parliamentary committees › images › stories › committees › ...the parliamentary committees...

PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES

PROGRESS ON INVESTIGATIONS To 1 August 2001

54th 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 —

(a) is required to inquire into, consider and report to the Parliament on any

proposal, matter or thing relevant to the functions of the Committee which

is referred to the Committee —

(i) by resolution of the Council or the Assembly: or

(ii) by Order of the Governor in Council published in the Government

Gazette; and

(b) may inquire into, consider and report to the Parliament on any annual

report or other document relevant to the functions of the Committee which

is laid before either House of the Parliament pursuant to a requirement

imposed by or under an Act.

* * * * *

(3) A resolution of the Council or the Assembly or an Order of the Governor in

Council referring a proposal, matter or thing to a Joint Investigatory Committee pursuant

to paragraph (a) of sub‐section (1) may specify a period of time within which the

Committee is required to make a final report to the Parliament on the proposal matter or

thing.

(4) In carrying out its functions a Joint Investigatory Committee is required —

(a) to give priority —

(i) firstly, to all proposals, matters or things referred to it by resolution of

the Council or the Assembly; and

(ii) secondly, to all proposals, matters or things referred to it by Order of

the Governor in Council published in the Government Gazette —

before all other proposals, matters or things being inquired into or being

considered by the Committee; and

(b) to comply with any limitation of time specified pursuant to sub‐section (3).

* * * * *

In the 54th Parliament, the Economic Development Committee is established as a Select

Committee of the Legislative Council.

Its functions, role and term of appointment are detailed in sections 37 to 41 of the Parliamentary

Committees Act 1968. References may only be given to this Committee —

(a) by resolution of the Council or

(b) by Order of the Governor in Council published in the Government Gazette.

2

DRUGS AND CRIME PREVENTION COMMITTEE

Level 8, 35 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000

Telephone: (03) 9651 3541 Facsimile: (03) 9651 3603

Email: [email protected]

Website:http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/dcpc

Members:

(Council) The Hons B C Boardman and S M Nguyen.

(Assembly) Hon R R Cooper, Mr K Jasper, Mr H R Lupton, Mr B Mildenhall and

Mr R Wynne.

Chairman: The Hon B C Boardman, MLC

Executive Officer: Ms Sandy Cook

INQUIRY INTO THE INCIDENCE OF CRIME

Reference from the Legislative Council on 1 March 2000 to inquire, consider and report on

the incidence of crime and to report every 6 months on the levels of crime, areas of

emerging concern and (where suitable) options for crime reduction or control.

Activities during July 2001

Content analysis of relevant press reports of crime in the Melbourne CBD 19952000 completed.

Ongoing statistical analysis of police unit record data for investigation into ‘Crime

Trends and Perceptions in the Melbourne CBD’.

Continuation of writing of draft Report ‘Crime Trends and Perceptions in the

Melbourne CBD’.

Planning and briefings for overseas study tour undertaken and completed.

Future Activity

Complete, adopt and table Report ‘Crime Trends and Perceptions in the Melbourne

CBD’ in August 2001.

3

INQUIRY INTO VOLATILE SUBSTANCES FOR THE PURPOSE OF

INTOXICATION

Reference from the Governor in Council on 18 April 2001 to inquire into the issue of

inhalation of volatile substances for the purpose of intoxication and report to

Parliament by the first day of the Autumn 2002 sitting.


Initial review of literature completed.

Call for submissions made via advertisements in The Age and Herald Sun and a mail

out to key individuals and government and non government organisations working

in the area.

Staff attending a planning meeting for the seminar ‘Chroming and the Impact on the

Koori Community’ organised by the Aboriginal Justice Forum 16 August 2001.

Meetings organised with key organisations and parliamentary committees dealing

with inhalant abuse in London, Vienna and Washington.

Future activities

Committee members and staff to attend Forum ‘Chroming and the Impact on the

Koori Community’ organised by the Aboriginal Justice Forum 16 August 2001.

OVERSEAS VISIT

From to 7 July to 21 July the Committee travelled overseas to obtain evidence for both its

current inquiries. Meetings were held with key representatives from government and

non government organisations including:

United Kingdom

Home Office –

David Moxon – Crime and Criminal Justice Unit, Research, Development and

Statistics Directorate

Ms Pat Mayhew – Crime and Criminal Justice Unit, Research, Development and

Statistics Directorate

Dr Chris Kershaw – Crime Surveys Section, Crime and Criminal Justice Unit

Mr Jon Simmons – Strategic and Innovative Projects, Research, Development

and Statistics Directorate

4

Mr Peter Hommel – Director Crime Prevention, Attorney General’s Department

N.S.W. (on leave working with the Home Office)

Teresa Williams – Drug and Alcohol Research Unit

Metropolitan Police at New Scotland Yard –

Inspector Trevor Brown

Detective Sergeant Tony Gallagher

Meeting on Volatile Substance Abuse – The Main Players in the UK –

Dr John Ramsey – Toxicology Unit, St George’s Hospital Medical School

Monica Burchell – National Children’s Bureau

Phil Mythen – Health Promotion England

Warren Hawksley – Re‐Solv

Michele Armstrong – Drug Misuse Team, Department of Health

Sarah Ross – British Aerosol Manufacturers’ Association (BAMA)

UK Anti‐Drugs Co‐ordinator –

Mr Keith Hellawell

All Party Group on Volatile Substance Abuse –

David Amess MP – Chairman

Vienna

Austrian Parliamentary Committee for Internal Affairs –

Otto Pendl, MP – Social Democratic Party

Gabriele Heinisch‐Hosek, MP – Social Democratic Party

Wolfgang Jung, MP – Freedom Party

Hermann Reindl, MP – Freedom Party

Werner Miedl, MP – People’s Party

United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention Centre –

Ms Sumru Noyan – External Relations Unit

5

Mr Howard Stead – Scientific Section

Mr Sandeep Chawla – Research Section

Mr Brian Taylor – Supply Reduction & Law Enforcement Section

Mr Chris Van der Burgh – Demand Reduction Section

Ms Catherine Volz – Legal Advisory Section

Mr Rene Bastiaans – Operations Branch – South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific

Programme

Mr Jonathan Lucas – Commission on Narcotic Drugs

Mr Andrew Wells – Senior Legal Advisor, United Nations International Drug

Control Programme

Ms Sandra Valle – Office of the Director General

Ms Gillian Murray – Coordinator, Fund Raising Unit

Ms Mayumi Ueda – External Relations Unit

United Nations Centre for International Crime Prevention (CICP) –

Mr Eduardo Vetere – Director of CICP

Mr Mohamed Abdul‐Aziz – Commission Secretariat and Legal Affairs Branch

Ms Kristiine Kangaspunta – Crime Reduction and Analysis Branch

Mr Wolfgang Rhomberg – Crime Reduction and Analysis Branch

Mr Giovanni Nicotera – Fund Raising Officer

Mr Samuel Gonzalez‐Ruiz – Crime Reduction and Analysis Branch

Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior –

Mr Gerhard Stadler – General Directorate for Public Security

Mr Robert Hammerschmid – International Support Section, Intelligence

Division

Mr Paul Marouscher – International Support Section, Intelligence Division

Ms Elizabeth Hamidi – Drug Department

Site visits

Vienna Social Projects –

Mr Gerhard Schinnerl, Executive Manager

Harald Kriener – Project Officer

6

Wien – Favoriten Detention Centre –

Mr Thomas Pertl – Social Worker

Washington DC

US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) –

Robert Jones – International Operations Branch

Linell Broecker – Office of Congressional & Public Affairs

Richard Tucker – International Support Section, Intelligence Division

Raymon Gonzales – International Support Section, Intelligence Division

Office of National Drug Control Policy Executive Office of the President –

Charlotte Sisson – Policy Analyst

Daniel Schecter – Demand Reduction Unit

Gregory Dixon – Drug Free Communities Program

Robert Brown, JR. – Office of Supply Reduction

Kurt Schmid – National HIDTA Director

Annie Millar – Chief of Evaluation

US Department of Justice

National Institute of Justice (NIJ) –

Julie Samuels, Acting Director

NIJ International Centre –

James Finckenauer

Bureau of Justice Statistics –

Pat Langan

Sidra Lea Gifford

Bureau of Justice Assistance –

Jay Marshall

7

Crime Control and Prevention Division, Office of Research and Evaluation –

Robert Langworthy

Rosemary Murphy

Steve Edwards

Lois Felson Mock

Office of Community Oriented Policing Services –

Gregory Cooper

Brian Guay

NIJ Crime Mapping Research Centre –

Eric Jefferis

Debra Stoe

Elizabeth Groff

NIJ National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS)

Thomas Schiller, International Networking Liaison Branch

National Inhalant Prevention Coalition –

Harvey Weiss

Washington Metropolitan Police Department –

Ani Russell – Director, Community Partnership Section

Glen Kline – Major Narcotics Branch

Justine Lovig – Program Manager, Policing for Prevention

Prince George’s County Police Department –

Major Alonzo Joy

Captain Darrin Palmer – Operation Clean – Community Law Enforcement

against Narcotics Program

8

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE




Website:http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/edc

Members:

(Council) The Hons R A Best, A Coote, G R Craige, K Darveniza, N B Lucas, J M McQuilten

and T C Theophanous.

Chairman: The Hon N B Lucas, PSM MLC

Executive Officer: Mr R A Willis

INQUIRY INTO THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE GOODS AND SERVICES TAX

ON THE COMPETITIVENESS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESSES

Terms of Reference received from the Governor in Council on 29 February 2000.

The Committee tabled its Final Report in Parliament on 12 June 2001.

INQUIRY INTO WORKCOVER PREMIUMS FOR 2000/2001

Terms of Reference received from Legislative Council on 6 September 2000.

The Committee tabled its final report in Parliament on 20 June 2001.

9

INQUIRY INTO EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR VICTORIAN RURAL

INDUSTRIES

Terms of Reference received from Legislative Council on 1 March 2000.

Report due 31 December 2001.

Informal meeting held with exporters in Mildura.

Informal meetings held with Austrade and the Department of Natural Resources &

Environment, Agribusiness Section.

Strategy paper prepared outlining proposed inquiry direction and timetable.

