Impact of Bills and Subordinate Legislation Committee, Information on Committees

Impact of Bills and Subordinate Legislation Committee
At its sitting on 23 July 2010 Minister Sheridan presented the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2010 and moved – That the Bill be agreed to in principle. A copy of the Bill and Explanatory Memorandum can be found on www.info.gov.nf. The Legislative Assembly subsequently referred the Bill to the Impact of Bills and Subordinate Legislation Committee, a standing committee of the House, for its consideration and report back to the House. The Committee hopes to present its findings at the 22 September 2010 sitting. The Committee on this occasion comprises Mr Michael King MLA (Chairman), Mrs Melissa Ward and Mr Lisle Snell (alternate member). The Committee held its first public inquiry on the Bill last Tuesday 17 August 2010.

Parliamentary Committees
Parliamentary committees can be established by –
• Statutes (statutory committees);
• Standing orders (standing committees SO 17 to 25); and
• Resolution of the Legislative Assembly (select committees SO 200 to 221).
The principle purpose of parliamentary committees is to perform functions which the House itself is not well fitted to perform.
Statutory Committees
Statutory committees are appointed in the manner prescribed in the relevant statute. For example –
• Immigration Committee – Immigration Act 1980;
• Social Services Committee – Social Services Act 1980
• Public Service Board – Public Sector Management Act 2000
Some statutes provide that a Member or Members of the Assembly serve on a statutory committee.
Standing Committees
Standing committees are appointed for the term of an Assembly. The Standing Orders currently provide for the following Standing Committees:
• Business Committee
• House Committee
• Standing Orders Committee
• Committee of Privileges
• Impact of Bills and Subordinate Legislation Committee
• Public Account and Estimates Committee
Select Committees
Select Committees are appointed by resolution of the Legislative Assembly and are usually given a date on or before which they must report to the House.

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 20 August 2010