road crashes
involving vehicles leaving the road and colliding with roadside objects
46
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
(b) the liability and accountability issues relating to roadside utility poles trees
and other fixed objects (c) appropriate risk management guidelines and practices for roadside hazard
management in various speed zones and (d) the need for change to legislation or statutory requirements to implement
any recommendations made as a result of this inquiry ndash and in conducting the inquiry the committee is to seek information from government and non-government agencies motoring and environmental organisations local government utility companies the community and any other body responsible for the placement or removal of roadside objects In particular the committee is requested to examine practices in other jurisdictions
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Committee is recruiting for a research officer to assist with the two new inquiries
47
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
48
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone 9651 3580 Facsimile 9651 3691
Website wwwparliamentvicgovaurrsdc
Email rrsdcparliamentvicgovau
Members-
(Council) The Honourables J M McQuilten and R G Mitchell (Assembly) Mr M Crutchfield Mr B P Hardman Mr C Ingram Hon Dr D N Napthine and Mr P L Walsh
Chair Mr Ben Hardman MP
Interim Executive Officer Mr Geoff Westcott
INQUIRY INTO COUNTRY FOOTBALL Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 3 June 2004 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 March 2004 on
The impact on life in rural and regional Victoria of Australian Rules Football and in conducting the Inquiry the Committee is to
(a) assess the current strength and long-term viability of Australian Football competitions and clubs in regional and rural Victoria
(b) assess the role Australian Football plays in building community identity social interaction and pride in rural towns (This should be considered in conjunction with complementary long-term existing relationships with netball and cricket competitions)
(c) investigate how demographic shifts changes in sport and entertainment preferences and other social changes are impacting on participation in country based football
(d) identify the effects that the decline in the number of rural Australian Football clubs is having on country towns including whether other sport and recreation clubsactivities are meeting community social needs in towns where the Australian Football clubs have ceased to function
(e) identify the impact that specific costs are having on rural Australian Football associations and clubs The costs to be investigated (but not necessarily restricted to) include insurance local government charges and pricing policies player payments and water availability and cost
49
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
(f) recommend actions that peak football organisations (administrators leagues and clubs) might consider undertaking to support the future success of country football and participation in sport in regional and rural Victoria
INQUIRY INTO REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE FOR BUSINESS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 3 June 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 30 September 2004 on The potential benefits to Victorian regional businesses from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services in particular broadband infrastructure and services and highlight any impediments that may stop businesses realising this potential To this end the Committee should consider the core issues of the
1 current availability of telecommunication services at affordable prices for businesses in Victorian regional areas
2 current availability of adequate telecommunications infrastructure for businesses in Victorian regional areas
3 current level of competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
4 current level of utilisation of available telecommunication infrastructure in regional Victoria
5 effect that competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets has on the provision of telecommunication services to businesses in Victorian regional areas and
6 effect that the current regulatory environment has on competition in both the retail and wholesale telecommunications markets in Victorian regional areas
To make recommendations on any necessary or desirable actions that could be taken to assist Victorian regional businesses to be able to take advantage of any benefits from improved access to telecommunications infrastructure and services that may be identified
The Committee should have regard to other reports that examine this matter in Victoria and other jurisdictions as well as on a national level and in particular
1 The Telecommunications Services Inquiry 2000 (Besley)
2 The Regional Telecommunications Inquiry 2002 (Estens) and
3 ldquoAustraliarsquos Broadband Connectivityrdquo 2003 (Broadband Advisory Group)
This Inquiry has been proposed to examine the above matters with a focus on identifying growth opportunities for Victorian regional businesses through improving access to telecommunication services and infrastructure by improving the Victorian regional telecommunication market environment
50
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