Chairman and Executive Officer attended Agribusiness Forum Summit in Healesville on 28

March 2001.


Follow‐up on key issues arising from Sydney and Canberra meetings held in June.

Position paper being prepared indicating progress to date and future areas of

investigation.

Future Activities

Planning of forthcoming meetings in Melbourne with key government bodies and other

groups.

Regional visits/hearings to be organised.

INQUIRY INTO STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE VICTORIAN ECONOMY

Terms of Reference issued by Governor in Council on 29 February 2000.

Report due first sitting day of Spring 2001 sitting.

Terms of Reference advertised on 13 November seeking written submissions. Letters sent

out to over 350 organisations and individuals.

35 written submissions received to date.

10


Follow‐up on key issues arising from Sydney and Canberra meetings held in June.

Contact made with key government departments (DOI & DEET) and other organisations

to arrange preliminary hearings in Melbourne for August/September.

Draft regional hearings program prepared. Initial hearings being organised for late

August.

Future Activities

Melbourne public hearings.

Regional visits/hearings to be organised.

INQUIRY INTO YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT

Terms of Reference received from Legislative Council on 1 March 2000.

Report due 31 December 2001.

Activity during July 2001

ABS data gathered with respect to youth unemployment statistics.

Future Activity

Terms of Reference to be advertised, together with mail‐out, seeking written

submissions.

11

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

COMMITTEE

Level 8, 35 Spring Street, Melbourne, 3000



Website: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/enrc

Members:

(Council) The Hons R F Smith and Graeme Stoney.

(Assembly) Mr H Delahunty, Ms J T Duncan, Mr C Ingram, Ms J M Lindell,

Mr T W Mulder and Mr G Seitz.

Chairman: Mr G Seitz, MP

Executive Officer: Mr B Miles

SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF THE VICTORIAN ABALONE AND ROCK

LOBSTER FISHERIES

Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Council on 1 March 2000 under section 4F (1)

(a) (i) of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968.

The Committee has resolved to undertake the inquiry concurrently with its inquiry into

fisheries management across Victoria (see below).

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

Referred to the Committee by Order of the Governor in Council published in the

Government Gazette (on 29 February 2000) under section 4F (1) (a) (ii) of the

Parliamentary Committees Act 1968.

Also referred to the Committee by the Legislative Assembly on 14 March 2000 under

section 4F (1) (a) (i) of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968.

The Committee has resolved to undertake the inquiry concurrently with its inquiry into the

sustainable management of the Victorian abalone and rock lobster industries.

Briefing by Minister.

Advertisements placed in national and statewide press for research officer to assist the

inquiry.

13

Advertisements in metropolitan and country Victoria newspapers announcing

commencement of the Inquiry.

Media release prepared and distributed.

Discussions with senior representatives of Northern Territory fishing sector and agencies ‐

Amateur Fisherman’s Association, Northern Territory Seafood Council, Marine and

Fisheries Enforcement Unit, NT Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries. Also

briefing and inspection of the Darwin Aquaculture Centre.

Briefing given by the Executive Officer to the Fisheries Co‐Management Council.

Briefing given by the Executive Officer to Seafood Industry Victoria

Appointment of consultant to assist preparation of Discussion Paper.

Publication and distribution of discussion paper.

Call for submissions.

Media release and advertisements placed advising of release of discussion paper and

inviting submissions.

Appointment of new research officer to assist with the Inquiry.

Submission period extended to 22 December 2000.

Second printing of the Discussion Paper and further distribution.

Study tour to New Zealand involving inspections and discussions held with representatives

of the New Zealand Recreational Fishing Council, NZ Marine Transport Association

(fishing and cruise charter operators), the Ministry of Fisheries, the Kaumatua and

Kaitiaki tribes (Maori customary fishing rights), Department of Conservation (marine

reserves), University of Auckland’s Leigh Marine Research Station, Fish and Game NZ

(freshwater fisheries), Sealord Group Ltd, Challenger Scallop Enhancement Company,

Port Nelson Ltd, Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission, National Institute of Water

and Atmospheric Research (stock assessment), Rock Lobster and Paua (abalone)

commercial fisheries, and the NZ Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.

Assessment of written submissions.

Inspections and discussions in South Gippsland and Western Port – with representatives of

the Shire of South Gippsland, Southern Shark and Gill Net Fisherman’s Association (fish

habitat), Port Franklin fishers (codes of practise), Lang Lang Coast Action Group

(seagrass beds), and the Kilcunda Abalone Farm (public water aquaculture).

Inspections and discussions in Melbourne ‐ Melbourne Fish Market (managers and agents),

fish processing plants (Lonimar P/L and Australian Sea Urchins P/L) and restaurant

sector (John Rubira).

Inspections and discussions in Central Victoria – Snobs Creek Research Station and

Hatchery, Goulburn River Trout P/L (trout aquaculture), Goulburn Valley Fly‐Fishing

Centre, and Australian Aquaculture Products (warm water recirculation‐system

aquaculture).

14

Public Hearing in Alexandra – Nagambie Angling Club, Goulburn Valley Fly‐Fishing

Centre Inc, Goulburn River Trout P/L, Goulburn Valley Association of Angling Clubs

Inc, Fisheries Co‐management Council – research issues.

Inspections and discussions in East Gippsland – estuarine fishery issues (Lake Tyers Beach

Sports Angling Club, East Gippsland Estuarine Fish Association, and Lake Tyers

Aboriginal Trust), eastern zone scallop boat (Scott Horden), processing and wholesale

sectors (Consol Fish), trawl boat (Chris Newman), fish charter boat (Peter Euman), local

compliance issues (Department of Natural Resources and Environment), water quality

and catchment issues (Gippsland Coastal Board), eel fishery (East Coast Eels P/L) and

goldfish aquaculture (Boolarra Fish Farms P/L).

Public Hearing at Lakes Entrance – Gippsland Lakes Bait Fishery Association, Mr Scott

Horton, East Gippsland Fishermans Association, Mr Roger Bilney, Mr Lyton Barr, Mr

Tom Davies, Gippsland Coastal Board, Lake Tyers Beach Sports Angling Club.

Inspections and discussions in western Victoria – live fish fishing (Rob Davies), western

zone rock lobster boat (Rod McDonald), processing plant (Sou‐West Seafoods), abalone

boat (Len McCall) and abalone processing (South West Seafoods), native fish hatchery

(Wartook Native Fish Culture), and native fish angling (Wimmera Anglers Association).

Public Hearing in Portland – Portland Professional Fishermans Association, Western Zone

Wrasse Association, Mr Tony Crapper, Ms Robyn Curtis, Mr Dennis Jeffs, Mirimbiak

National Aboriginal Corporation, Mr David Johnston, Mr Rod McDonald, Portland

Angling Club, Framlingham Aboriginal Trust, Mr Andrew Levings, Mr Don Edmonson,

Mr Vincent Gannon, Mr Jamie Espie, Mr Rod Crowther, Fisheries Co‐Management

Council (mainly consultation issues).

Public Hearing in Melbourne – Mr Anthony Amis, Mr Tony Hocking, Mr John Dougall,

Lonimar P/L, Mr Mark Nowak, Mr Peter Kidd, Goulburn‐Murray Water, Mr David

Fitzpatrick, VRFish, Mr Nik Phizacklea, Mr Tim Mirabella, Victorian National Parks

Association, Victorian Aquaculture Council.

Second Public Hearing in Melbourne – Victorian Abalone Divers Association, Victorian

Abalone Processor’s Association, Eastern Zone Rock Lobster Association, Mr John

Barnett, Mr Brian Bolding, Ms Tia Navanteri, Victorian Fishing Charter Association,

Community and Public Sector Union, Seafood Industry Victoria, Mr Cyril Mitchell, Mr

Ron Lewis, Native Fish Australia, Corner Inlet Fisheries Habitat Association, Lang Lang

Coast Action Group, Fisheries Co‐Management Council, Fisheries Victoria.

Confidential hearing – various witnesses regarding enforcement issues.

Additional public hearing – Mr John Hammond, Tasmanian Rock Lobster fisher and Prof

Tor Hundloe, Fisheries academic and economist.

Assessment of written submissions and public hearing evidence.

15


Discussions with Canberra based agencies: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and

Forestry, Bureau of Rural Sciences, Australian Fisheries Management Authority and

Environment Australia.

Consideration of issues arising from the written submissions and hearings.

Preparation of draft report.

Future Activity

Preparation of draft report.

ALLOCATION OF WATER RESOURCES FOR AGRICULTURAL AND

ENVIRONMENTAL PURPOSES

Referred to the Committee by the Legislative Council on 1 March 2000 under section 4F (1)

(a) (i) of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968.

Commencement of Inquiry.

Distribution of media release.

Compilation of mailing list.

Call for submissions.

Placement of advertisements announcing the commencement of inquiry and inviting

submissions.

Assessment of submissions.

Preparation and adoption of Interim Report.

Tabling of Interim Report in Parliament (Legislative Council – 28 November 2000)

Printing and distribution of Interim Report

Inspections and discussions in western Victoria – waste water and farm‐based irrigation

(South West Water), ground water management (Southern Rural Water), water savings

and piped irrigation systems (Wimmera Mallee Water).


Preparation of draft final report.

Future Activity

Consideration of draft final report.

16

ADEQUACY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF VETERINARY PATHOLOGY SERVICES

Referred to the Committee by the Governor in Council on 20 March 2001 under section 4F

of the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968.

The Terms of Reference received and resolved to commence the Inquiry following

completion of the Committee’s Water Allocation Inquiry.


Nil – Inquiry has not yet commenced.

MANAGEMENT OF THE FISHING CHARTER INDUSTRY IN VICTORIA

Referred to the Committee by the Governor in Council on 5 June 2001 under section 4F of

the Parliamentary Committees Act 1968.

The Terms of Reference received; to commence at a date to be defined.


Nil – Inquiry has not yet commenced.

17

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE




Website:http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/fcdc

Members:

(Council) The Hons E J Powell and G D Romanes.

(Assembly) Mr B P Hardman, Mr H Lim, Mr D A Nardella, Mrs I Peulich and

Mr R Wilson.

