Select Committee

Once a bill is referred to a select committee, the committee usually has 6 months to examine the bill and prepare a report for the House.

Select committees normally invite public submissions on a bill. Then they hold public hearings to listen to some of those who made submissions. After hearing submissions they work through the issues raised, and decide what changes, if any, should be made to the bill.

The select committee's report contains:

• a reprint of the bill with recommended changes (known as amendments).
• a commentary in which the committee explains its recommended changes and the issues it has considered.