Through researching the governance system of Australia I came across the importance of committees in the guiding of government decision making. Committees are made up of members of parliament and are used to investigate specific elements, for example climate policy. This avoids the whole Senate or House of Representatives having to review all information on every topic, the committees go through this process and provide their findings to the arms of parliament as required. There are many types of committees, made up of different parts of parliament, for example Select committees and Standing committees. The public can also have limited input through committees. The Parliament of Australia Senate notes that ‘the role of committees is to investigate and to draw attention to what they find. They throw light in dark corners and give advice’ (http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/pubs/briefs/brief04.htm). In other words, committees play a major role in the scrutiny of government activities.
State Level Roles
The focus of this research is on the government of NSW. Their committees operate in much the same way as the federal system. Essentially they are noted to be the vehicle to ‘take parliament to the people’. Everyone can get involved, such as: experts in the field, representative organisations, effected public and interested public. Any of these people can influence committees by: making submissions, giving evidence at a committee hearings, or attending a hearing as a member of the public. Public hearings are held at parliament house in Sydney as well as in different regional areas around the state. Greater Western Sydney undertakes community cabinet meetings. Local Level Roles
The focus here is on Parramatta (further info in following posts as to why this area was chosen), which undertakes typical local council roles, related to areas such as: · Roads, footpaths and drainage
· Transport planning, parking and traffic
· Waste contract management
· Natural area management
· Community, family and library services
· Community development
· Town planning & urban design
· Tourism and events
· Arts & culture
· Strategic planning etc.
Regional Level Roles - WSROC
Formed in 1973, Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) represents 10 local councils in Western Sydney. The focus of WSROC is on improving the quality of life of all Western Sydney’s residents. Their focus is on transport, employment and regional planning. The idea is that as a larger group of councils, a more coordinated approach can be implemented to the abovementioned services. Currently WSROC operates under an indirectly elected system, with representatives of 10 councils coming together. Currently WSROC’s office is in Blacktown.The 10 WSROC member councils (local) are as follows:
· Auburn
· Bankstown
· Blacktown
· Blue Mountains
· Fairfield
· Hawkesbury
· Holroyd
· Liverpool
· Parramatta
· Penrith
Source: http://www.wsroc.com.au/
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