Chairman: Mr H Lim, MP

Executive Officer: Mr P L Bourke

MARKETPLACE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN CONSUMERS AND ITS

EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMIC WELLBEING OF WOMEN

Referred by Governor in Council on 18 April 2000.

Witnesses appearing before the Committee‐

Representatives from Consumer and Business Affairs Victoria, Mr. Denis Fitzgerald,

Assistant Director, Policy and Information; Ms Dianne Bryans, Manager, Assessment

and Analysis Branch, Consumer Services and Compliance Division; Ms Kristen Murray,

Policy Officer.

Representatives from the Equal Opportunity Commission, Dr Dianne Sisely, Chief

Executive and Mr. Ben Rice, Research Officer.

Representatives from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Mr Michael

Levine, Deputy President, Civil Claims List and Ms Anne Coghlan, Deputy President,

Discrimination List.

Ms Sandra Campitelli, General Manager, Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Association.

Mr Timothy Piper, Executive Director and Ms Lisa Hurley, Marketing Officer ,

Australian Retailers Association.

Site Visit with the Drycleaning Institute of Australia to Bancroft’s Dry Cleaner’s, South

Yarra.

Ms Virginia Redding, Westpac Bank and Ms Amanda Ellis, Bank of Melbourne

19

Witnesses appearing at Public Hearings

Mr Colin Neave, Australian Banking Industry Ombudsman

Ms Jenny Lawton, Financial and Consumer Rights Council of Victoria

Ms Sandra Campitelli, Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Association

Ms Mary Crooks & Ms Gemma Morgan, Victorian Women’s Trust

Mr Michael Meere, Dry Cleaning Institute of Victoria

Ms Leyla Yilmaz, Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce

Ms Allyson Foster & Ms Catriona Lowe, Women’s Legal Service & Consumer Law

Centre


Review of Draft Report Chapters.

Consideration of Recommendations.

Future Activities

Review of Draft Report Chapters.

Adoption of report.

20

LAW REFORM COMMITTEE




Website: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/lawreform

Members:

(Council) The Hons D G Hadden and P A Katsambanis.

(Assembly) Mr T Languiller, Ms A L McCall, Mr A J McIntosh,

Mr R E Stensholt, and Mr M H Thompson.

Chairman: Mr M H Thompson, MP

Executive Officer: Ms M L Mason

REVIEW OF LEGAL SERVICES IN REGIONAL AND RURAL VICTORIA

Referred by Governor in Council on 29 February 2000 and by the Legislative Assembly on

14 March 2000.

REVIEW OF COURT‐BASED SERVICES IN REGIONAL AND RURAL VICTORIA

Referred by the Legislative Council on 1 March 2000.

[Because of the similarity of these references, the Committee has decided to combine and

conduct the inquiries concurrently]

The Final Report was tabled in the Legislative Council on 5 June 2001.

Future Activity

Await Government response, due November 2001.

REVIEW OF THE THEATRES ACT 1958

Referred by Governor in Council on 29 February 2000 and by the Legislative Assembly on

14 March 2000.

21

The Final Report was tabled in the Legislative Council on 5 June 2001.

Future Activity

Await Government response, due November 2001.

REVIEW OF THE POWERS OF ENTRY, SEARCH, SEIZURE AND QUESTIONING

BY AUTHORISED PERSONS

Referred by the Governor in Council on 18 April 2001.


A research assistant employed to undertake comprehensive legislation search and

prepare summaries and tables of relevant sections in Victorian legislation.

Review timetable discussed and a decision made to prepare a discussion paper before

calling for public submissions and undertaking public hearings.

Discussions with academics as to their availability to prepare a discussion paper as a

consultancy.

Decision made to undertake overseas investigations in January/February 2002.

Preliminary overseas itinerary developed and research undertaken to identify

organisations and individuals with whom the Committee should meet.

Legal Research Officer vacancy advertised.

Future Activities

The Chairman, Deputy Chair and Executive Officer will meet Department of Justice

representatives to discuss the background to the reference early in the next

parliamentary sitting.

Preparation and release of discussion paper.

Reference to be advertised and submissions called for. Public hearings will be

undertaken after the discussion paper is released.

22

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AND ESTIMATES COMMITTEE




Website: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/paec/default.htm

Members:

(Council) The Hons D M Davis, R M Hallam (Deputy Chairman), G K Rich‐Phillips

and T C Theophanous

(Assembly) The Hon L Asher, Ms A P Barker, Ms S M Davies, Mr T J Holding, Mr P J Loney

and Mrs J M Maddigan.

Chairman: Mr P J Loney, MP

Executive Officer: Ms M Cornwell

1999‐2000 BUDGET ESTIMATES

Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b).

Draft report considered by the Committee on 20 August 1999.

Parliament prorogued on 24 August 1999.

Draft report considered by the new Committee on 10 February 2000 and adopted with

amendments.

Report (No. 33) tabled on 22 March 2000 and distributed.

In September 2000, the Government response to the Committee’s report received.

On 22 November 2000, the Committee considered the Government’s response to Report No.

33.

Committee response included as a chapter in Report No. 38, which was tabled in the

Legislative Council on 30 November 2000.


Government response to recommendations in Chapter 2 of Report No. 38, received on 13

July 2001.

Future Activity

Response to be considered at the next meeting of the full Committee.

23

UNFUNDED SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES IN VICTORIAN UNIVERSITIES


Committee sought advice from the Auditor‐General on the current status of the issues

relating to the reporting of unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial reports of

Victorian universities.

Auditor‐General’s response discussed at the Committee’s meeting on 27 April 2000.

Background briefing paper prepared on unfunded superannuation liabilities in the financial

reports of Universities.

On 9 November 2000, the following witnesses gave evidence:

Mr Neil Taylor, Director, Financial Policy and Compliance Branch, Department of

Treasury and Finance;

Mr Nick Daicos, Assistant Director, Financial Policy and Compliance Branch,

Department of Treasury and Finance;

Mr David Percival, Vice‐Principal, Corporate Services, University of Melbourne;

Mr Russell Walker, Assistant Auditor‐General, Strategic Planning and Sector Leadership,

Victorian Auditor‐General’s Office; and

Mr Greg Pound, Assistant Auditor‐General, Accounting and Auditing Policy, Victorian

Auditor‐General’s Office.

On 13 and 14 December 2000, the Sub‐Committee took evidence in Sydney and Canberra

from the following witnesses:

Mr Michael Watson, Group Executive Director, Australian National Audit Office;

Ms Lynne O’Brien, Executive Director, Australian National Audit Office;

Mr Brett Kaufmann, Head, Commonwealth Accounting Centre of Excellence Team,

Commonwealth Department of Finance and Administration;

Mr Bob Sendt, NSW Auditor‐General;

Ms Maria Spriggins, Director of Audit, Audit Office of NSW; and

Mr Sam Kalagurgevic, Director of Audit, Audit Office of NSW.

Draft report prepared.

Draft report considered by the full Committee on 8 and 15 March 2001. Report amended

and adopted.

Report No. 39 tabled in the Parliament on 22 March 2001.

Report distributed on 23 March 2001.

On 23 March 2001 Chairman wrote to the Chairman of the Australasian Council of

Auditors‐General seeking comments on issues raised in the report.

24


On 30 July 2001, response received from the Convenor of the Australasian Council of

Auditors‐General.

Future Activity

Await Government response to the report, due 22 September 2001.


Source of reference: Parliamentary Committees Act 1968, section 4F(1)(b)

The Committee considered a discussion paper on options for changes to the estimates

process.

New arrangements agreed to by the Committee on 9 March 2000.

Draft report on the new estimates arrangements adopted by the Committee on 12 April

2000.

Draft questionnaire on the budget estimates considered by the Committee on 12 April 2000

and revised.

Report No. 36 on Reforms for scrutinising the Budget Estimates tabled in the Parliament on

13 April 2000.

Executive Officer and Research Officer met with Chief Finance Officers of the Departmental

Reference Group to outline changes to the estimates process and to the estimates

questionnaire.

Questionnaire distributed to all government departments on 14 April 2000.

On 4 May 2000, seminar held for Members of Parliament on the Budget for 2000‐2001.

Background briefing papers prepared.

Public hearings held on the following dates:

Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Multicultural Affairs on Thursday, 18 May at 9 am;

Minister for Health and Minister for Planning on Thursday, 18 May at 2 pm;

Minister for WorkCover and Minister for Local Government on Tuesday, 13 June at 9.30

am;

Attorney‐General, Minister for Manufacturing Industry and Minister for Racing on

Tuesday, 13 June at 2 pm;

Minister for Education and Minister for the Arts on Wednesday, 14 June at

9.30 am;

25

Minister for Transport on Wednesday, 14 June at 2 pm;

Minister for State and Regional Development on Thursday, 15 June at 9.30 am;

Presiding Officers of the Parliament on Thursday, 15 June at 2 pm;

Responses to Committee’s estimates questionnaire received and analysed.

Briefing papers prepared on the expenditure for the remaining portfolios.

Follow‐up of matters raised in estimates hearings and additional information sought.

Responses received from various Ministers.

Estimates hearings held on the following dates:

Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs on 8 August;

Minister for Gaming and Minister for Major Projects and Tourism on 8 August;

Minister for Community Services on 9 August;

Minister for Small Business and Minister for Consumer Affairs on 9 August;

Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Minister for Corrections on 10 August;

Minister for Industrial Relations on 10 August;

Minister for Housing and Minister for Aged Care on 22 August;

Minister for Ports and Minister for Energy and Resources on 22 August;

Minister for Youth Affairs and Minister for Sport and Recreation on 23 August;

Minister for Finance and Minister for Post Compulsory Education, Training and

Employment on 23 August;

Minister for Women’s Affairs and Minister for the Environment and Conservation on 24

August.

On 30 October 2000, the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman for review.

Draft report considered and amended by the Committee at meetings on 9, 21, 22, 23 and 24

November 2000.

Draft report, as amended, adopted by the Committee on 24 November 2000.

Report No. 38 tabled in the Legislative Council on 30 November 2000.

Report distributed to all Ministers, departments and agencies.

Report available on the Internet.

Report tabled in the Legislative Assembly on 27 February 2001.


On 30 July 2001, Government response received to recommendations contained in Report

No. 38.

26

Future Activity

Briefing paper on the Government’s response to be prepared and considered at the next

meeting of the full Committee.

