Rex Patrick (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I draw senators' attention to page 485 of Odgers, which says that back in 2009:

… the Procedure Committee recommended an understanding that there should be no more than three select committees in existence at any time.

There are currently nine select committees. If this motion is agreed to today, there will be 10.

I would point out also that there is a stipend, paid by the public, in relation to these committees. A chair receives $23,240 of additional payment and a deputy chair receives $11,620, so this is a cost to the taxpayer of $34,000. At the same time, we are paying a stipend for the references committee chairs and deputy chairs, and they seem to be underutilised. I won't be supporting the appointment of this select committee. I would support it if it were a references committee.