THE Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, through the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee, is commencing public hearings for its inquiry into the role of Australia's international development program in preventing conflict today in Melbourne.

Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee, Tim Watts MP, said, "The subcommittee received a large volume of submissions…

TOMORROW, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works (the committee) will conduct a site inspection at Blamey Barracks, Kapooka NSW, and shortly after question officials from the Department of Defence about proposed works at the site.

The proposed works seek to invest in modern, contemporary, and fit-for-purpose facilities for soldiers and reserve offices undertaking their initial…

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs has reopened submissions until March 13, 2026 for its inquiryinto the relationship between domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) and suicide.

Committee Chair, Louise Miller-Frost MP, said, “The committee wants to ensure that the community and the sector have ample opportunity to contribute to this inquiry…

THE UNION representing teachers in early childhood education and care (ECEC) in NSW and the ACT has called for urgent action to address the staffing crisis in the sector as new data reveals ongoing child safety issues.

A Productivity Commission report shows there were 9430 serious incidents at early childhood services in NSW in 2024-25, a rate of 154 incidents reported per 100 centres. A serious…

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has tabled a report regarding proposed reforms to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) compulsory questioning warrants framework.

First introduced in 2003, ASIO’s compulsory questioning powers have been subject to recurring sunset provisions. The ASIO Amendment Bill (No.2) 2025 seeks to make these powers…

TODAY, Mr Tony Zappia MP, chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works presented the Public Works Committee’s first report of 2026 and its 89th Annual Report to the House of Representatives.

In Report 1/2026, referrals made in September and October 2025 considered  six proposed works:

• Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation – Black Mountain Greenhouse…

DEMENTIA AUSTRALIA has welcomed the release of the Collective Priority Framework for the National Dementia Action Plan, but said further investment was "urgently needed" to address the growing impact of dementia in Australia.

The Federal Government and all state and territory Health Ministers have agreed the urgent priorities for action are:

1. Empowering individuals and communities to minimise…

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications, the Arts and Sport is inquiring into arts and cultural philanthropy.

Committee chair, Ms Susan Templeman MP, said philanthropy played a vital role in supporting the work of artists and cultural organisations.

"Arts and culture enrich our everyday lives. Philanthropic giving provides valuable financial support for the sector and…

THE Department of the House of Representatives is pleased to announce that entries are now open for the 2026 Yarning Competition.

Yarning is an Australia-wide storytelling competition that invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students from across Australia to share their perspectives and stories with the Australian Parliament.

It provides a platform, through art, for…