1999‐2000 BUDGET OUTCOMES


All departmental annual reports for 1999‐2000 reviewed.

Questions relating to the Budget Outcomes for 1999‐2000 forwarded to all departments on

22 December 2000.

During January and February 2001 following up outstanding responses.

Responses from departments reviewed.

Draft report prepared and forwarded to Chairman to review.

Draft report considered, amended and adopted by the Committee on 26 April 2001.

Report tabled in the Parliament on 3 May 2001.

Report distributed.

Future Activity

Await Government response to the report, due 3 November 2001.



Letter forwarded to Ministers inviting them to attend estimates hearings on particular dates.

Draft budget estimates questionnaire completed.

Confirming dates for estimates hearings.

Draft estimates questionnaire considered and adopted by the Committee on 8 March 2001.

Estimates questionnaire distributed to all departments.

A briefing for Members of Parliament on the Budget Papers for 2001‐2002 held on 17 May

2001.

Background briefing papers prepared.

Estimates hearings held on the following dates:

Friday, 25 May

9.30 am – 12.30 pm

Premier and Minister for Multicultural Affairs

27

Friday, 1 June

9.30 am – 12.30 pm

Treasurer and Minister for State and Regional

Development

Friday, 1 June

2.00pm ‐ 5.00pm

Minister for Major Projects and Tourism and Minister

for Gaming

Friday, 8 June

9.30 am – 12.00 noon

Minister for Sport and Recreation and Minister for

Youth Affairs

Friday 22 June

9.30am – 12.30pm

Minister for Education and Minister for the Arts

Friday, 22 June

2.00pm – 5.00pm

Minister for Community Services

Tuesday, 26 June

9.30 am – 12.30 pm

Minister for Environment and Conservation and

Minister for Women’s Affairs

Wednesday, 27 June

1.30 pm – 4.30 pm

Minister for Planning, and Minister for Health


Estimates hearings held on the following dates: Thursday, 19 July

9.30 am – 11.30 am

Minister for Industrial Relations

Wednesday, 25 July

9.30 am – 12.00 noon

Minister for Energy and Resources, and Minister

for Ports

Follow‐up questions forwarded to Ministers.

Responses received from the Minister for Youth Affairs, Secretary of the Department of

Treasury and Finance, and Minister for the Arts.

Future Activities

Estimates hearings to be held on the following dates:

Thursday 2 August

9.30 am – 11.30 am

Minister for Local Government and Minister for

WorkCover

Thursday, 2 August

2.00 pm – 4.45 pm

Minister for Small Business and Minister for

Consumer Affairs

28

Friday, 3 August

9.30 am – 12.30 pm

Attorney‐General, Minister for Manufacturing

Industry and Minister for Racing (rescheduled from

14 August at 1.30 pm)

Friday, 3 August

1.30 pm – 4.30 pm

Minister for Police and Emergency Services and

Minister for Corrections

Tuesday, 7 August

2.00 pm – 5.00 pm

Minister for Finance and Minister for Post

Compulsory Education, Employment & Training

Wednesday, 8 August

9.30 am – 12.30 pm

Minister for Transport (incl. Roads/Citylink)

Wednesday, 8 August

2.00 pm – 5.00 pm

Minister for Housing and Minister for Aged Care

Friday, 24 August

9.30 am – 11.30 am

Presiding Officers of the Parliament (rescheduled

from 3 August at 9.30 am)

Estimates hearing with the Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs

to be rescheduled to a mutually convenient date.

Follow‐up questions to be forwarded to Ministers.

Draft report to be prepared.

AUDITOR‐GENERAL’S REPORTS ON MINISTERIAL PORTFOLIOS (MAY 1996

TO MAY 2000), STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL OPERATIONS 1995‐96,

GOVERNMENT’S ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT 1996‐97, 1997‐98 AND

VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT’S FINANCES 1998‐99, 1999‐2000, AUDITOR‐

GENERAL’S REPORT OF THE FINANCES OF THE STATE OF VICTORIA 1999‐2000

AND SPECIAL PERFORMANCE REPORTS NOS. 42 TO 68 AND RESPONSES BY

THE MINISTER FOR FINANCE.


Report (No. 30) relating to the Auditor‐General’s Reports No’s. 39 to 41 tabled in the

Legislative Council on 3 June 1999.

Government response tabled on 29 February 2000.

Follow up of all other reports commenced.

Executive Officer and Research Officer met with officers from Department of Human

Services to discuss developments since the government’s response to Auditor‐General’s

Report No. 43.

29

Briefing papers prepared on Auditor‐General’s Report No. 43 (Protecting Victoria’s

Children) and No. 46 (Public Housing and Law Enforcement Assistance Program).

On 12 April 2000, a Sub‐Committee was appointed to review all outstanding matters raised

in the reports of the Auditor‐General.

On 8 June 2000, the Committee considered briefing papers on Auditor‐General’s Reports

Nos 43 and 46.

Correspondence forwarded to various Ministers seeking further information.

Response received from the Minister for Housing and Aged Care.

On 8 August 2000, response received from the Acting Director, Community Care,

Department of Human Services, to various issues raised by the Sub‐Committee.

On 16 August 2000, response received from the Minister for Police and Emergency Services

in relation to issues raised by the Sub‐Committee concerning the Law Enforcement

Assistance Program.

On 11 October 2000, a public hearing was held on Report Number 43 – Protecting Victoria’s

Children: The role of the Department of Human Services. The following witnesses gave

evidence:

Ms Coleen Clare, Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Welfare Association of Victoria;

Mr Ken Patterson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Welfare Association of

Victoria;

Mr Bernard Lamb, Anglicare Victoria;

Mr Brian Mitchell, MacKillop Family Services;

Mr John Avent, Salvation Army;

Mr Victor Coull, Glastonbury Family Services;

Ms Rosie Lever, Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Protection Society;

Ms Karen Flanagan, Senior Manager, Children’s Protection Society;

Ms Lou Hewitt, Senior Manager, Children’s Protection Society;

Ms Muriel Cadd, Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency

Cooperative;

Mr Alf Bamblett, Executive Officer, Victorian Aboriginal Community Service

Association;

Mr Graeme Schaeche, Assistant General Manager — Student Welfare and Support,

Department of Education, Employment and Training;

Ms Colleen Murphy, Student Welfare Officer, Department of Education, Employment

and Training;

Ms Margaret Wagstaff, Director, Community Care Division, Department of Human

Services; and

30

Ms Jenny McAuley, Assistant Director, Child Protection and Juvenile Justice, Department

of Human Services.

On 8 November 2000, the Sub‐Committee took evidence from the following witnesses:

Mr P. Steele, Vice‐President, Primary, Australian Education Union;

Ms C. Stewart, Deputy Secretary, Australian Education Union;

Mr J. Fogarty, Board Member, Children’s Protection Society;

Professor D. Scott, Department of Social Work, University of Melbourne;

Mr J. Tucci, Chief Executive Officer, Australians Against Child Abuse;

Mr M. White, Director of Schools, Department of Education, Employment and Training;

and

Ms C. Murphy, Manager, Student Welfare, Department of Education, Employment and

Training.

Submissions and correspondence received in relation to Report No. 43.

On 20 December 2000, the Chairman gave a presentation to the Board of the Glastonbury

Child and Family Services Society.

On 23 January 2001, the Sub‐Committee met with Ms Gilian Calvert, NSW Commissioner

for Children and Young People.

Further research work undertaken.

On 5 March 2001, the Sub‐Committee took evidence from the following witnesses:

Ms Moira Rayner, Director, London Children’s Rights Commissioner

Ms Patmalar Ambikapathy, Tasmania’s Commissioner for Children

Dr Barry Perry, The Ombudsman, Victoria

On 11 April 2001, draft report on Auditor‐General’s Report No. 43 forwarded to Chairman

to review.

Draft report revised.

On 28 June 2001, revised report forwarded to Chairman to review.


Draft report reviewed and further revised.

Future Activities

Awaiting advice from the Chairman on when the report is to be scheduled for

consideration.

Draft report to be considered at a Sub‐Committee meeting in August.

Adoption, tabling and distribution of report.

31

Public hearing to be arranged on Report Number 46 (Public Housing and Law

Enforcement Assistance Program).

Briefing papers on Auditor‐General’s Reports Nos. 55 (Child care and Kindergartens:

caring about quality); Report No. 58 (State Revenue Office: A customer service focus

towards improving taxation collection); and Report No. 59 (Automating fare collection:

a major initiative in public transport) to be considered by Sub‐Committee.

Public hearings to be arranged.

OUTSOURCING OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES


Draft report considered at Committee meeting on 2 June 1999.

Further consideration of report deferred until Commercial‐in‐Confidence report completed.

Parliament prorogued on 24 August 1999.

New Committee considered the draft report on 24 February 2000 and various amendments

agreed to.

Revised draft report considered by the Committee on 16 March 2000 and adopted.

Report No. 34 tabled in the Parliament on 5 April 2000.

The full text of the report is on the PAEC home page.

Press conference held on 5 April 2000.

Report distributed.

On 5 June 2000, representatives from the Committee met with the Queensland Public Works

Committee to discuss the recommendations of the Outsourcing Report and Commercial

in Confidence Report.

Government response to Committee’s report tabled in Parliament on 25 October 2000.

Future Activity

Briefing paper on the Government response to be considered at a full Committee

meeting.

COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE MATERIAL AND THE PUBLIC INTEREST


Draft report considered by new Committee on 9 and 16 March 2000. Report adopted with

amendments.

Report No. 35 tabled in the Parliament on 5 April 2000.

The full text of the report is on the PAEC home page.

32

Press conference held on 5 April 2000.

Report distributed.

Government’s response to Committee’s report tabled in Parliament on 25 October 2000.

On 30 November 2000, Chairman addressed the National IPAA Conference on Rethinking

Secrecy in Government.

Future Activity

Briefing paper on the Government response to be considered at a full Committee

meeting.

ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING


Interim Report (No 31) tabled on 3 June 1999. Report also available on the Internet.

Submissions received concerning the recommendations contained in the Interim report.

Government response tabled on 2 December 1999.

Committee considered a briefing paper on 23 March 2000 which proposed terms of

reference for the follow‐up Inquiry.

Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 23 March 2000.

Researching and writing issues paper continued.

Sub‐Committee appointed on 12 April 2000.

Issues paper completed.

Mailing lists compiled.

On 23 May 2000, the Executive Officer and Research Officer attended a seminar on

environmental reporting organised by the Institution of Engineers.

Issues paper and work plan for the Inquiry considered by the Sub‐Committee on 8 June and

adopted.

Inquiry advertised on 10 June 2000.

Issues paper and request for submissions sent to government agencies, business and

community groups and interested individuals on 27 June 2000.

42 submissions received.

Deadline for receipt of submissions extended to 21 August 2000.

On 4 August 2000, the Chairman met with the New Zealand Parliamentary Commissioner

for the Environment to discuss matters raised in the Issues Paper.

On 14 August 2000, the Sub‐Committee was briefed by officers of the Department of

Natural Resources and Environment and the Environment Protection Authority.

33

Public hearing held on 25 August 2000 with:

Mr Claudio Senese, Group Manager Corporate Environment Group, Telstra and Ms

Joanne Saleeba, Environmental Analyst, Telstra and Ms Anne Learmonth,

Government Relations Group, Telstra;

Dr David Bowman, Senior Environment Adviser, The Shell Company of Australia;

Mr Chris Davey, Associate Director, Project and Structured Finance, National Australia

Bank;

Dr Jean Raar, Lecturer in Accounting, Faculty of Business and Law, Deakin University;

Ms Toni McCormack, Chief Executive Officer, and Mr Andrew Clooney, Industry

Officer, Victorian Water Industry Association Inc;

Public hearings held on 11 and 12 September with the following witnesses:

David Sinclair, Group Manager, Environment, Pasminco;

Mr Deane Belfield, Team Leader – Global Environmental Solutions, and Ms Corinne

Proske, PricewaterhouseCoopers;

Dr Fiona Solomon, Research Fellow CSIRO Minerals;

Mr Keith Wiltshire and Dr Ross Ulman, Save Albert Park;

Mr Peter Christoff, Lecturer ‐ Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences,

University of Melbourne;

Mr Simon Molesworth, AM, QC President, Environment Institute of Australia;

Dr Neil Byron, Productivity Commissioner, and Mr Robert Kerr, Head of Office,

Productivity Commission;

Ms Libby Chaplin, Co‐convenor, and Mr Trevor Thornton, Victorian Network

Environment Management Industry Association of Australia;

Dr Phillip Johnstone, Manager Environmental Policy, Bayside City Council, and

representing the Metropolitan Environment Forum of the International Council for

Local Environmental Initiatives;

Professor David Yencken, Environment Liaison Office (Victorian National Parks

Association, Australian Conservation Foundation, Friends of the Earth, Environment

Victoria, and The Wilderness Society Victoria);

Cr. L. Johnstone, and Mr Peter Lyon, Senior Policy Advisor – Environment, Municipal

Association of Victoria;

Mr Terence Jeyaretnam, Manager, Corporate Environmental Services, and Mr Ken Fung,

Manager, Planning and Environment, Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation

On 9 October 2000, public hearing held with the following witnesses:

Ms Michonne Van Rees ‐ Executive Director, Parks Flora and Fauna, Department of

Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE);

Mr Peter Sutherland ‐ Executive Director, Catchment and Water, DNRE;

34

Mr Steve Jacoby ‐ Director, Land Information Group, DNRE; and

Mr David Parkes, Policy Analyst, DNRE;

Cr. Julie Hanson, President, Victorian Local Governance Association;

Cr. Don Chambers, Vice‐President, Victorian Local Governance Association;

Mr Bernie Potter and Mr Stephen Ray, Environs Australia;

Ms Louise Hicks, Lawyer, Maddock, Lonie and Chisholm;

Mr Phillip Sutton, Green Innovations Inc;

Mr Rob Joy ‐ Executive Director, and Mr Terry A’Hearn ‐ Manager, Policy Co‐ordination

Branch, Environment Protection Authority;

Mr Stan Neild, Manager, Legislation Review, Mr Gerard Meade, Chairman, Legislative

Review Board, Mr Colin Parker, Director‐Accounting and Audit, CPA Australia, and

Mr Ian Nash, The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia;

Sub‐Committee met with the following witnesses in Sydney on 17 October and in Canberra

on 18 October 2000:

Mr Drew Collins ‐ Executive Director, Economics and Environmental Reporting, and Mr

Peter Maganov, NSW Environment Protection Authority;

Ms Vivienne Filling ‐ General Manager, Environment and Energy Services and Mr David

Bell ‐ Public Environmental Reporting Extension Officer, Australian Industry Group;

Ms Jan Lee‐Martin – Director, The Futures Foundation;

Ms Myra Craig ‐ Manager, Policy and Research Branch, NSW Department of Local

Government;

Mr Robert Verhey, NSW Local Government and Shires Associations;

Mr Marc Newson ‐ Principal Consultant on Environmental Accounting,

PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Member of the Environmental Accounting Taskforce,

Institute of Chartered Accountants;

Associate Professor Gregory Rose ‐ Faculty of Law, University of Wollongong;

Associate Professor Ronnie Harding ‐ Director, Institute of Environmental Studies,

University of New South Wales; and Dr Stephen Dovers ‐ Fellow, Centre for Resource

and Environmental Studies, Australian National University;

Dr Steve Hatfield‐Dodds ‐ Director, and Ms T. Brierly, Environmental Economics Unit,

Environment Australia;

Dr Helen Sims ‐ Office Manager, Office of the Commissioner for the Environment,

Australian Capital Territory;

Mr Con Boekel ‐ Head, Environment and Technology Strategies Branch; and Ms Jenny

Boshier ‐ Director, State of Environment Reporting Section, Environment Australia;

Ms Judith Kendrick, Director, Financial Sector Projects Branch, Mr David Pinch, Assistant

Director, Sustainable Industries Branch, Environment Australia;

35

Mr Duncan Paterson – Researcher, Corporate Ethics, Australian Ethical Investment Ltd;

Mr Dick Osborn ‐ Principal, Green Measures;

Mr Bob Harrison ‐ Director, Environment Statistics Section; and Mr Zia Abbasi ‐ Regional

Director, Victoria, Australian Bureau of Statistics;

Dr Clive Hamilton ‐ Executive Director, The Australia Institute Ltd;

Mr Rob Bastian ‐ Chief Executive, Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia;

Ms Molly Harriss Olson and Mr Phillip Toyne, Directors, EcoFutures.

In February 2001, draft report prepared and forwarded to the Chairman of the Sub‐

Committee to review.

In March 2001, draft report further revised and forwarded to the Chairman of the Sub‐


On 12 April 2001, third version of the draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Sub‐


Await advice from Chairman of the Sub‐Committee, Hon. Gordon Rich‐Phillips, MLC,

about the revised draft report.

On 28 June 2001, revised draft report forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee to

review.

Future Activities

Draft report to be considered at a Committee meeting in August.


FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT REFORM PROGRAM


Seminar on the GST and its implications for Victoria held for Members of Parliament on 1

March 2000.

Briefing by Professor Klaus Luder, Professor of Public Sector Financial and Business

Administration, German Postgraduate School of Administrative Sciences, Speyer,

Germany.

On 23 March 2000, the Committee briefed Members of the Public Accounts Committee of

the North‐West Province of South Africa on the work of the Committee and its role in

reviewing aspects of the Financial Management Reform Program.

On 23 March 2000, the Committee was briefed by officers of the Department of Treasury

and Finance on the Financial Management legislation.

36

On 29 March 2000, the Chairman a presented paper on Achieving Performance

Improvement in the Public Sector – A Parliamentary Perspective, at the International

Institute of Research Conference in Canberra.

On 5 April 2000, a seminar on the work of the Auditor‐General’s Office and the Budget

Process was held for new Members of Parliament and their staff.

Detailed response prepared to the Australian Society of CPA’s discussion paper on whole of

government financial reporting.

On 22 May 2000, Chairman gave a presentation to the Director‐General of Infrastructure

and other senior officials from the Chinese Ministry of Finance.

On 16 August 2000, a seminar for Members of Parliament was held on the Future of Health

Care in Victoria.

Members of Parliament surveyed on possible topics for seminars.

On 17 August 2000, the Chairman gave a presentation “On the role of the PAEC in

evaluating public finances and public administration in Victoria” at the Australasian

Evaluation Society Conference at Geelong.

Response to CPA’s discussion paper considered at the meeting of the Committee on 17

August 2000, and tabled at ACPAC conference on 6 February 2001.

On 25 August 2000, the Chairman gave a presentation “On the role of the PAEC in

responsible financial management”, at the Department of Treasury and Finance Open

Day.

On 15 November 2000, a seminar for Members of Parliament was held on Victorian

Government’s Finances, 1999‐2000.

On 15 February 2001, Chairman gave a presentation on “Examining Government Reporting

Requirements” to an IIR Conference in Canberra.

On 5 April 2001, the Committee met with Dr Sahala Benny Pasaribu from the Indonesian

Parliament to discuss governance and accountability issues relating to the financial

management reform program.

On 4 May 2001, the Chairman briefed senior Indonesian public officials on the work of the

Public Accounts and Estimates Committee.

On 29 and 30 May 2001, the Executive Officer attended a conference on Performance

Measures for State and Local Government.

On 1 June 2001, Chairman met with Mr Martin Peck, MP, Chairman of the New Zealand

Finance and Expenditure Select Committee to discuss financial management issues.


On 18 July 2001, a Member of the Committee, Mrs Maddigan, and the Committee’s

Executive Officer briefed a Member and an Officer of the Gautent Provincial

Legislature, South Africa, on the work of the Committee in relation to financial

management issues.

37

Future Activities

On 15 August 2001, Executive Officer of the Committee to participate in briefing of

Malaysian Government evaluators.

Seminar to be organised on the Auditor‐General’s Report on the Finances of the State of

Victoria 2000‐2001.

AUSTRALASIAN COUNCIL OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEES (ACPAC)

On 11 February 2000, the Chairman and Executive Officer attended mid‐term meeting of

ACPAC in Canberra to discuss the theme of the Biennial Conference and the papers to be

presented.

