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Proposed Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission reforms to be reviewed

Apr 01, 2026 641

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) reform package, consisting of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Bill 2026 and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (National Policing Information Charges) Bill 2026.

The bills, which were introduced into the Parliament on…

Proposed new powers to combat money laundering and terrorist financing to be reviewed

Apr 01, 2026 648

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2026.

The Bill, which was introduced into the Parliament on March12,  2026, would enable the chief executive officer of the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) to restrict or prohibit reporting entities…

Treaties Committee recommends ratification of Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty (the…

Apr 01, 2026 718

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty (the Pukpuk Treaty).

The Pukpuk Treaty strengthens Australia’s defence partnership with close neighbour Papua New Guinea by elevating the status of the defence relationship to a formal Alliance. Once ratified, the Pupuk Treaty will form…

Public Works Committee supports redevelopment of Blamey Barracks

Apr 01, 2026 671

TODAY, Tony Zappia MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works presented the Public Works Committee’s second report of 2026 to the House of Representatives.

Report 2/2026 – Referral made in September 2025 considers the proposed redevelopment of Blamey Barracks, Kapooka, New South Wales for a total estimated cost of $889.2 million (excluding GST).

Following an inquiry…

Insurance industry to support customers as conflict drives up costs

Apr 01, 2026 671

THE Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) hastasked its most senior industry committee to actively manage the evolving impacts of the Middle East conflict across all insurance lines, ensuring the industry is ready to respond swiftly for customers.

Preliminary industry data shows the increasing fuel costs are disrupting existing supply chains, increasing the cost of materials,and delaying…

Committee to hear from lead department on circular economy benefits and impediments for solar panels

Mar 31, 2026 726

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water will hold its first public hearing on Wednesday, April 1, as part of its inquiry into solar panel reuse and recycling. The inquiry was referred on January 19 by the Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator Murray Watt.

The public hearing will provide an opportunity for the committee to…

Public Works Committee referred proposed works by the AFP and CSIRO

Mar 31, 2026 808

THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works has recently commenced two new inquiries into proposed works by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) under the Public Works Committee Act 1969.

The AFP is proposing to fit out new premises for its Northern Command Headquarters located in Brisbane, Queensland.

The…

Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee to hear from government agencies at first hearing

Mar 26, 2026 1279

THE Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee will hold its first hearing of its inquiry into the link between domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) and suicide on Friday, March 27.

Committee Chair, Louise Miller-Frost MP, said the hearing provides "an important opportunity to understand how Commonwealth agencies are currently capturing data, coordinating services, and responding to DFSV…

Treaties Committee recommends ratification of Pacific Resilience Facility Agreement and…

Mar 26, 2026 1320

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Agreement to Establish the Pacific Resilience Facility and the Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions.

The report also contains the minor treaty action 2025 Amendments to Annex I of the International Convention against Doping in Sport.

The Agreement to…