CHAIR (Mrs Irwin) —Good morning. I now declare open the third public hearing of the new Standing Committee on Petitions and welcome everyone in attendance. Under the standing orders the committee is able to examine matters relating to petitions, and, as a way of complementing the ministerial response process, the committee has decided to conduct public hearings on issues raised in petitions. We intend to invite relevant departments to provide advice on issues raised by petitioners so that petitioners of most if not all petitions are able to have the benefit of expert advice of the relevant department or departments.

The committee also intends to conduct similar meetings in states and territories with principal petitioners as a way of ensuring that petitioners can truly make their voice heard. This morning we welcome representatives of the departments of education, immigration and citizenship, and human services. The transcript of today’s proceedings will be posted on the committee’s website and the hearing is open to the public.

[10.33 am]