Committee Members attended a meeting of Australasian Council of Public Accounts

Committees and Auditors‐General in Canberra between 4 and 6 February 2001.

Chairman gave presentations on the following issues:

Commercial in Confidence – Striking the Balance

A Response to CPA Australia’s Paper on the Examination of Whole of Government

Financial Reporting

Statement of Activities for 1999‐2000

Mr Loney, MP appointed Chairman of the Australasian Council of Public Accounts

Committees (ACPAC).

The Chairman and staff of the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee secretariat met

with officials from the Commonwealth Joint Committee on Public Accounts and Audit

for a briefing on the arrangements for the previous ACPAC conference.

Letters sent to all Members of ACPAC seeking information about their meeting

arrangements for February 2002.


Responses received from Members of ACPAC on the preferred date for the mid‐term

meeting.

Future Activities

Organise mid‐term meeting of ACPAC for February 2002.

Organise 7th Biennial Conference of ACPAC for February 2003.

38

PERFORMANCE AUDIT PROGRAM

Source of reference: Audit Act 1994, section 16(2).

On 17 December 1999, a meeting was held with the Auditor‐General to discuss audit

priorities.

On 10 February 2000 a Sub‐Committee, comprising the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Mrs

Maddigan and Ms Asher, was appointed to provide advice on the specifications for each

performance audit.

On 21 February 2000, the Sub‐Committee met with officers from the Auditor‐General’s

Office to discuss the objectives of the performance audits on the non‐metropolitan water

authorities; and intellectual disability services.

Sub‐Committee also met with the following witnesses to discuss the specifications for these

audits:

Mr Peter Doughty, Director, Water Agencies Branch, Department of Natural Resources

and Environment;

Ms Sue Jackson, Executive Officer, Council of Intellectual Disability Agencies;

Ms Toni McCormack, Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Water Industry Association;

Mr Arthur Rogers, Acting Director, Disability Services Division, Department of Human

Services;

Mrs Margaret Ryan.

On 24 February 2000, the full Committee endorsed proposed changes to the specifications.

On 29 February 2000, the Committee advised the Auditor‐General.

On 20 July 2000, discussions held with officers of the Auditor‐General’s Office on the

proposed scope of the performance audit on grants to non‐government organisations.

On 6 October 2000, the Sub‐Committee met with various officials from the Auditor‐

General’s Office to discuss the specifications for the following audits:

Teaching Equipment in the TAFE Sector;

Implementation of Local Priority Policing by Victoria Police; and

Managing Victoria’s Changing Health Care Service Delivery.

On 20 December 2000, the Sub‐Committee met with various officials from the Auditor‐

General’s Office to discuss the specifications for the following audits:

Salinity; Claims Management by the Victorian WorkCover Authority; and Claims

Management by the Transport Accident Commission.

On 23 January 2001, the Sub‐Committee met with the Victorian Chief Commissioner of

Police to take further evidence in connection with the performance audit of Local Priority

Policing.

39

Auditor‐General’s Reports on Grants to Non‐Government Organisations; Non‐Metropolitan

Water Authorities; and Intellectual Disability Services discussed at Committee meeting

on 8 March 2001.

On 8 March 2001, discussions held with the Auditor‐General concerning the performance

audit program for 2001‐2002.

On 26 April 2001, meeting held with the Auditor‐General and senior officers of the Victorian

Auditor‐General’s Office to discuss the performance audit reports on Grants to NGOs;

Non‐Metropolitan Water Authorities and Intellectual Disability Services.

On 8 June 2001, meeting held with officers from the Victorian Auditor‐General’s Office to

discuss the scope of two performance audits on Departmental Performance Management

and Reporting; and Teacher Workforce Planning.

On 26 June 2001, Sub‐Committee suggested changes to the specifications for these audits.

On 26 June 2001, Sub‐Committee meeting held to discuss the scope of performance audits of

Mental Health Services: Crisis Prevention and Response for Adults and Adolescents;

International Students in Victorian Universities; and Investment Attraction and

Facilitation in Victoria.

On 27 June 2001, Sub‐Committee proposed changes to the scope of the performance audit of

International Students in Victorian Universities and requested a briefing from the

Victorian Auditor‐General’s Office on the other two audits.


On 19 July 2001, the Auditor‐General responded to the Sub‐Committee’s suggested

changes to various performance audits.

Future Activities

On 7 August 2001, meeting of the Sub‐Committee to be held to discuss the two audits.

Briefing by Victorian Auditor‐General’s Office on performance audit reports tabled

during the Autumn session of Parliament.

Briefing papers to be prepared on these reports.

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES – SERVICE AGREEMENTS FOR

COMMUNITY, HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES


On 23 March 2000, the Committee considered a briefing paper and adopted terms of

reference for the Inquiry.

On 3 April 2000, the Executive Officer and Research Officer met with Mr Brian Joyce,

Assistant Director, Business Development Branch, Department of Human Services, to

discuss the present arrangements for service agreements.

40

Inquiry advertised in metropolitan and national newspapers on 15 April 2000.

Requests for submissions forwarded to various Ministers, organisations with Department of

Human Services service agreements, peak community, health and welfare organisations

and other interested individuals.


On 25 May 2000, the Executive Officer and Research Officer met with Mr Shane Solomon,

Director, Policy Development and Planning, Department of Human Services to discuss

the strategy for the Inquiry.

Work plan for the Inquiry adopted.

On 9 June 2000, the Sub‐Committee met with Members of the New Zealand Social Affairs

Committee to discuss the funding arrangements for community, health and welfare

services in New Zealand.

On 16 June 2000, the Chairman and Members of the Sub‐Committee attended a forum for

agencies under the auspice of Catholic Social Services to discuss DHS service agreements.

One hundred and sixty‐one submissions received.

Submissions analysed and key issues identified.

On 24 August 2000, the Sub‐Committee was briefed by Mr S. Solomon, Director of Policy

Development and Planning Division and Mr L. Wallace, Director of Resources Division,

Department of Human Services and by Mr A. McCallum, President, Ms D. Fifer, Chief

Executive Officer and Ms M. Webster, a Board Member of the Victorian Council of Social

Service.

Sub‐Committee sought further information from Department of Human Services on a

number of issues raised in the Department’s submission.

Public hearings held in regional areas with the following witnesses:

Bendigo (19 September 2000):

Ms Anne McLennan, ‐ Manager Community Services, Macedon Ranges Shire Council

Mr Alan Taylor ‐ Chief Executive Officer, Cobaw Community Health Service

Mr Geoff Fawkner ‐ Chief Executive Officer, Wattle Human Services

Ms Jan Snell ‐ Manager, Partnerships and Service Planning. DHS Loddon Mallee Region

Office, Bendigo

Ms Kathy Byrne ‐ Chief Executive, Bendigo Health Care Group

Mr Andrew McCallum, ‐ Chief Executive Officer, St Lukes Anglicare, Bendigo

Echuca (20 September 2000):

Ms Maxine Brockfield – Manager, Community Health Services, Kyabram and District

Memorial Community Hospital

41

Ms Pam Whipp ‐ Acting Business Manager, Kyabram Community and Learning Centre

Mr Colin Jones – Nurse Manager, Lockington and District Bush Nursing Centre

Ms Jean Andrews ‐ General Manager, Community and Culture, Shire of Campaspe

Ms J. Hope Black ‐ Hon. President, Northern Disability Services Inc.

Wodonga (21 September 2000):

Mr Luke Rumbold – Director, Upper Murray Family Care

Mrs Nancy Wright – Chairperson, Yarrawonga Neighbourhood House

Mr Mike Jarrett – Coordinator, Disability Advocacy and Information Service

Ms Ruth Tai – Manager, Community Services, Indigo Shire Council, Beechworth

Ms Christine Giles ‐ Director of Nursing, Wangaratta District Base Hospital

Public hearing held in Melbourne on 26 September with the following witnesses:

Ms Margaret Wagstaff, ‐ Director, Community Care, Department of Human Services

Mr Malcolm Cooke ‐ Freehill Hollingdale and Page

Ms Margaret Hamley – Director, Social Program Consultancy Unit, The Salvation Army

Mr Dan Romanis ‐ Chief Executive Officer, Mr Richard Alderson – Director, Asset

Management, and Ms Pat McPherson ‐ Policy and Planning Officer,Royal District

Nursing Service.

Private meeting held in Brisbane on 27 September 2000 with the following witnesses:

Ms Helen Gadsden ‐ Senior Policy Officer, Community Services Strategy Secretariat,

Department of Premier and Cabinet

Ms Helen Gadsden, Community Services Strategy Co‐ordinating Group

Ms Shirley Watters, Queensland Council of Social Service

Catherine McDonald and Ms Di Zetlin, The University of Queensland

Associate Professor Neal Ryan ‐ Queensland University of Technology

Public hearing held in Melbourne on 28 September 2000 with the following witnesses:

Mr Chris Pearson ‐ Director of Services, Centacare Catholic Family Services

Ms Annette Coy ‐ Executive Officer, South East Palliative Care Ltd; and

Ms Judie Hind‐Roff ‐ Acting Executive Officer, Peninsula Hospice Service

Ms Mavis Smith ‐ Executive Director, Victorian Healthcare Association

Mr Mark Grant ‐ Infoxchange

Public hearing held in Melbourne on 11 October 2000 with the following witnesses:

Ms Sandra de Wolf, Chief Executive Officer, Berry Street Inc.

Ms Marilyn Webster, Catholic Social Services

42

Ms Clare Hargreaves, Senior Policy Adviser, Municipal Association of Victoria

Ms Carol Blair, Director, Council Services, Bass Coast Shire Council

Mr Sauro Antonelli, Director, Community Programs, Banyule City Council

Reverend R. Cleary, Melbourne Citymission

Mr J. Fendyk, Director, Aged Care and Disability Services; and

Mr R. Nicholls, Social Policy Officer, Wesley Central Mission.

