COVID-19 inquiry to examine defence and development issues

A PARLIAMENTARY inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s defence, trade and international relations will conclude its program of public hearings with two days of hearings on September 15 AND 16.

The first day will focus on international affairs, defence and maritime issues, while the second will focus on international development aid.   

Senator David Fawcett, Chair of the Parliament's Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee, said the pandemic haD put great pressure on individual nations and international relationships as countries have struggled to contain the virus.

"The pandemic has highlighted some serious challenges in Australia's defence and diplomatic environment and has put real pressure (both health and economic) on many countries in the Asia Pacific region," Senator Fawcett said.

"These hearings will help the Committee understand what we need to do better as a nation to work with others in our region to get through these difficult times, to protect our national interest, and to maximise the positive impact of our international influence.”

Programs for each day’s hearings are available at this link.

Full terms of reference for the inquiry are on the Committee website.

Public hearing details

Date: Tuesday 15 September
Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm AEST 
Location: By teleconference

Date: Wednesday 16 September
Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm AEST
Location: By teleconference

The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live.

 

ENDS