55th Parliament Issued by Authority of the President of the Legislative Council and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

2002-2003 BUDGET ESTIMATES

On 25 September 2002, the draft report was forwarded to the Chairman of the Committee of the 54^th 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.

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:

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

The Committee of the 54^th Parliament resolved to undertake follow up Inquiries into Performance Audit Reports Nos. 51 Victorian Rural Ambulance Services and 65 Reducing Landfill – Waste Management by Municipal Councils.

Evidence taken from the Auditor-General.

On 31 October 2002, a list of questions relating to the Auditor-General’s 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.

• 
  Parliamentary control and management of appropriations; and
  
• 
  Performance management and reporting.
  

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

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.

• 
  Development of Policy Advice;
  
• 
  Establishing Sustainable Forests;
  
• 
  Budget Development and Management within Departments.
  

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.

On 5 May 2003, the new Committee considered a briefing paper on the Government’s response to the previous Committee’s report.

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

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-General’s 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.

On 5 May 2003, the new Committee resolved to complete the Inquiry commenced by the previous Committee.

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.

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

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-General’s 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 – Victorian Branch;

Ms Cath Smith, Chief Executive Officer, VCOSS, and Ms C. Atkins, Policy Analyst, VCOSS;

Mr Don Johnson, General Manager – 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
  
• 
  Commonwealth Auditor-General
  
• 
  Mr John Quiggin, academic, Australian National University.
  
• 
  Mr Kenneth Davidson – media commentator
  

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 Committee’s 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).

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 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, Dr John Tamblyn, Victorian Regulator-General; and Dr Barry Perry, The Victorian Ombudsman.

Research undertaken on developments overseas.

Parliament prorogued on 5 November 2002.

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-GENERAL’S OFFICE

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

Summary of work undertaken in the 54^th Parliament

On 27 May 2002, suggested statement of protocols between the Committee and the Auditor-General received.

Protocol statement discussed at the Committee’s 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 VAGO’s 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-General’s 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-General’s response to the Committee’s suggestions for changes to the protocol statement.

Committee resolved to adopt the protocol, subject to some minor changes to reflect the new membership arrangements.

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 Committee’s 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-General’s conference for VAGO staff.

Protocol statement between the PAEC and the Auditor-General formally signed at the Auditor-General’s 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 Government’s response prepared.

Activity during June 2003

Briefing paper on the Government’s 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.

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.

ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE
Level 8, 35 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000

Telephone: (03) 9651 3634 Facsimile: (03) 9651 3691

Email: rsc@parliament.vic.gov.au

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

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 Alzheimer’s 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 & 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.

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 –
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;
(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 –
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.


RURAL AND REGIONAL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Level 8, 35 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000

Telephone: 9651 3580 Facsimile: 9651 3691

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

Email: rrsdc@parliament.vic.gov.au

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 clubs/activities 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;

(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. 
   “Australia’s Broadband Connectivity” 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.


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.
  

SCRUTINY OF ACTS AND REGULATIONS COMMITTEE

Level 8, 35 Spring Street, Melbourne 3000

Telephone: (03) 9651 4008 Facsimile: (03) 9651 3674

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

Email: andrew.homer@parliament.gov.au (Scrutiny of Bills)

jenny.baker@parliament.gov.au (Scrutiny of Regulations)

simon.dinsberg@parliament.vic.gov.au (Administration)

Members:

(Council) The Hons. L. Argondizzo and A. P. Olexander.

(Assembly) Ms L. D’Ambrosio (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 D’Ambrosio MP

Executive Officer: Andrew Homer
SUBCOMMITTEES

Redundant Legislation Subcommittee

Mr Murray Thompson MLA (Chair)
Hon. Lidia Argondizzo MLC
Ms Lily D’Ambrosio MLA
Mr Michael Leighton MLA
Mr Andrew McIntosh MLA

Regulation Review Subcommittee

Mr Peter Lockwood MLA (Chair)
Ms Lily D’Ambrosio MLA
Mr Ken Jasper MLA
Hon. Andrew Olexander MLC
Mr Jude Perera MLA

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 — Public Authorities (Dividends) Regulations 2003

SR No. 23 — Agricultural Industry Development (Polls)(Amendment) Regulations 2003

SR No. 26 — Fair Trading (Product Information Standards)(Petrol) Regulations 2003

SR No. 28 – Goods (Recreational Services) Regulations 2003

SR No. 30 – Retail Leases Regulations 2003

SR No. 32 – Tobacco (Amendment) Regulations 2003

SR No. 33 – Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Infringement Notices)(Amendment) Regulations 2003

SR No. 34 – Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use)(Amendment) Regulations 2003

SR No. 35 – Liquor Control Reform (Amendment) Regulations 2003

SR No. 36 – Road Safety (Vehicles)(Registration Fees) Regulations 2003

SR No. 37 – Livestock Disease Control (Amendment) Regulations 2003

SR No. 40 – Subordinate Legislation (Architects Regulations 1993 – Extension of Operation) Regulations 2003

SR No. 41 – Surveyors (Registration) Regulations 2003

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