THE Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) has adopted a new inquiry into the potential to expand Australia’s trade and investment relations with Africa.

The Chair of the JSCFADT, Shayne Neumann MP, said, "Australia’s trading relationship with the countries of Africa has strongly focused on the extractives and tourism sectors. Africa is a diverse continent of 54…

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) will hold a public hearing with the Attorney-General’s Department and the Department of Home Affairs on Thursday for its review of the Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Bill 2025 (the Bill).

The Bill would amend Schedule 1 to the Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code) to allow the Commonwealth to list…

THE Electoral Matters Committee will hold its first hearing as part of the review into the 2025 Federal Election on October 15, 2025.

Committee Chair, Jerome Laxale MP said, "The committee will be hearing from the Australian Electoral Commission to begin with. I anticipate discussion will focus on aggressive conduct at polling booths and how the AEC can respond, which has been the biggest issue…

THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) is hosting the inaugural residential construction National Safety Summit in Newcastle today, bringing together industry leaders and experts to tackle the critical issue of safety across Australia’s home building sector.

The Summit coincides with National Safe Work Month and will provide a practical, one-day forum for builders, contractors, site managers,…

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Bill 2025 (‘the Bill’).

The Bill proposes amendments to the Criminal Code to allow the Australian Government to list foreign state entities that have engaged in a state terrorist act, or otherwise supported or advocated terrorist acts…

THE Australian Workers' Union (AWU) has strongly endorsed today's announcement of a rescue package for the Mount Isa copper smelter and Townsville refinery, securing more than 1,000 jobs and protecting Australia's critical metals processing capacity.

AWU national secretary Paul Farrow said the announcement brings welcome relief to thousands of regional workers after months of uncertainty.

"This…

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) yesterday tabled its report on the Review of the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 (TOLA Bill), recommending that the Bill pass unamended.

The TOLA Bill amends the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979, Surveillance Devices Act 2004 and Crimes Act 1914 to ensure key provisions…

SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP has chosen Holly Rankin to deliver the fifth Speaker’s Lecture at Parliament House on October 27, 2025.

Ms Rankin’s lecture, Before the Fall: Can civic institutions engage a new generation in time to save democracy? will explore how politics and traditional media are losing the trust of younger generations, and what a path to true civic…