PRIME MI~ NSTER
FOR PRE S S J U N EE 3, 1976
FEDERAL GOVERMENT MEMBERS PARLIAMENTARY REFORM COMMITTEE
The Federal Government Members Parliamentary Reform Committee
is examining how Federal Parliament should be improved.
The Committee, chaired by the Government Whip, Senator Fred
Chaney, is seeking the views of all Government Mern'be--s as
well as those of the community.
The Committee will consider the recently tabled joint
Parliamentary Committee Report on Committees, and will
examine all aspects of the Parliamentary process, and the
relationship between the Parliament and the public.
Specific areas to be considered include the relationship
between Parliament and the executive, parliamentary privilege,
methods of filling casual vacancies in the Senate, the
future-size of Parliament, and parliamentary scrutiny of
legislation.
The Committee hopes to make its initial recommendations
during the Budget session. For this reason the Committee
will be seeking submissions before the end of July.
People wishi.:-to have their views considered should send
submissions to Senator Chaney, Parliament House, Canberra.
Note: A list of the areas of inquiry is attached.
GOVEflNrIINT PARLT AMNEN'TARY RBFORMN COMDIITTEE
AREAS OF TNQUTRY
Parliamentary Comnmi ttee Sys ter
2. Parliamnentary Sessions
* DUrat Lon of' Sifttings
* Sitting Hours
3. Parliament and the Execu tive
' IParliamentary Privilege
* Scope
* Enforcemrent
Pub.[ ic. atiori and Broadcas ting of Par. liamerntary Proceedlings
6. Parliamnen tary Scrutiny of' LegislatiLon
7. Special problems of Ternitonial Senators
8. Parliamntary Term
* Synchronisation of elections
9. Fill ing Casual Vacancies in the Senate
Future Size of Parliament
11. Parliament and the Public
Community standing of -the Parliamentarian
* Knowledge of Parliamentary activities
12. Orientation and In-Service Training for Parliamentarians
arnd Staf'f Members
13. Parliamentary Secretaries/ Honorary Assistant iMinisters
ill. Appointmen t of Members arid Senators to Public Boards/
Advisory Bodies
Other Matters