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April 17, 2026

Electoral Matters Committee visits Adelaide

Author: Mike Sullivan

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, "People across Australia have told the committee about their experiences of…

Public hearings on strengthening Australia’s Asia capability

Apr 10, 2026 355

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education will hold two public hearings as a part of its inquiry into building Asia capability in Australia through the education system and beyond.

On Monday, April 13,  the committee will hear from community language organisations, language educators, and foreign policy experts to better understand how language and cultural learning builds…

National Redress Scheme Committee to hear from support services and participating institutions

Apr 08, 2026 595

THE Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme will hold a public hearing in Canberra today (April 8) for its inquiry into the continuing operation of the scheme.

Committee Chair, Jodie Belyea MP, said the committee was grateful for the contributions made in support of the inquiry to date.

"The committee has received a substantial number of submissions in support…

Proposed Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission reforms to be reviewed

Apr 01, 2026 1324

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 1327

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 1387

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 1351

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 1347

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 1395

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 1487

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…