🏛️ Legislation Committee

This report, titled 'Corrections to Report 54: Public Order Legislation Amendment Bill 2026', is an administrative document from the Western Australian Standing Committee on Legislation. It addresses two specific errors found in its previous Report 54 concerning the Public Order Legislation Amendment Bill 2026. The corrections involve a miscited clause in Recommendation 4 and a typographical error in paragraph 9.22, aiming to assist the House in its consideration of the Bill.

This report from the WA Legislation Committee analyses the Public Order Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, introduced following alleged terrorist attacks. The Bill proposes new offences related to face coverings, Nazi symbols, prohibited organisation symbols, and amendments to public order laws. The committee discusses concerns raised by stakeholders, particularly regarding the objective test for face coverings and the reversal of the onus of proof, while largely supporting other aspects of the Bi

The WA Legislation Committee reviewed the Civil Liability Amendment (Child Sexual Abuse Actions) Bill 2025, designed to address the High Court's Bird v DP decision. The Bill deems religious practitioners as employees of religious institutions for child sexual abuse actions, allowing victims to sue the institutions. The Committee recommends the Bill's immediate passage and further legislation to broaden its scope to secular environments and volunteers.

The WA Legislation Committee reviewed the Criminal Code Amendment (Post and Boast Offences) Bill 2025, supporting its intent to deter the celebration of criminal behavior but finding the Bill too broad. The Committee recommends amendments to ensure proportionality and consistency with community expectations, including removing reference to Chapter IX of the Criminal Code and reducing the maximum penalty.

This is a report by the WA Legislation Committee on the Firearms Act 2024, presented on 16 October 2025. The report (Report No. 51) and the Government's response are available for viewing via provided links. The committee conducted an inquiry into the Act.

The WA Legislative Council's Standing Committee on Legislation requests an extension to report on the Firearms Act 2024. The Committee needs more time due to a high volume of submissions and the need to organise hearings. They seek to extend the reporting deadline from August 28, 2025, to October 16, 2025.

The WA parliamentary committee reviewed the Sports and Entertainment Trust Bill 2023, which aims to replace the Western Australian Sports Centre Trust Act 1986. The committee found no clauses unjustly offend fundamental legislative principles, but recommends the Bill be re-introduced in the Legislative Assembly due to an appropriation clause.

The WA parliamentary committee reviewed the Guardianship and Administration Amendment (Medical Research) Bill 2020, which addresses a gap in laws regarding incapacitated individuals participating in medical research. Prior to this Act, medical research relied on medical treatment laws. The Act introduces safeguards and reporting requirements.

The WA Legislation Committee reviewed the Electoral Amendment Bill 2020, focusing on political donation disclosures, foreign donation bans, and electoral expenditure caps. The committee suggests amending the donation disclosure threshold and questions the need for quarterly reporting. While supporting a foreign donation ban, they seek clarification on enforcement. A majority opposes expenditure caps.

This WA parliamentary committee report is a correction to a previous report (Report 45) regarding the Agricultural Produce Commission Amendment Bill 2019. The correction addresses a publishing error where 'Finding 5' was incorrectly labelled as 'Draft Finding 5'. The online version of the original report has been updated.

The WA parliamentary committee reviewed the Agricultural Produce Commission Amendment Bill 2019, focusing on allowing broadacre cropping and grazing industries to form producer committees. Concerns were raised about potential charges and duplication of existing levies. The committee recommends the bill be passed, pending satisfactory explanations from the Minister.

This WA parliamentary committee report examines the Children and Community Services Amendment Bill 2019. Key areas of focus include the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle, mandatory reporting for ministers of religion regarding child sexual abuse, and enforcement provisions within the bill. The committee makes several findings and recommendations to improve the bill's operation and effectiveness.

The WA Legislative Council's Legislation Committee reviewed the Work Health and Safety Bill 2019. The report, numbered 43, was presented on November 8, 2020. The report and the Government's response are available online.

