Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee
The Committee, commonly known as ‘SARC’, examines all bills introduced into Parliament pursuant to section 17 of the Parliamentary Committees Act 2003. It publishes its findings in a report called an ‘Alert Digest’ generally on the Tuesday of a Sitting week.
Section 17 of the Parliamentary Committees Act 2003 contains principles of legislative scrutiny in relation to the bills including consideration of matters pursuant to the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006. The Committee also scrutinises statutory rules and legislative instruments pursuant to sections 21 and 25A of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994.
The Committee follows the best traditions of non-partisan legislative scrutiny, originally commenced in the Australian Senate in 1981. The Committee does not comment on legislative policy. Non-policy scrutiny alerts the Parliament to the use of undesirable legislative practices and particular matters within its terms of reference.
The Committee's major areas of responsibility include
The Committee also receives references from Parliament or by Governor-in-Council Order.
Government departments and other authorities please note all documentation for subordinate legislation is sent via email to sarc@parliament.vic.gov.au. However, if there are a large number of submissions (e.g. 30+) the SARC would appreciate hard copies sent c/o:
SARC Secretariat,
Parliament House,
Spring Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002
If you have any questions, please contact (03) 8682 2836 or by email to sarc@parliament.vic.gov.au.
Publications search
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Scrutiny of Bills
The Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee examines all Bills presented to the Parliament and publishes its findings in a report called the Alert Digest.
Scrutiny of Regulations
The Committee is responsible for examining statutory rules and legislative instruments to ensure that they do not exceed the powers conferred by an Act and do not unduly trespass on rights and freedoms.
Conference papers
List of papers available.
‘Parliamentary scrutiny of COVID-19 legislation’
Hon David Parker MP, Chairperson, Regulations Review Committee (NZ)
‘Reigning in Hell: Legislation in an Emergency’
Ryan Hamilton MP, Deputy Chairperson, Regulations Review Committee (NZ)
Constance Mailer, Legislative Counsel
‘What Parliament Didn’t Say: The Impact of Silence in Legislative Scrutiny on Statutory Interpretation’
Dr Jacinta Dharmananda, Senior Lecturer
Law School, University of Western Australia
‘Breaking new ground – expanding the scrutiny function of the New South Wales Legislative Council's Regulation Committee’
Hon. Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC, Chair, Regulation Committee (NSW)
‘Explanatory Memorandums for proposed legislation in Australia: Are they fulfilling their purpose?’
Alex Hickman, Legal Advisory Officer, Legislative Council Committee Office of Western Australia
‘Animal rights Scrutiny’
Professor Jeremy Gans, University of Melbourne
Australia-New Zealand Scrutiny of Legislation Conference
The Australia-New Zealand Scrutiny of Legislation Conference was held in December 2024 at Parliament House, Melbourne. The theme was Parliamentary Scrutiny: Looking to the Future.
The Scrutiny of Legislation Conference strengthens the commitment to parliamentary scrutiny across various jurisdictions. It supports the checks and balances processes which are of fundamental importance to the law making process.
For further information: sarc@parliament.vic.gov.au
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Contact
Address
Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee
Parliament House
Spring Street
EAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002
