MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has been elected as Chair and Deputy Chair of two further NSW Parliamentary committees.
His election as Chair of the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Community Services and Deputy Chair of the Joint Statutory Committee on the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) was announced in Parliament recently.
“These are significant bodies which will allow me to make a contribution in areas where I have a passion but also a strong interest and background from my work in local government,” Mr Marshall said.
“Leading this community services committee will give me the opportunity to raise many issues pertinent to our region as well as country NSW and I’m looking forward to my first meeting in the near future.”
The Community Services Committee inquires into and reports on any matter within the portfolio areas of Aboriginal Affairs, Ageing, Disability Services, Early Childhood Education, Education, Family and Community Services, Health, Medical Research, Mental Health, Multiculturalism, Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Social Housing and Women.
The Committee can also scrutinise laws and look at the financial performance and annual reports of government departments.
“I’m looking forward to adding the voice of the Northern Tablelands communities to the committee’s deliberations on the community services issues confronting our area on future inquiries,” he said.
Mr Marshall said he was eager to be involved on the ICAC Committee, which reviews the ICAC and ICAC Inspector’s performance, examines their annual and other reports, and reports to Parliament on matters relating to their functions.
“With former High Court Chief Justice Murray Gleeson currently undertaking a review of the scope and operations of the ICAC, I have no doubt the committee will have a major role to play in analysing any proposed changes to the powers, functions and procedures of ICAC,” he said.
Mr Marshall said the committee could also examine trends and changes in corrupt conduct and practices and methods relating to corrupt conduct.
“The committee does not, however, have the authority to reconsider the ICAC’s decisions, findings or recommendations about complaints or investigations,” he said.
Mr Marshall will continue his work heading the Parliament’s Joint Select Committee on Companion Animal Breeding in NSW, which is currently conducting an inquiry into puppy factories. It will report to Parliament by 31 August this year.