THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has tabled two new reports.

The advisory report on the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 examines proposed changes to the high risk terrorist offender post-sentence order framework and control order regime. It recommends the passage of the bill, and other broader changes.

Chair of the PJCIS, Senator Raff…

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has recommended Australia ratify four significant international agreements that will strengthen cooperation with Fiji, expand opportunities for Australia's space sector and enhance customs cooperation with Canada.

Committee Chair, Lisa Chesters MP, said, "These agreements will strengthen Australia's international partnerships and deliver practical…

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries will hold a public hearing in Canberra as part of its inquiry into factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes for critical minerals projects across Australia.

On Friday, October 16 the committee will hear from environmental scientist Dr Dora Pearce, the Victorian-based Alliance for Responsible Mining…

TODAY, for the final time, the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has tabled a report of its annual inquiry into the Defence Major Projects Report.

The Major Projects Report has served as a landmark of Defence accountability for 18years. What commenced as a response to poor visibility on the progress of major projects evolved over the years into a technical document that has provided…

THE Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme has today tabled a report in Parliament, following a year-long inquiry into the continuing operation of the scheme.

The report – Their Courage, Our Responsibility: The continuing operation of the National Redress Scheme and Australia's commitment to survivors – draws on evidence and experiences shared with the…

THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP, has chosen distinguished political journalist Dennis Shanahan to deliver the sixth Speaker’s Lecture at Parliament House on November 23.

Mr Shanahan will speak on the topic ‘How the rise of social media and misinformation is changing Australia’s democracy, and what we can do to safeguard our country.’

Mr Shanahan has been The…

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) will hold a public hearing today (October 12)  as part of its inquiry into the Vanuatu-Australia Nakamal Agreement. The agreement was referred to the committee on July 1 this year.

The Vanuatu-Australia Nakamal Agreement aims to establish a legally-binding framework for security, economic, developmental and people to people cooperation between…

THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Lynda McAlary-Smith, has welcomed the decision that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will continue accepting credit card payments until June 30, 2027, describing it as a practical outcome that recognises the cash flow realities facing many Australian small businesses.

Ms McAlary-Smith said access to flexible payment options…

THE Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has suspended its plan to deny payments by credit card from November 30. It has agreed to continue accepting credit card payments for tax obligations until June 30, 2027.

An ATO spokesperson said the change followed "discussions with the government and the provision of transitional funding".

"We will continue to consult with relevant stakeholders and…