What it does
The Public Works Committee Act 1969 establishes the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works and sets a compulsory parliamentary scrutiny process for certain Commonwealth‑funded building, engineering and other works. The Committee is a joint statutory committee of the Parliament, composed of three senators and six members of the House of Representatives (s 7(3)). Its central function is to consider each public work referred to it and report to both Houses on the expedience of carrying out the work, having regard to factors such as the stated purpose, necessity, cost‑effectiveness, revenue‑producing character and present and prospective public value (s 17). The Committee may also recommend alterations to proposals to ensure the most effective use of money (s 17(2)). A public work whose estimated cost exceeds the threshold amount - set at $15 million unless otherwise specified by regulation - must not be commenced unless it has been referred to the Committee, the House of Representatives has resolved that the work is expedient, or an exception applies (s 18(8)). Exceptions include a resolution by the House of Representatives that urgent circumstances justify proceeding without referral, a Governor‑General order for defence purposes where referral would be contrary to the public interest, or a declaration by the Minister that the work is a repetitive work substantially similar to past or likely future works and the Committee has agreed to that declaration (s 18(8A)). Even after a report, the House may again refer the work if it resolves to do so, and the work still cannot commence until a further report is presented (s 18(6)). The Act also empowers the Committee to summon witnesses, take evidence on oath, inspect land and buildings, appoint assessors with technical expertise, and refer matters to sectional committees (ss 10, 20, 21, 26, 27). Offences for non‑compliance include imprisonment and penalty units. The Act applies to works carried out by or for the Commonwealth or an authority of the Commonwealth to which the Act applies, both within and outside Australia, subject to specific exclusions.