Page 877 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 27 March 1990
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that stage we considered that, despite the representations that have been put forward, the workload of those two committees would be such that the important work that was required might not be done in due time. For that reason, I certainly supported the proposal to retain the two committees as stated.
Also, Mr Speaker, one of the other recommendations of the committee related to the size of one of the committees. I think it is appropriate that we consider the nature of the Assembly and the number of members available to work on committees. In applying the normal practices for committees, it is appropriate for a member of each group to be represented on at least one standing committee. The recommendation of the standing committee on this matter provides for that to take place.
Let me continue on the subject of my discussions about the workload of the committees. The Public Accounts Committee has completed one report, and it has three references still outstanding. Some of those relate to matters that we have yet to receive information on. I look forward to participating in the work of that committee with the Leader of the Opposition when she takes her place on that committee, as I am sure she will.
The Social Policy Committee has completed two references with a major committee report being worked on at the moment - that relating to fluoride. I think that report will probably have ramifications for this issue throughout Australia. I think it is important that the committee continue with its good work in that area.
Since the commencement of this Assembly, six select committees have already reported. I guess that in a way those committees relate to the heady days of this fledgling Assembly with its minority government and its majority grouping opposite. The majority saw those select committees as a way by which they could influence the operation of the Assembly and I think it was important that that should have occurred in those early days.
One of the matters that we looked at - or I certainly looked at it during my deliberations - was the workload that we had put on the committee staff by this action of establishing a large number of select committees in conjunction with the series of standing committees. It represented a learning curve for us all, but it was a critical time because the large number of committees put an incredible workload on both the members involved and also the staff.
I now refer to table 3 of the report which picks up the recommended changes and restructuring of the committee system by clearly identifying the committees and their areas of responsibility. It was considered - and I certainly agree - that the Scrutiny of Bills and Subordinate Legislation Committee was an important
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