VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS NO. 49, WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 1996

That notwithstanding anything in the Standing Orders of both Houses, a Joint Standing Committee be appointed to inquire into and report upon Small Business in NSW with the following terms of reference:

(1) The functions of the Committee are to report to Parliament on:

(a) matters which reflect the importance of small business to the economy;

(b) the streamlining of the provision of services to small business;

(c) the reduction of regulatory control over small businesses;

(d) the creation of employment opportunities within the small business industry;

(e) the provision of assistance to small businesses in niche marketing;

(f) the provision of assistance in the promotion of small business in regional development;

(g) the provision of assistance to small business to become internationally competitive;

(h) the provision of advice to persons intending to start a new business and to new starters in small business; and

(i) any matters relating to or arising out of the above terms of reference.

(2) The Committee is to consist of nine Members of both Houses, three being members of the Legislative Council (one supporting the Government, one Opposition and one Independent) and six being members of the Legislative Assembly (four members supporting the Government, one Opposition, one Independent and in the event that an Independent member is unavailable to serve on the Committee a member of the Opposition will be nominated instead). Members will be nominated in writing to the respective Clerks of the House.

(3) The quorum of the Committee is five Members, provided that the Committee meet as a joint committee at all times.

(4) The Chairman shall be a supporter of the Government.

(5) The Chairman or any Acting Chairman has a deliberative vote and, in the event of an equality of votes, a casting vote.

(6) The Committee has leave to sit during the sittings or any adjournment of either or both Houses, to adjourn from place to place; and to make visits of inspection within Australia and overseas.