Committee Duties
Environment, Communications & the Arts
Simon served on the Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Communications and the Arts from 2007 - 2010. He was appointed Deputy Chair in August 2008 and Chair of the References Committee and Deputy Chair of Legislation Committee in May 2009. After his appointement to the Shadow Ministry, Simon stepped down as Chair, but he maintains involvement in the committee through his portfolio responsibilities.
This committee covers a wide range of areas of interest, with oversight of legislation, budget estimates and general issues relevant to the portfolios of the environment, water, heritage, the arts, broadband, communications and the digital economy.
You can follow the work of the committee here.
Treaties
Simon has served on the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties since June 2007.
This committee reviews and reports on all treaty actions proposed by the Government before any action that would bind Australia to the terms of the treaty is taken. Australia enters into treaties that cover a wide range of areas, including defence, transport, social security, environmental protection and taxation.
You can follow the work of the committee here.
Electoral Matters
Simon has served on the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters since February 2008.
This committee inquires into and reports on such matters relating to electoral laws and practices and their administration as may be referred to it by either House of the Parliament or a Minister.
You can follow the work of the committee here.
National Broadband Network
The Senate Select Committee on the National Broadband Network was established by the Senate in June 2008. Simon has been a member since its establishment.
This committee is inquiring into and reporting on the Government's proposal to partner with the private sector to upgrade parts of the existing communications network to provide minimum broadband speeds of 12 megabits per second to 98 per cent of Australians on an open access basis. The committee is particularly examining the implications of the proposed National Broadband Network (NBN) for consumers.
You can follow the work of the committee here. The committee published an interim report in December 2008, which can be downloaded here.