Justice Committee Faces 80 Hours of Oral Submissions
The Justice Committee is gearing up for a monumental task as it prepares to listen to a whopping 80 hours of oral submissions on the Treaty Principles Bill. This critical process will unfold over the course of a month, starting with the first full day of hearings scheduled for 27 January.
Despite the magnitude of this endeavor, the committee is still in the dark about the total number of submissions received for the Treaty Principles Bill. Originally set to be revealed on Thursday, the number remains a mystery due to issues with the website that prompted an extension of the submission deadline. However, the committee remains optimistic about shedding light on this crucial information soon.
Committee’s Strategic Approach
In a move to streamline the proceedings and ensure a fair hearing for all, members from each political party will nominate submitters to be heard during the initial week of hearings. Additionally, the committee plans to divide into two sub-committees to accommodate a larger number of participants. This strategic decision will enable a more comprehensive review of the submissions within the limited timeframe, with the sub-committees slated to begin hearing from submitters in February.
Stringent Criteria and Reopened Submissions
As the committee works diligently to finalize the total number of submissions, rigorous checks are being conducted to eliminate duplicates and ensure each submission aligns with the specified criteria. Submissions that fall short of the criteria, including duplicates and those lacking proper identification, will not be considered. Furthermore, any submissions containing racist content will be promptly disqualified.
Following technical glitches experienced by some individuals during the initial submission phase, Parliament made the decision to reopen submissions to accommodate all voices. Despite these challenges, the website performed smoothly during the extended period, allowing for a robust influx of submissions. Impressively, the Treaty Principles Bill garnered a staggering 300,000 online submissions before the deadline, underscoring the significance of this legislation in the eyes of the public.
As the Justice Committee embarks on this arduous journey of listening to diverse perspectives and shaping the future of the Treaty Principles Bill, the importance of transparency, inclusivity, and thorough deliberation remains paramount. Stay tuned as the committee navigates through 80 hours of submissions to uphold the principles of justice and equity for all.