Parliamentary committees 101: how to make them work for you
Committees are one of the most underrated ways to influence government decisions. Here's how they work, and how to use one to your advantage.
Committees have a reputation problem. Say the word and most people picture a dry, room-temperature meeting that goes nowhere. In reality, they’re one of the most direct ways to get your issue in front of decision-makers — with a written submission carrying real weight when it’s done well.
What committees actually are
A committee is an investigative body, set up by a chamber of Parliament or a Minister, to dig into a specific issue or piece of legislation. Standing committees are ongoing and cover a policy area — health or economics, for example. Select committees are set up for a specific, time-bound purpose, like the Joint Select Committee on the Voice Referendum.
Supported by a secretariat, committees take submissions from a wide range of stakeholders, hear from witnesses, weigh up evidence, and report their conclusions back to Parliament.
Who sits on a committee
Members and senators are nominated by their party (independents can nominate themselves, or be put forward by the opposition whip) and formally appointed by the chamber. Every committee has a mix of government, opposition and crossbench members, and sitting on one is usually a significant part of a backbencher’s workload. Politicians can also apply to join a committee that’s relevant to their portfolio or electorate.
How to engage with a committee
Find the ones that matter to you. If a committee is running an inquiry closely aligned to your goals, get in early. Reach out to the Chair and Deputy Chair to introduce your organisation and stay looped in on committee activity.
Submit well, and submit on time. Most committees run inquiries throughout the year and call for public submissions. A well-written submission is one of the most effective tools you have for getting your issue in front of decision-makers, so it’s worth doing properly — here’s how to make yours stand out.
Be ready to front a hearing. After submissions close, you may be asked to appear before the committee to expand on your position and answer questions. If you can’t answer something on the spot, you can take it on notice and follow up in writing.
Read the dissenting reports. Once a committee has heard everyone out, it meets privately to write its final report. Committees don’t always agree, so dissenting reports are worth reading — they show you the real, nuanced positions between MPs and parties that the majority report won’t.
Want the full playbook on committee submissions? Our white paper, Strategic Submission Writing for Parliamentary Inquiries, walks through the process end to end.
