Glenn Lazarus rises to head committee inquiring into Man Haron Monis letter

http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/jun/25/glenn-lazarus-rises--head-committee-inquiring-man-haron-monis-letter

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The former rugby league legend Glenn Lazarus will take charge of the Senate inquiry into the handling of the Sydney siege gunman’s letter, after he became the new chairman of the legal and constitutional affairs references committee.

The first-term Queensland senator replaces the Greens senator Penny Wright, who quit the committee on Wednesday to focus on representing South Australia.

The references committee conducts inquiries into issues referred to it by the Senate. Its portfolio areas include immigration, border protection and attorney general-related issues.

It has two inquiries on the books: one into the handling of a letter Man Haron Monis sent to the attorney general, and the other into arts funding.

Lazarus, who has also been pushing for an inquiry into fire safety, said he was delighted to be heading the committee.

“My role as chairman will provide the opportunity for me to become more actively involved in the review of significant issues across Australia and the development of solutions,” he said.

“I have a strong interest in ensuring our country operates in an honest, fair, transparent and democratic manner. I am looking forward to my new chair role.”

The Queensland Liberal National party senator Ian Macdonald will continue to serve as the deputy chairman.

Wright, who is reaching the end of her first six-year Senate term and is due to face the voters at the next election, said she had enjoyed serving as chairwoman.

“But I am stepping aside so I can focus more on my responsibilities as a senator for South Australia,” she said.

“It’s a big state and I am especially keen that rural people feel they are well represented, particularly when it comes to issues I care about like mental health, schools and healthy, strong communities.”

The references committee is separate from the Macdonald-led legal and constitutional affairs legislation committee, which scrutinises particular bills and conducts budget estimates hearings.