Motion (by Senator Margetts) agreed to:

That—

(1) The Select Committee on the Socio-Economic Consequences of the National Competition Policy, appointed by resolution of the Senate on 1 July 1998, be reappointed with the same functions and powers, except as otherwise provided in this resolution.

(2) The committee inquire into and report on the National Competition Policy, including:

(a) its socio-economic consequences, including benefits and costs, on:

(i) unemployment,

(ii) changed working conditions,

(iii) social welfare,

(iv) equity,

(v) social dislocation, and

(vi) environmental impacts;

(b) the impact on urban and rural and regional communities;

(c) its relationship with other micro-economic reform policies; and

(d) clarification of the definition of public interest and its role in the National Competition process.

(3) The committee have power to consider and use for its purposes the records of the Select Committee on the Socio-Economic Consequences of the National Competition Policy appointed in the previous Parliament.

(4) The quorum of the committee be 3 members, with 1 member present being appointed to the committee on the nomination of the Leader of the Government in the Senate, 1 appointed on the nomination of the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate and 1 appointed on the nomination of either the Australian Democrats, the Greens (WA) or independent senators.

(5) At least one member of any subcommittee be a member nominated by the Australian Democrats, the Greens (WA) or independent senators.

(6) The committee report on or before the last sitting day of June 1999.