What is a standing committee in Parliament?

A standing committee in the Australian Parliament is a permanent committee of members from both major parties and the crossbench that conducts inquiries into legislation, executive decisions, and matters of public concern within its portfolio area. Standing committees are established under each House's Standing Orders and operate continuously across the parliamentary term.

The Senate operates eight portfolio-based Legislation Committees and matching References Committees, plus several specialist standing committees. The Legislation Committees examine bills and the operations of departments. The References Committees handle inquiries into broader matters referred by the Senate. The Senate also has Scrutiny of Bills, Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation, Privileges, and several other specialist committees. The House of Representatives operates a similar but smaller set of general purpose standing committees on topics including economics, social policy, infrastructure, and indigenous affairs.

Joint committees (made up of members from both Houses) handle matters that affect both chambers. Major joint committees include the Joint Committee on Public Accounts and Audit, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, the Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, and the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties. These provide scrutiny across portfolios and on cross-cutting topics.

Committee inquiries are a major source of public consultation on Australian legislation and policy. A committee advertises the inquiry, receives written submissions from interested parties, holds public hearings at which witnesses give evidence, and produces a report with recommendations. The government is expected to respond to committee reports within three to six months, although responses are often delayed. Committee findings have shaped major reforms including the Hayne Royal Commission terms of reference, the design of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the Modern Slavery Act, climate-related financial disclosure rules, and the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Members of the public can lodge submissions or appear as witnesses through the relevant committee's website, with most inquiries publishing terms of reference and instructions for participation.