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News

July 24, 2026

New independent research supports HIA call for lot size reform

Author: Mike Sullivan

THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) said new independent Australian research has provided further evidence that relatively simple planning reforms can deliver meaningful increases in housing supply.

"New Australian research has reinforced concerns that minimum lot size…

July 21, 2026

Audit recommendations to strengthen transparency and accountability of HAFF

Author: Mike Sullivan

THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the release of the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) review of the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) and Treasury’s acceptance of all five recommendations -- aimed at strengthening the program’s governance, performance…

Gain insight into the House of Representatives with a half-day seminar 

Jul 21, 2026 152

INTERESTED in learning more about the work of the House of Representatives? A half-day seminar on July 29 aims to deepen understanding of the Australian legislative process and build knowledge about members, committees and othjer aspects of Paliament.  

Registration is closing soon for the How the House Works seminar—a half-day program aimed at professionals seeking to strengthen their…

Festivals can work well for business – but they require hard work says FlowJam’s Meredith Walsh

Jul 20, 2026 147

By Leon Gettler, Talking Business >>

YOUNGER PEOPLE are increasingly turning away from alcohol.

This is one of the insights of Meredith Walsh, the organiser of the popular FlowJam Healing Arts Festival in the US. The festival takes place annually around the July 4 weekend. It features music genres like jam bands, bluegrass, deep house, and reggae, focusing on soulful connection and spontaneous…

Deadline extended for My First Speech in Parliament competition 2026

Jul 16, 2026 410

THE deadline for the 2026 My First Speech competition has been extended to Wednesday July 29.

Developed by the Department of the House of Representatives, the My First Speech competition provides senior secondary school students a platform to connect with, and learn about, the work of the Australian Parliament. 

The competition invites students in Years 10-12 to imagine themselves as a newly…

Tyre inquiry nearing the end of the road in Sydney

Jul 13, 2026 700

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science will hold site visits and a public hearing in Sydney this week as part of its inquiry into the current state of the Australian tyre industry, and any challenges and opportunities for the industry within the context of a circular economy.

Committee Chair, Rob Mitchell MP said, "The committee will be making its…

Racism inquiry heads to Perth, Darwin and Alice Springs

Jul 10, 2026 929

THE Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs will hold public hearings in Perth (Monday July 13), Darwin (Wednesday July 15 and Thursday July 16) and Alice Springs (Friday July 17) for its inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The committee will hear from community organisations, leaders, experts, from a…

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

Jul 10, 2026 928

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 1062

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 1211

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 1232

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…