 The impact of the Senate 's committees varies and has been the subject of debate . The work of the committees is frequently more consensual and less partisan than activity in the parliamentary chambers , and unanimous committee reports that agree recommendations across party lines are not uncommon . As a result , these recommendations may contribute to subsequent government policy announcements and occasionally to changes in government actions . The work of the regulations and ordinances committee has led to revisions of subordinate legislation in significant respects . Committee scrutiny of bills has contributed to them being amended or withdrawn . The impact of committees on legislation overall has however been described as ' rather limited ' , particularly as the committees that review bills are controlled by a government majority . 
