Parliamentary committees

Much of the constructive work of parliament is performed by parliamentary committees, typically comprising members from non-government as well as government parties, often operating through public hearings, where evidence is taken from community groups about matters before parliament. In many ways committees are the public face of parliament, providing access for those wanting to participate in parliamentary business. Committees are usually advisory bodies, investigating matters referred to them and reporting back to parliament with recommendations for action. There are many types of committees, beginning with those unofficial committees established by each party to develop party policies and strategies. Official parliamentary committees are established by each house to share the parliamentary workload, usually by investigating and reporting back on issues such as the need for new legislation or for new policy initiatives. Committees can comprise members from either house (lower or upper houses) or both houses of a parliament (joint committees). They can be established by a resolution of one or both houses; more formally, by standing orders of the house; or, most formally, by legislation (statutory committees).