Committees Overview

The Assembly has a number of committees, made up of a small group of members, that assist the Assembly in carrying out its functions more effectively by studying issues under consideration in detail.

Through the committees the Assembly obtains information from government agencies and advice from experts on matters under consideration. Committees take submissions, hear witnesses and discuss matters in detail.

Committees may oversee the expenditure of public money and may call the government or the public service to account for their actions.

Committees encourage and enable the National Assembly members to develop special interest and expertise in particular aspects of policy and legislative matters. They investigate, legislate, review and draw attention to any important matter that is referred to them and give advice.