Report of the Portfolio Committee on Finance on the Financial Management of Parliament Bill [B 74 – 2008] (National Assembly – proposed sec 76(1)), dated 16 September 2008:

In the Second Parliament the Assembly passed a resolution mandating the Portfolio Committee on Finance to consider the subject of the financial administration of Parliament with a view to introducing a bill dealing with the matter (see Minutes of Proceedings of National Assembly, dated 23 September 2003).

The Committee was unable to complete its consideration of the matter before the end of the Second Parliament and the mandate consequently lapsed.

The Assembly again passed a similar resolution in the Third Parliament (see Minutes of Proceedings of National Assembly, dated 18 June 2004).

The Committee subsequently gave prior notice of introduction of the draft legislation in Government Gazette No 28166, dated 28 October 2005. The Gazette also contained an invitation to interested persons and institutions to submit written submissions on the draft legislation. The Committee deliberated and held public hearings on the submissions received. Consultation with National Treasury also took place.

The Committee therefore reports that it has completed its deliberations on the matter and, in accordance with Rule 243, introduces the Financial Management of Parliament Bill [B74 – 2008] (National Assembly – proposed sec 76(1)).