Public hearing held in Melbourne on 19 October 2000 with the following witnesses:

Ms Dimity Fifer, Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Council of Social Service

Ms Marilyn Webster, Board Member, Victorian Council of Social Service

Ms Angela Were, Operations Manager, Anglicare Victoria

Ms Merial Clark, Executive Officer, Association of Neighbourhood Houses and Learning

Centres

Ms Marilyn Beaumont, Executive Director, Women’s Health Victoria

Ms Licia Kokocinski, Executive Director, Action on Disability within Ethnic

Communities

Ms Hanna Kaiser, Coordinator, Women’s Liberation Halfway House

Ms Zwlle Thlebane, Group Worker, Women’s Liberation Halfway House

Ms Mignon Mant, Chief Executive Officer, O’Connell Family Centre (Grey Sisters) Inc.

Mr Ian Goldsmith, Mercy Health and Aged Care Group

Mr Ross Buscemi, Program Manager, South Central Region Migrant Resource Centre

Reverend David Pargeter, Director, Justice and World Mission, UnitingCare Victoria;

and

Ms Mandy Leveratt, Policy Officer, UnitingCare Victoria

Public hearing held in Melbourne on 8 November 2000 with the following witnesses:

Mr Nick Foa, Director, City Services, City of Maroondah

Ms Terry Wilkinson, Manager, Community Services, City of Maroondah

Mr Doug Dalton, Chief Executive Officer, UnitingCare Connections

Ms Lesley Oakley, Director, Outer Southern Region, UnitingCare Connections

Ms Sue Kirkegard, Executive Officer, ACROD

Ms Vici Funnell, Spastic Society of Victoria

Mr Brendan Lillywhite, Vision Australia

Ms Sharon Moore, RMIT University School of Management

Ms Sue Jackson, Executive Officer, Council of Intellectual Disability Agencies

Mr Paul Linossier, Chief Executive Officer, Mackillop Family Services

43


Mr S. Capp, Chief Executive Officer, Southern Health

Mr C. Putt, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Southern Health

Mr M. Sammells, Chief Finance Officer, Southern Health

Mr R. Hermanus, President, Volunteering Victoria

Mr M. Yore, Director, Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service

Ms M. Kenny, Assistant Director and Youth Coordinator, Good Shepherd Youth and

Family Service

Ms V. Ayres‐Wearne, Social Policy Research Worker, Good Shepherd Youth and Family

Service

Ms C. Clare, Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Welfare Association of Victoria

Mr K. Patterson, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Welfare Association of

Victoria

Mr C. Marshall, Policy Development Officer, Children’s Welfare Association of Victoria

Mr A. Stripp, Regional Director, Southern Metropolitan Office, Department of Human

Services

Ms F. Milsom, Programs Officer, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria

Professor J. Carter, Deakin University.

Public hearings held in Melbourne on 6 December 2000 with the following witnesses:

Mr Tony Nicholson, Chief Executive Officer, Hanover

Mr David Murray, Policy Director, Jesuit Social Services

Mr Rob Cavanaugh, Manager‐Finance and Administration, Jesuit Social Services

Professor Stephen Duckett, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, LaTrobe University

Ms Maria Bohan, Executive Director, Carers Association Victoria

Mr Boris Struk, Executive Director, Muscular Dystrophy Association

Public hearing held in Sale on 7 December 2000 with the following witnesses:

Ms Thelma Kingwill, Secretary, Headway Gippsland

Mr Peter Craighead, Chair, Central Gippsland Regional Youth Committee

Mr N. Smith, Small Rural Health Group and Lakes Entrance Community Health Centre

Mr Ian Fraser, Chief Executive Officer, Central Gippsland Health Service

Mr John Lau, Director‐Corporate Services, Central Gippsland Health Service

Ms Leona Mann, Director‐Community Care Services, Central Gippsland Health Service

Mr Bruce Graham, Director‐Strategic Development, Wellington Shire Council

44

Ms Glenys Butler, Social Planner, Wellington Shire Council

Mr Laurie Harkin, Regional Director, DHS Gippsland Region Office

Ms Dorothy Wee, Partnerships and Service Planning Manager, DHS Gippsland Region

Office

Public hearing held in Geelong on 8 December 2000 with the following witnesses:

Ms Moyneen Curtis, Chief Executive Officer, Bellarine Peninsula Community Health

Service

Ms Anne Condon, Regional Director, MacKillop Family Services (Barwon), Bethany

Family Support Inc.

Mr S. Murphy, Executive Officer, Barwon Association of Youth Support and

Accommodation

Ms Penny Cash and Ms Carol Adams, Zena Collective

Dr John Gallichio, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Barwon Health

Mr John Linke, Chief Financial Officer, Barwon Health

Mr David Dillon, Senior Financial Officer, Barwon Health

Ms Anna Fletcher, General Manager ‐ Community and Mental Health Services, Barwon

Health

Mr Neil Klemm, Community Services Manager, Golden Plains Shire

In March 2001, work commenced on preparing draft report.

Final hearing held on 6 March 2001 with Vice‐President and Chief Executive Officer of the

Victorian Council of Social Services.

Chapters 1 to 5 of the draft report prepared.

Chapters 6 to 10 of the draft report prepared.


Chapters 11 and 12 of the draft report prepared.

On 31 July 2001, chapters 1 to 6 forwarded to Sub‐Committee Chairperson to review.

Future Activities

Four chapters to be revised.

Remainder of draft report to be forwarded to the Sub‐Committee Chairperson to review.

Draft report to be considered by the Sub‐Committee in August.


45

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN THE VICTORIAN PUBLIC SECTOR


Briefing paper considered by the Committee on 23 March 2000 and terms of reference for the

Inquiry adopted.


Draft issues paper revised.

Future Activities

Issues paper to be reviewed by the Sub‐Committee Chairperson.

Issues paper to be considered by the Committee in September 2001.

Inquiry to be advertised.

Sub‐Committee to be appointed.

On 26 September 2001, the Chairman to present a paper on “Assessing the implications

that outsourcing and contracting has on corporate governance within government

departments” at a conference in Sydney.

VALUATION AND REPORTING OF HERITAGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE

ASSETS


Briefing paper considered by the Committee on 23 March 2000 and terms of reference for the

Inquiry adopted.

Inquiry advertised in major metropolitan newspapers on 1 April 2000.


Requests for submissions forwarded to the Treasurer, some government agencies, councils,

accounting organisations and interested individuals.

Thirty‐two submissions received.


On 12 October 2000 a public hearing was held with the following witnesses:

Mr Ian Langfield‐Smith, Specialist Adviser to the Inquiry

Mr Greg Pound, Assistant Auditor‐General, Accounting and Auditing Policy, Victorian

Auditor‐General’s Office

Mr Erik Hopp, Director, Accounting and Auditing Policy, Victorian Auditor‐General’s

Office

Mr Martin Hallett, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Museum Victoria

46

Mr Tim Stranks, Executive Projects Officer, Museum Victoria

Mr Doug Thompson, Director of Finance, VicRoads.


Mr G. Newcombe, General Manager, National Gallery of Victoria

Professor J. Ross, Chief Botanist of Victoria

Ms L. McAllister, Research Officer, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Professor G. Carnegie, Head of School of Accounting and Finance, Deakin University

Mr K. Alfredson, Chairman, Australian Accounting Standards Board

Mr J. Paul, Senior Project Manager, Australian Accounting Standards Board

Mr F. Micallef, General Manager — Accounting, North Limited

Public hearing held in Canberra on 13 December 2000 with the following witnesses:

Professor Alan Barton, Department of Commerce, Faculty of Economics and Commerce,

Australian National University

Mr Brett Kaufmann, Head of the Commonwealth Accounting Centre of Excellence Team,

Commonwealth Department of Finance and Administration

Ms Margaret Baird, Head of Finance, National Gallery of Australia

Mr Mark Dawes, Head of Corporate Services, Australian War Memorial

Mr Mark Whitmore, Assistant Director ‐ National Collections, Australian War Memorial

Ms Leanne Patterson, Assistant Director – Finance, Australian War Memorial

Public hearing held in Sydney on 14 December 2000 with the following witnesses:

Professor Peter Wolnizer, Dean, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of

Sydney

Professor Bob Walker, Professor of Accounting, School of Accounting, University of NSW

and Chairman of the Board, Superannuation Administration Corporation of NSW

Mr Martin Smith, Senior Policy Adviser, NSW Treasury

Mr Andrew Waddington, Finance Manager, Crown Transactions, NSW Treasury

Professor Des Griffin, Former Director, Australian Museum

Mr Richard Llewellyn, Manager, Collection Valuation Project for Australian Museum,

Powerhouse Museum, State Library, Royal Botanic Gardens and NSW Parliamentary

Library

Mr Bob Sendt, NSW Auditor‐General

Ms Maria Spriggins, Director of Audit; Audit Office of NSW

Mr Sam Kalagurgevic, Director of Audit, Audit Office of NSW.

47

Public hearing held on 7 March 2001 with the following witnesses:

Mr Steve Gurr, Acting Director, Financial Policy and Compliance; Department of

Treasury and Finance;

Mr Warren McGregor, Stevenson McGregor (Consultants);

Mr Graeme Addicott, Regional Manager, Darwin Region, Australian Valuation Office;

Mr Allan Molland, School of Accounting and Law, RMIT University; and

Ms Carmel Capitanio, Lecturer, Department of Accounting and Management, School of

Business, LaTrobe University.

Further public hearing held on 10 April 2001 with the following witnesses:

Mr Robert Marsh, City of Melbourne;

Mr Bill Forrester and Mr Anthony Connelly, Melbourne Water Corporation;

Mr Andrew Bainbridge and Mr Keith Caldwell, Moorabool Shire Council;

Mr Jack Dunham, Valuer‐General of Victoria, and Mr Graeme Balfour, Office of the

Valuer‐General of Victoria; and

Mrs Ruth Picker, Partner and Business Unit Director, National Accounting and Auditing

Standards, Ernst & Young.

Options paper prepared.

Options paper reviewed.

Future Activities

Options paper to be considered by Sub‐Committee in August.

Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub‐Committee.


PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE


Briefing paper and draft terms of reference considered by the Committee on 27 April 2000.


Future Activities

Draft terms of reference and briefing paper to be revised and re‐considered by the

Committee.

Discussion paper to be prepared.

Inquiry to be advertised.

48

STATUTORY INDEPENDENT OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT LEGISLATION


Terms of reference adopted by the Committee on 12 April 2000.

Terms of reference advertised and submissions called for in metropolitan and national press

on 4 April 2000.