The WA Legislation Committee reviewed the Criminal Procedure Amendment (Trial by Judge Alone) Bill 2017. The Bill aims to shift the onus of proof, requiring courts to allow judge-alone trials unless deemed not in the interests of justice. The committee examined the Bill's policy goals, including increasing individual liberty, transparency, and reducing trial times and costs.

The WA Legislation Committee reviewed the Ticket Scalping Bill 2018, finding that while the Bill addresses some consumer concerns, the 10% price cap is contentious and may be anti-competitive. The committee recommends amendments to several clauses, including a reduced statutory review period and clarification on police involvement in investigations.

This WA parliamentary committee report analyses the Human Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Legislation Amendment Bill 2018. The Bill aims to provide equitable access to surrogacy for male same-sex couples and single men, and clarify IVF access for likely future infertility. The committee identified potential new areas of discrimination against women arising from the proposed amendments.

The Legislation Committee reviewed the Residential Parks (Long-stay Tenants) Amendment Bill 2018 and produced Report 39 on March 21, 2019. The report is available at the Legislative Council Committee Office. The committee invited submissions from caravan park owners and operators.

The WA parliamentary committee report examines the Residential Tenancies Legislation Amendment (Family Violence) Bill 2018. The committee supports the Bill's policy to empower tenants experiencing family violence. It recommends addressing inequities in application fees for dispute resolution and reviewing the Bill's impact on lessors.

This WA parliamentary committee report analyses the Strata Titles Amendment Bill 2018, specifically Part 12 concerning the termination of strata titles schemes. The committee generally supports the policy behind Part 12 but raises concerns about safeguards for vulnerable owners and the presence of Henry VIII clauses. It recommends amendments to enhance owner protections and ensure fairness in the termination process.

This WA parliamentary committee report analyses the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill 2017. The Bill aims to update animal welfare laws, incorporate national standards, and create a new class of inspector. The committee recommends changes, including deleting clauses related to new inspector powers and Henry VIII clauses.

The WA Legislative Council's Standing Committee on Legislation requests an extension of time to report on the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill 2017. The original deadline was June 12, 2018, and the committee is requesting an extension until June 28, 2018. This is due to a high volume of submissions received.

This WA parliamentary committee report examines the Sentence Administration Amendment Bill 2017, focusing on 'no body, no parole' provisions. The committee reviewed the bill's policy, legislative framework, and impact, comparing it with similar laws in other Australian jurisdictions. It also considered fundamental legislative scrutiny principles.

The WA Legislative Council's Legislation Committee reviewed the Pilbara Port Assets (Disposal) Bill 2015, concerning the privatization of the Utah Point Bulk Handling Facility. The committee raised concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the asset's retention value, insufficient protections for junior miners, and potential override of existing legal obligations. They recommend amendments to the bill to address these issues.

The WA parliamentary committee reviewed the Mining Legislation Amendment Bill 2015, focusing on its environmental provisions and impact on small-scale miners. The report includes findings and recommendations regarding clarity, consultation, and potential burdens on the mining industry. It suggests improvements to ensure fairness and environmental protection.

The WA Legislative Council's Standing Committee on Legislation requests an extension to the reporting deadline for the Pilbara Ports Assets (Disposal) Bill 2015. Due to a concurrent inquiry, budget estimate hearings, and the complexity of the Bill, the committee seeks to extend the reporting date from May 17, 2016, to August 25, 2016.

This is a report by the Western Australian Legislation Committee regarding the Bell Group Companies (Finalisation of Matters and Distribution of Proceeds) Bill 2015. The report was presented on 11/10/2015. The report and the Government's response are available for viewing via provided links.

The WA Legislative Council's Standing Committee on Legislation requested a short extension to the reporting deadline for its inquiry into the Bell Group Companies (Finalisation of Matters and Distribution of Proceeds) Bill 2015. The extension, from November 10 to November 12, 2015, was needed to gather further evidence due to the inquiry's complexity.

The WA Legislation Committee investigated the need for a Demise of the Crown Statute, following a referral from the Legislative Council. The report recommends enacting legislation to clarify the legal position regarding the impact of the death or abdication of a monarch, particularly on the continuation of Parliament. The aim is to remove uncertainty and prevent potential legal challenges.

