TPL_YOOTHEME_SKIP_TO_MAIN_CONTENT

News

HIA says CSIRO's 'six-month lifeline' no substitute for permanent fire testing solution

Jul 10, 2026 163

THE HOUSING Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the decision to extend the lease of CSIRO's North Ryde fire testing facility by six months. But HIA is warning that while the announcement "provides valuable breathing space" it does not resolve the long-term threat to Australia's building product testing capability.

“The extension was a positive step that acknowledged industry concerns, but…

Tickets selling fast: professional development opportunity from the House of Representatives

Jul 08, 2026 161

BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS looking for a straightforward, but in-depth, explanation of the work of the House of Representatives -- and strengthening your understanding of the legislative process -- can do so through both an in-person and online seminar on Juily 29.

How the House Works is a half-day seminar on Wednesday, July 29, designed to build a better understanding of the House of…

Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade to hold public…

Jul 07, 2026 211

THE Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade will hold public hearings in Perth as part of its inquiry into strengthening Australia’s trade and investment relations with Africa.

Subcommittee Chair, Fiona Phillips MP, said, "These hearings will allow the subcommittee to engage directly with organisations and individuals based in Western Australia and hear important insights into how…

Sounds of Australia: nominations open for National Film and Sound Archive’s annual celebration of…

Jul 07, 2026 229

THE National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) is inviting Australians to nominate recordings that have shaped Australia's cultural, historical and social life.

They might be chart-topping songs, memorable radio broadcasts, podcasts, speeches, oral histories, sports commentaries, television themes, advertisements or experimental recordings that challenge the way we listen.

Sounds of Australia is…

PJCIS to scrutinise changes to the Foreign Arrangements Scheme

Jul 07, 2026 180

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced an inquiry into Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Amendment Bill 2026.

The bill overhauls the Foreign Arrangements Scheme – the regime requiring states, territories, local governments and public universities to notify, or seek approval, from the Minister for Foreign Affairs before…

Treaties Committee examines Indigenous perspectives on WIPO (GRATK) Treaty

Jul 06, 2026 244

The WIPO Treaty on IP and Genetic Resources (GRATK) aims to introduce a requirement to disclose sources for patent applications based on…

Closure of CSIRO fire testing facility risks Australia's housing innovation pipeline

Jul 06, 2026 286

THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) has expressed deep concern over the planned closure of the CSIRO's North Ryde Fire Technology Laboratory, warning that the loss of one of Australia's most important building-product testing facilities will have significant implications for housing innovation, product development, and the delivery of new homes.

The facility is used extensively for…

Parliamentary Standards committee launches inquiry into Parliament House behaviour codes

Jul 03, 2026 480

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Parliamentary Standards is launching its first inquiry into the Behaviour Codes and Standards in Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces.

The inquiry will inquire into and report on the operation and effectiveness of the:

  1. Behaviour Standards for Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces;
  2. Behaviour Code for Australian Parliamentarians; and
  3. Behaviour Code for…

New inquiry into cyber security for small-to-medium-sized businesses and organisations

Jul 03, 2026 506

THE Select Committee on Cyber Security for Small to Medium Sized Businesses and Organisations has commenced work on its inquiry. 

The committee was established by the House of Representatives to inquire and report on the cyber security preparedness of small-to-medium-sized business (SMB).

Committee Chair, Sally Sitou MP, said, “Small businesses are on the frontline of cyber risk but too often…