Requests for submissions sent to a number of statutory office‐holders on 18 April 2000.

Ten submissions received.


On 3 and 4 August 2000, Sub‐Committee met with New Zealand statutory Officers of

Parliament, the Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, the Officers of

Parliament Committee and officials from the New Zealand Treasury.

On 22 August 2000, the Sub‐Committee met with the Victorian Auditor‐General, Mr W.

Cameron, and the Assistant Auditor‐General, Mr J. Manders.

Further research undertaken.

On 9 October 2000, a public hearing was held in Melbourne with the following witnesses:

Mr Peter Salway, Commissioner for Public Employment

Dr Wayne Chamley, Management Group, The Purple Sage Project

Professor Colin Clark, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Business and Law and Head of the

Public Sector Research Unit, Victoria University of Technology

Mr Michael De Martinis, Lecturer, School of Accounting and Finance, Victoria University

of Technology

On 10 October 2000, a public hearing was held in Canberra with the following witnesses:

Mr Harry Evans, Clerk of the Senate

Mr John Parkinson, Convenor of the Australasian Council of Auditors‐General and

A.C.T. Auditor‐General

Mr Ron McLeod, Commonwealth Ombudsman

Mr Oliver Winder, Deputy Commonwealth Ombudsman

Mr Bob Charles, MP, Chairman of the Commonwealth Joint Committee of Public

Accounts and Audit

Dr Margot Kerley, Secretary to the Commonwealth Joint Committee of Public Accounts

and Audit

Dr John Uhr, Research School of Social Sciences, Australian National University

Professor Roger Wettenhall, Visiting Fellow, Research School of Public Sector

Management, University of Canberra.

49

On 29 March 2001 the following witnesses gave evidence:

Dr John Tamblyn, Victorian Regulator‐General; and

Dr Barry Perry, The Ombudsman Victoria

Future Activities

Draft report to be prepared and considered by the Sub‐Committee in August.


FOLLOW UP REVIEW OF THE ARRANGMENTS FOR THE COLLECTION OF

OUTSTANDING FINES AND UNEXECUTED WARRANTS


On 9 March 2000, the Committee considered a briefing paper to follow up the

implementation of the recommendations contained in the Public Accounts and Estimates

Committee report (No. 21).

Committee wrote to the Attorney‐General on 4 April 2000 requesting a briefing on the status

of the draft legislation relating to the fines enforcement system.

Briefing deferred until after Cabinet has considered draft legislation.

Future Activity

Briefing by Officers of Department of Justice to be arranged.

AUDITOR‐GENERAL’S OFFICE

Source of reference: Audit Act 1994, sections 7A(2) and 7D(2).

On 12 April 2000, officers of the Department of Treasury and Finance briefed the Committee

on proposed amendments to the Audit Act.

On 27 April 2000, the Committee considered a letter from the Auditor‐General concerning

the annual budget and annual plan for the Victorian Auditor‐General’s Office.

Response sent to the Auditor‐General.

On 17 May 2000, Committee met with the Auditor‐General for a briefing on the

Auditor‐General’s 2000‐2001 budget and annual plan.

On 24 May 2000, the Committee forwarded comments on the annual plan to the

Auditor‐General.

On 8 June 2000, the Committee considered a submission from the Auditor‐General

concerning capital funding needs.

Committee endorsed the Auditor‐General’s proposed course of action.

50

In September 2000, draft protocol forwarded to Committee.

On 9 November 2000, the Committee considered the Auditor‐General’s report for the

period ending 30 September 2000.

On 9 November 2000, the Committee reviewed the Victorian Auditor‐General’s Office

objectives and strategies for the next three years and strategic priorities for 2001‐2002.

On 22 November 2000, the Chairman and Executive Officer met with Dr John Mayne,

Principal Director with the Office of the Auditor‐General of Canada to discuss issues

relating to performance auditing.

Meeting held on 8 March 2001 with the Auditor‐General to discuss the Victorian

Auditor‐General’s Office draft annual plan and draft budget estimates for 2001‐

2002.

Committee sought and received further information that was considered at the

Committeeʹs meetings on 15 and 29 March 2001.

On 8 March 2001 the Committee discussed the draft specifications for the independent

financial and performance audits of the Victorian Auditor‐Generalʹs Office.

Draft specifications forwarded to the Auditor‐General for comment.

Auditor‐Generalʹs comments on the draft specifications considered by the Committee on

15 March 2001.

Specifications for the performance and financial audits adopted by the Committee on 15

March 2001.

Tenders called for on 17 March 2001. Closing date for receipt of submissions is 6 April

2001.

Specifications forwarded to a number of consulting and auditing organisations.

Sub‐Committee appointed to review all tender proposals.

Chairman discussed the Victorian Auditor‐General’s Officeʹs budget with officials from

Department of Treasury and Finance.

Committeeʹs response to the Victorian Auditor‐General’s Officeʹs Draft Annual Plan

prepared and forwarded to the Auditor‐General.

On 23 April 2001, Sub‐Committee met with short‐listed tenderers for the performance and

financial audits of the Victorian Auditor‐General’s Office.

Draft report prepared recommending the appointment of the financial and performance

auditors.

Draft report considered, amended and adopted at Committee meeting on 26 April 2001.

Report tabled on 2 May 2001.

Contracts for the appointment of the auditors prepared and finalised.

On 16 May 2001, preliminary meeting held with independent performance auditor.

On 25 May 2001, Chairman met with Auditor‐General and Assistant Auditor‐General.

51

On 5 June 2001, Chairman and Deputy Chairman met with independent performance

auditor.

Proposed audit plan for the performance audit received and reviewed by the Members of

the Sub‐Committee.

On 27 June 2001, the Sub‐Committee endorsed the audit plan.

Advice received that the independent financial auditor, Mr Christopher Lewis, had

resigned; Sub‐Committee sought probity advice on arrangements for appointing a

replacement.

Future Activities

Committee to meet on 2 August 2001 with Mr Stuart Alford, independent performance

auditor.

Sub‐Committee to meet on 7 August 2001 and nominate a replacement for Mr Lewis.

Report to be prepared and tabled in Parliament.

Contract for financial auditor to be prepared and finalised.

52

ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE



Email: www.parliament.vic.gov.au/parlrsc

Members:

(Council) The Hons Andrew Brideson and Elaine Carbines MLC.

(Assembly) Mr. Don Kilgour, Mr. C A C Langdon Mr. Tony Plowman, Mr. Garry Spry and

Mr. Ian Trezise, MP.

Chairman: Hon Andrew Brideson, MLC

Acting Executive Officer: Ms. A Douglas

RURAL ROAD SAFETY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Reference from Legislative Council on 1 March 2000.

Submissions received up to October 2000.

The Committee has sought a reporting date of late 2001. The purpose is to allow further

comparative evidence to be sought.


Research undertaken on submissions and evidence received.

Writing of Draft Report commenced.

IMPROVING SAFETY FOR OLDER ROAD USERS

Terms of Reference issued by Governor in Council on 22 May 2001.


The Committee undertook a study tour of European countries, the United Kingdom,

United States and Canada to meet with experts in fields of research on older drivers

and road users.

Literature search commenced.

53

SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS

COMMITTEE



Website: www.parliament.vic.gov.au/sarc

Email: [email protected](Scrutiny of Bills)

[email protected](Scrutiny of Regulations)

Members:

(Council) The Hons. M A Birrell, M T Luckins (Deputy Chair), J Mikakos and

C A Strong.

(Assembly) Mrs E Beattie, Mr C Carli, Mr M Dixon, Ms M J Gillett (Chair),

Mr T Robinson.

Chair: Ms M Gillett MP Executive Officer: Mr A J Homer

SUBCOMMITTEES

Regulation Review Subcommittee

The Hon. Jenny Mikakos MLC (Chair)

Mr Martin Dixon MP

Ms Mary Gillett MP

The Hon. Maree Luckins MLC, and

Mr Tony Robinson MP.

Redundant Legislation Subcommittee

The Hon. Chris Strong MLC (Chair)

The Hon. Maree Luckins MLC

Mrs Liz Beattie MP

Mr Carlo Carli MP, and

Mr Martin Dixon MP

Parliamentary Committees Act Subcommittee

Ms Mary Gillett MP (Chair),

The Hon. Mark Birrell MLC,

Mr Martin Dixon MP, and

Mr Tony Robinson MP.

Information Privacy Subcommittee

Mr Carlo Carli MP (Chair)

Ms E. Beattie MP

Mr Martin Dixon MP, and

The Hon. Maree Luckins MLC

55

CURRENT COMMITTEE REFERENCES

Parliamentary Committees Act 1968 – [Parliamentary Committees Act Subcommittee];

Summary Offences Act 1966 – [Redundant Legislation Subcommittee];

Vagrancy Act 1966 – [Redundant Legislation Subcommittee]; and the

Subordinate Legislation Act 1994 – [Regulation Review Subcommittee].

Privacy Code of Conduct for Members of the Victorian Parliament – [Information Privacy

Subcommittee]


FULL COMMITTEE The Full Committee did not meet in July.

REGULATION REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE The Subcommittee did not meet in July.

REDUNDANT LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE

The Subcommittee held public hearings on 17 July 2001 concerning the Inquiry into the

Summary Offences Act 1966. The following organisations gave evidence at the public

hearing –

Australian Dental Association

Criminal Bar Association (Victorian Bar)

Department of Human Services

Federation of Community Legal Services

Law Institute of Victoria

Magistrates’ Court of Victoria

Municipal Association of Victoria

Shooting Council of Victoria

Victoria Legal Aid

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service

Victorian Police

PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES ACT SUBCOMMITTEE

The Subcommittee did not meet during July. The next meeting of the Subcommittee will

take place on 6 August 2001.

56

57

INFORMATION PRIVACY SUBCOMMITTEE

The Subcommittee reviewed the consultancy proposals received by it to undertake Part 1 of

the inquiry to recommend a privacy code for Members of the Victorian Parliament. The

Speaker approved the successful tender of Mr Nigel Waters of Pacific Privacy Pty. Ltd.

Public Hearings are planned for Thursday 30 August 2001.

parliamentary committees › images › stories › committees › ...the parliamentary committees...

Documents