 Committee inquiries typically begin with the reference of an issue or a proposed law to the committee for inquiry and report back to the Senate . The committee will make a call for submissions , seeking public input on the matter referred to the committee . It will often publish those submissions to help inform stakeholders of the views that are being put to the committee . A committee will often hold one or more public hearings , at which committee members ask questions of key stakeholders interested in the issue under inquiry . These hearings may be held anywhere in Australia , are often broadcast , and result in a published transcript ( Hansard ) that records the evidence taken . The opportunity to make submissions , and the greater accessibility of the committees compared to parliament itself , can provide disadvantaged individuals and organisations valued opportunities to engage in democratic processes . Committees also frequently ask relevant government agencies to respond to issues raised by submissions or evidence given to the inquiry . Once evidence has been gathered there usually follows a period of research and analysis by the committee . It will then deliver a report to the Senate , which will generally include recommendations . The Commonwealth government is then expected to table a response to the report , stating responses to any recommendations the committee may have made . 
