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…

THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works (the Committee) will be holding a series of public hearings on Friday, February 6,for three of its current inquiries.

They are: Department of Defence—9 Molonglo Drive project, Brindabella Park, Australian Capital Territory; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade—Refurbishment of Australian High Commission Staff Residential Compound, Konedobu,…

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water has commenced an inquiry into solar panel reuse and recycling, and is seeking written submissions to guide the inquiry’s findings.

Ensuring that renewable technologies, such as solar panels, are responsibly managed at the end of their life is essential to protecting Australia's environment. This…

THE Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts will explain its key financial role at the opening public hearing for the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport’s inquiry into local government funding.

In 2023-24 the Department was responsible for administering more than $5 billion or…