The WA Legislative Council's Standing Committee on Legislation requests an extension to the reporting deadline for its inquiry into a Demise of the Crown Statute. The original deadline of May 14, 2015, is to be extended to August 13, 2015, to allow the Committee to gather further information.

This is a report by the Legislation Committee on the Taxation Legislation Amendment Bill 2014, presented on November 20, 2014. The report (no. 26) and its executive summary are available for viewing via provided links. The committee operates under the Legislative Council Committee Office.

The Legislation Committee reviewed the Custodial Legislation (Officers Discipline) Amendment Bill 2013 and presented its report on November 11, 2014. The report, numbered 25, is available at the Legislative Council Committee Office. An executive summary is also available.

The WA Legislative Council's Standing Committee on Legislation requests an extension to the reporting deadline for the Taxation Legislation Amendment Bill 2014. The committee seeks to extend the deadline from November 13, 2014, to November 20, 2014. This request was made following a committee meeting on October 22, 2014.

The WA Legislative Council's Standing Committee on Legislation requests an extension to the reporting deadline for the Custodial Legislation (Officers Discipline) Amendment Bill 2013. The Committee seeks to extend the deadline from October 28, 2014, to November 11, 2014, and will table the report despite it being a non-sitting day.

The WA Legislative Council's Legislation Committee reviewed the Workforce Reform Bill 2013, focusing on its impact on the WAIRC and the introduction of involuntary severance powers. The committee raised concerns about the bill's skeletal nature, potential unintended consequences, and limitations on appeal rights for public sector employees. It recommended amendments to address these issues.

The WA Legislative Council's Standing Committee on Legislation requests an extension to the reporting deadline for the Workforce Reform Bill 2013. The original deadline was February 25, 2014, and the committee is seeking an extension until March 10, 2014, to complete its review and report.

The WA Legislation Committee reviewed clauses 11 & 12 of the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Legislation Amendment Bill 2013, focusing on land access and compensation for GHG operations. It recommends adopting the clauses with amendments to align land terminology with the Land Administration Act 1997.

The WA Legislation Committee reviewed the Revenue Laws Amendment Bill 2012, focusing on potential 'Henry VIII clauses' which delegate legislative power to the executive. The committee examined clauses related to disability wage subsidies and retrospective regulations, ultimately concluding that neither constituted Henry VIII clauses, though raising concerns about the broad scope of retrospective regulation-making power.

The WA Legislation Committee reviewed the Local Government Amendment (Regional Subsidiaries) Bill 2010, finding it too minimalist and uncertain in practical effect. Stakeholders expressed concerns about the broad regulation-making powers and lack of clarity regarding compliance and governance. The report compares the bill to existing WA models and the South Australian model it intends to emulate.

The WA Legislative Council's Standing Committee on Legislation's annual report for 2009-2010 details its activities, membership, and inquiries. Key inquiries included the State Administrative Tribunal's operation, the Standardisation of Formatting Bill 2009, and the Criminal Investigation Amendment Bill 2009. The committee plays a role in reviewing proposed legislation.

The Legislation Committee reviewed the Criminal Investigation Amendment Bill 2009 and presented its report on October 21, 2010. The report (no. 16) is available at the Legislative Council Committee Office, along with the Government's response.

The WA Legislation Committee reviewed the Standardisation of Formatting Bill 2009, which aimed to improve the accessibility and usability of WA legislation by standardizing its formatting within the State Law Publisher's website. The committee examined the bill's purpose, consulted with affected agencies, and considered whether its objectives could be achieved through other means. The report details specific clauses and proposed amendments, including those to the Freedom of Information Act 1992.

This is a report by the Legislation Committee of the Western Australian Parliament, presented on May 20, 2009. It concerns an inquiry into the jurisdiction and operation of the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT). The report and the government's response are available for viewing via provided links.