INQUIRY INTO THE CAUSE OF FATALITY AND INJURY ON VICTORIAN FARMS Referred to the Committee by Order in Council on 6 May 2003 for inquiry consideration and report to Parliament by 31 December 2003 Inquire into consider and report to Parliament on the causes of fatality and injury on Victorian Farms as follows 1 The main causes of fatality and injury on Victorian farms and other primary
industries compared to other jurisdictions 2 The matter and type of these injuries compared to other industries and
jurisdictions
Activity during June 2003
Two new Terms of Reference received
51
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
52
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE
Level 8 35 Spring Street Melbourne 3000 Telephone (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile (03) 9651 3674
Website wwwparliamentvicgovausarc
Email andrewhomerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Bills) jennybakerparliamentgovau (Scrutiny of Regulations) simondinsbergparliamentvicgovau (Administration)
Members
(Council) The Hons L Argondizzo and A P Olexander (Assembly) Ms L DrsquoAmbrosio (Chair) Mr K S Jasper Mr M A Leighton
Mr P J Lockwood Mr A J McIntosh Mr J Perera and Mr M H Thompson (Deputy Chair)
Chair Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MP
Executive Officer Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES
Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair) Hon Lidia Argondizzo MLC Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Michael Leighton MLA Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA
Regulation Review Subcommittee
Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair) Ms Lily DrsquoAmbrosio MLA Mr Ken Jasper MLA Hon Andrew Olexander MLC Mr Jude Perera MLA
53
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-
54
FULL COMMITTEE
The Committee met on 2 June 2003 to consider Alert Digest No 4 of 2003 concerning the following Bills
Child Employment Bill Firearms (Trafficking and Handgun Control) Bill Terrorism (Community Protection) Bill Wrongs and Limitation of Actions Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill
REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee did not meet in June
REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Subcommittee met on 17 June 2003 to consider the following Regulations
Statutory Rules 2003 SR No 19 mdash Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003 SR No 23 mdash Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment)
Regulations 2003 SR No 26 mdash Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol)
Regulations 2003 SR No 28 ndash Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003 SR No 30 ndash Retail Leases Regulations 2003 SR No 32 ndash Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 33 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement
Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 34 ndash Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of
Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 35 ndash Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 36 ndash Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003 SR No 37 ndash Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003 SR No 40 ndash Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 ndash
Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003 SR No 41 ndash Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003
- Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 28 November 2001 for inquiry consideration and report by 30 September 2001 on
- Activities during June 2003
- Dr Clive Summerfield Manager for Government Services VeCommerce Ltd
-
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Dr Toni Makkai Director Research Australian Institute of Criminology
-
- Activity during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activities during June 2003
- Activity during June 2003
- Inquire into consider and report to the Parliament on current forms of community engagement by Victorian Councils and ways to enhance and promote greater community engagement within existing councils as part of their governance arrangements
- Activities during June 2003
-
- Queensland Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rutledge Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions
- Australian Council for Civil Liberties Mr Terry OrsquoGorman President
-
- Queensland Police Service Chief Superintendent David Melville Senior Sergeant Gary Pettiford Officer in Charge DNA Unit Sergeant Michael Briody Senior Sergeant Michael Ede
-
- NSW Police Service Dr Peter Gunn Manager Scientific Support Forensic Services Group Mr Wayne Tosh Manager Procedures Implementation Team DNA Ms Natalie Dugandzic Solicitor Court and Legal Services Unit
- NSW Public Defendersrsquo Office Mr Peter Zahra Senior Public Defender Mr Andrew Haesler Public Defender Member of the ALRC Working Group on Law Enforcement and Evidence for the Protection of Human Genetic Information Inquiry
- NSW Ombudsman Mr Stephen Kinmond Assistant Ombudsman (Police)
-
- Adelaide 25 September 2002
- South Australia Police Inspector England Head DNA Project Team
-
- Forensic Science Centre Dr Hilton Kobus Director Mr Robert Locan Assistant Director Operations
- Director of Public Prosecutions Mr Paul Rofe QC Ms Wendy Abraham QC Associate DPP Ms Geraldine Davidson Senior Solicitor
-
- Future Activity
-
- Drafting of discussion paper
-
- 2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES
-
- DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ndash SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES
-
- Future Activities
-
- Activity during June 2003
-
- Redundant Legislation Subcommittee
- Regulation Review Subcommittee
-