The Queensland Parliament has adopted major reforms that increase opportunities to influence the content of new legislation.

In December 2010, the bi-partisan Committee System Review Committee, led by Hon. Judy Spence recommended a number of sweeping reforms to the committee structure of the Queensland Parliament. These proposed changes were to be the widest ranging since the abolition of the Upper House in 1922.

In June 2011, these reforms were adopted by the Parliament.

The Speaker of the Parliament, Hon. John Mickel has said the new committee system would enhance the scrutiny of proposed legislation and government expenditure. Jeff Seeney, Leader of the Opposition and member of the Review Committee outlined in Parliament the aims of these changes - a legislative system that was open to review, transparent, that gave Members of Parliament an important role and gave members of the public an opportunity to have input.

The new system is also expected to improve the process of public consultation on Bills that are before the House. Committees may examine legislation by calling for public submissions, holding hearings and engaging expert advice.

These changes will provide increased opportunity to participate in the legislative process, when legislation affecting your interests or business is proposed.

The seven new committees are:

Finance and Administration Committee

• Premier and Cabinet
• Reconstruction
• Treasury and Finance
• Arts
• Public Works and Information Technology

Legal Affairs, Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services Committee

• Attorney-General and Justice (excluding Industrial Relations)
• Fair Trading
• Police
• Community Safety

Industry, Education, Training and Industrial Relations Committee

• Tourism
• Manufacturing
• Small Business and Retail
• State Development and Trade
• Coordinator-General
• Education
• Employment, Skills and Training
• Workplace Health and Safety
• Industrial Relations

Environment, Agriculture, Resources and Energy Committee

• Food
• Agriculture
• Mines
• Energy
• Water
• Natural Resource Management
• Environment
• Fisheries

Community Affairs Committee

• Child Safety
• Youth Justice
• Community Services
• Multicultural Affairs
• Housing
• Women
• Sport
• Aboriginal Affairs

Health and Disabilities Committee

• Health
• Mental Health
• Disabilities

Transport, Local Government and Infrastructure Committee

• Transport
• Main Roads
• Marine Infrastructure
• Infrastructure
• Local Government
• Building Industry

Further information on the new system can be found on the Parliament website - http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-committees

You can also subscribe to updates from individual Committees - http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/get-involved/how-do-I-get-involved/email-alert