The Legislation Committee's 2008 annual report details its activities, including inquiries into the Surrogacy Bill 2007 and the jurisdiction/operation of the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT). The committee reviewed bills referred by the Legislative Council, focusing on feasibility, clarity, and adherence to fundamental legislative scrutiny principles. The report highlights committee membership, staffing, and processes.

The WA Legislation Committee reviewed the Surrogacy Bill 2007, examining definitions, legal parentage, and legislation in other jurisdictions. The report recommends amendments to the Bill, focusing on reasonable expenses, eligibility criteria, and the role of a Surrogacy Review Panel. It aims to regulate surrogacy in WA, addressing legal and social issues.

The Legislation Committee's 2007 annual report details its activities in reviewing bills referred by the Legislative Council. It highlights inquiries into various bills, including those related to biosecurity, trans-tasman mutual recognition, criminal law, consent to medical treatment and the State Administrative Tribunal. The report also raises concerns about short reporting timeframes and multiple referrals impacting the committee's ability to conduct thorough inquiries.

The Legislation Committee reviewed the Acts Amendment (Consent to Medical Treatment) Bill 2006 and produced Report No. 10, presented on October 25, 2007. The report and the government's response are available for viewing.

The WA Parliamentary Legislation Committee reviewed the Criminal Law and Evidence Amendment Bill 2006, focusing on amendments to sexual assault case prosecutions, introducing limited prosecution appeal rights, and other crime legislation changes. The committee recommended amendments to clauses regarding grievous bodily harm, serious assault, expert evidence, and the Suitors' Fund Act. It also suggested a review of amendments to the Criminal Appeals Act 2004 within five years.

The Legislation Committee reviewed the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition (Western Australia) Bill 2005 and presented its report on June 26, 2007. The report (Report No. 8) is available at the Legislative Council Committee Office. The Government's response to the report is also available.

The WA Parliamentary Legislation Committee reviewed the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Bill 2006 and related bills, recommending amendments to improve clarity, accountability, and consistency with other legislation. Key concerns included the broad delegation of power, potential conflicts with Commonwealth law, and insufficient consultation processes. The report makes 34 recommendations for changes.

The WA Legislative Council's Legislation Committee's 2006 annual report details its activities, membership, and inquiries into several bills. Key inquiries included the Parental Support and Responsibility Bill, the Taxi Amendment Bill, and bills related to criminal investigation. The committee raised concerns about short reporting timeframes impacting thoroughness and stakeholder participation.

This WA parliamentary committee report examines the Parental Support and Responsibility Bill 2005. The committee supports responsible parenting agreements but is divided on responsible parenting orders. A majority recommends opposing Part 5 of the Bill, which introduces these orders, citing concerns about cultural appropriateness and potential ineffectiveness. The report also highlights the importance of support services for parents.

The WA Legislation Committee reviewed the Criminal Investigation Bill 2005 and related bills, focusing on police powers and citizen rights. The committee raised concerns about the breadth of police powers, lack of rights for detained individuals, and potential for misuse of move-on orders. It recommended several amendments to address these issues.

The WA Legislation Committee reviewed the Taxi Amendment Bill 2005, focusing on a buyback scheme for Multi-Purpose Taxi (MPT) plates. The committee examined the bill's clauses, the inquiry process, and issues raised in public submissions. The report recommends the bill be passed without amendment, aiming to restructure MPT ownership and improve service levels.

The Legislation Committee's 2005 annual report outlines its role in scrutinizing bills referred by the WA Legislative Council. It details the committee's membership, terms of reference, and activities between August and December 2005, including inquiries into the Limitation Bill, Parental Support and Responsibility Bill, and Taxi Amendment Bill. The report emphasizes the importance of adequate reporting timeframes for effective scrutiny.

This WA parliamentary committee report analyses the Limitation Bill 2005 and related legislation, focusing on changes to limitation periods for legal actions. It examines issues raised in submissions and debates, including retrospectivity, definitions, and potential impacts on personal injury claims, especially those related to childbirth and asbestos exposure. The report recommends amendments to clarify and modernise the legislation.