THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport will hold hearings with more than 20 councils in Wodonga, Wagga Wagga and Taree this week as part of its inquiry into local government funding.

The committee said it wanted to better understand the funding challenges faced by local government across regional and rural Australia and its workers…

THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) has called on the Federal Government to make the Instant Asset Write-Off permanent in this year’s Federal Budget, saying the measure is important in supporting business investment in tools, technology and people.

HIA said, in its 2026/27 Pre-Budget Submission, that permanent write‑off would provide long‑term certainty for businesses across the residential…

THE Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters will be holding hearings in Adelaide on May 4 and 5 as part of its inquiry into the 2025 Federal Election.

Committee Chair, Jerome Laxale MP said, "South Australia has consistently been at the forefront of electoral innovation, and its experience continues to offer valuable insights into how our democratic processes can evolve and…

THE Joint Standing Committee on Migration will be holding public hearings in Adelaide, Canberra and Sydney during May 2026 for its inquiry into the value of skilled migration to Australia.  

To date, public hearings have been focused on Federal Government agencies in Canberra. Looking ahead, the committee intends to hear a wider range of perspectives from stakeholders involved in the migration…

Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee, Tony Zappia MP, said, "The subcommittee looks forward to hearing from scholars, policy organisations, advocacy…

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations, Skills and Training will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 5, as part of its inquiry into the operation and adequacy of the National Employment Standards (NES).

The inquiry was referred to the committee on November 27, 2025, by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth MP.

At the…

THE Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs is starting its interstate public hearings in Sydney this week for its inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The first hearing will be held in Sydney on Friday, May 1 and will bring together a broad range of organisations, researchers, community leaders and…

SMALL-TO-MEDIUM arts organisations along with peak bodies are giving evidence next Monday at public hearing roundtables to discuss boosting arts and cultural philanthropy.

Chair of the House Standing Committee on Communications, the Arts and Sport, Susan Templeman MP, said, “Small-to-medium arts organisations are an essential part of our cultural sector. They nurture talent, build careers and…

HOUSING Industry Association (HIA) managing director Jocelyn Martin has acknowledged the work performed by Mark Irving KC and his decision to step away from the administration of the CFMEU.

Ms Martin also reiterated HIA's statement reiterating "the importance of maintaining momentum on meaningful, long‑term cultural reforms across the building and construction sector".

“HIA recognises the role…