CHAIR (Mrs Irwin) —I declare open this public hearing of the new House of Representatives Standing Committee on Petitions and welcome everyone in attendance. Under the standing orders, the committee is able to examine matters relating to petitions. 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 from the relevant department or departments. The committee also intends to conduct similar meetings in states and territories with the principal petitioners as a way of ensuring that petitioners can truly make their voices heard. This morning we welcome representatives of the Department of Health and Ageing, the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. The transcript of what is said today will be posted on the committee’s website. If you would like further details about the meeting or the transcript, please ask any of the committee staff here at the hearing.

[10.18 am]