Budget Accountability & Oversight Committee Bill 2025 (No. 57)
- Nov 4, 2025
- 2 min read
Tuesday 4 November 2025
[6.02 p.m.]
Ms ARMITAGE (Launceston) - Madam Acting President, I will make a short contribution. Much has already been said. I must admit, when I first started looking at this bill, I was in two minds: do I support it, or don't I support it? Listening to the contributions today has been interesting. I have to say I appreciated your contribution, as the member for a week.
I accept the members that are opposed and as I said, I wasn't sure whether I would support the bill or not support the bill, but when I look at the fact sheet and the purpose of the bill:
· establishes a parliamentary standing committee on budget, accountability and oversight.
· provides a permanent mechanism to evaluate government financial management - and doesn't it need that.
· test fiscal sustainability strategies.
· recommend measures to repair and protect the state's finances.
I can't dispute any of those. I commend the member for Murchison. I could probably say, without any criticism, that she would be one of the most hardworking members in the parliament, not just this House. No, I think it's true, and credit where it's due.
When I look at at the bill before us, I understand the concerns regarding the Public Accounts Committee. I did not have the briefing yesterday as it was a public holiday in Launceston, and I did have some other commitments I had to go to. That was all right, but there were things I had to go to. From my mind, and the many briefings I did attend, I understand there's a distinction, a different focus to the Public Accounts Committee, that the PAC look at the money spent, not the front end. There are certainly differences, but what would be more important than improving our state fiscal situation. I don't think there's too much that's more important than that.
I understand from the member for Murchison that it doesn't conflict with the PAC. The Public Accounts Committee looks at matters referred from the House and this would look to the future from its own motion.
I am not going to go into any great area or length as I don't think that's necessary. I always think it's far better to be short and concise. Say what you have to say. I will be supporting the bill.
