Committee to inquire into supporting democracy in the Asia-Pacific region

HOW Australia supports democracy in the region will be examined in a new parliamentary inquiry.

The inquiry was referred by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, on September 28  to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) with specific Terms of Reference. The JSCFADT has tasked the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee to undertake this inquiry.

Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee, Josh Burns MP said, “I am looking forward to leading this inquiry and hearing from expert witnesses about how we can support the role of civil society organisations working toward equitable participation in democracy and an open, free and independent media sector.

“I encourage interested individuals and organisations to make submissions focused on Australia’s long-term interest in the region, and our common connection through shared democratic values, liberty, human rights and rules-based systems”.

The committee has requested initial submissions addressing the terms of reference to this inquiry by Friday, November 11, 2022.

Further information in relation to the inquiry is available from the JCFADT’s website.

 

ends