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Public Works Committee releases updated Procedure Manual

TODAY, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works released an updated version of the committee’s 'Procedure Manual’.

The committee’s Procedure Manual is an official Parliamentary document that provides guidance to Commonwealth Government entities required to engage with the committee to gain approval for applicable proposed public works.

The Procedure Manual outlines the committee’s functions and responsibilities and the processes that need to be followed for the referral of major works, and the notification and approval of ‘Medium Works’.

The procedures outlined in the Procedure Manual are mandatory, and relevant entities must comply with these when planning applicable proposed public works projects.

The latest version of the Procedure Manual, Edition 9.7, includes technical changes in compliance with the regulatory requirements of the Department of Finance, updated language to more accurately reflect current committee and Parliamentary practices, and revised guidance around the expected per-square-metre cost for office fit-out projects that account for the inflationary impacts of recent years and reflect current market rates.

These updates also reinforce the stated expectations of the committee regarding entity requirements to seek the best value for money options when considering projects, as well as the requirement to engage with the committee at the earliest possible opportunity and to factor in flexibility regarding timing and processes for referrals.

Note: the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works is not involved in the tendering process, awarding of contracts or details of the proposed works. Enquiries on these matters should be directed to the relevant Commonwealth entities.

 

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Local government funding inquiry to hear from Australian Local Government Association and Geoscape Australia

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport’s inquiry into local government funding will hear from the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) and Geoscape Australia this week.

The committee wants to better understand from ALGA how local government can be supported to help deliver on national priorities across improved community wellbeing, reduced inequality, productivity and environmental protection.

The committee will also hear from Geoscape Australia to discuss its role as the nation’s location intelligence organisation, using location data to deliver geospatial capabilities and insights to support local government and business.

Committee Chair, Fiona Phillips, said, “The committee will be particularly interested in hearing ALGA’s views on whether existing funding mechanisms are working and to identify how funding arrangements affect local government’s ability to deliver services and local infrastructure.

“In regard to Geoscape Australia, the committee looks forward to hearing how Geoscape services can assist local governments with better infrastructure planning, climate resilience, energy management, and how to manage the damage from natural disasters such as flooding.”

Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the Committee’s website.

Public hearing

Date: Thursday, 4 June 2026
Time: 11am – 12.30pm
Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra

A program for the public hearing is available on the inquiry website. A live broadcast of the hearing will also be available on the APH website.

 

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Committee to hear from CSIRO on photovoltaic projects and key elements for solar panel circularity

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, June 3, as part of its inquiry into solar panel reuse and recycling.

The inquiry was referred on January 19 this year by the Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator Murray Watt.

The public hearing will provide an opportunity for the dommittee to question officials from the CSIRO about photovoltaic research projects that the agency has been working on—including printable solar cells, perovskite-based cells and tandem cells — and how these may assist the development of a circular economy for solar panels in Australia.

Committee Chair, Anne Urquhart MP said, “The committee will discuss the innovative research work the CSIRO is undertaking on solar cell development to enhance the reuse and recycling potential of future solar panels.

“We are also keen to unpack the barriers to reuse and recycling of solar panels that CSIRO has identified in its submission to the inquiry, including further research and development required into ways to sustainably recycle silicon, silver and copper from panels—and a current lack of capital investment for specialised recycling machinery," Ms Urquhart said.

Public hearing details:

Date:               Wednesday, 3 June 2026
Time:               10am to 11am AEST (Canberra)
Location:         Committee Room 1R6, Parliament House Canberra and online (audio only).

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

Hearing with:   CSIRO

Further information, including the terms of reference, can be found on the committee’s website.

 

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Critical minerals key to regional development

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,  the committee will hear from the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, the Australian Aluminium Council and Regional Development Australia Goldfields Esperance.

In its submission, the MCA observed "mining has been a cornerstone industry for the development of regional Australia, supporting predictable workforce pathways, structured local procurement, coordinated infrastructure planning and whole-of-lifecycle management".

The MCA said, "Long-life mining is the stable foundation that makes every other development pathway possible. Remote communities need this stability to diversify from a standing start."

Committee Chair, Meryl Swanson, said, ‘The evidence received by the inquiry to date has highlighted both the opportunities and challenges faced by regional communities hosting critical minerals projects. Governments, industries and communities need to work together to maximise the benefits of critical minerals to regional communities. Getting critical minerals right will benefit the nation for decades to come."

More information on the inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on making a submission, can be found on the inquiry website.

Public hearing

Date: Friday, 29 May 2026
Time: 9am – 12pm (AEST)
Location: Committee Room 2R2, Parliament House, Canberra.

A program for the public hearing is available on the inquiry website. A live broadcast of the hearing will also be available on the APH website.

 

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Local government funding inquiry to hear from national independent advisory bodies

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport’s inquiry into local government funding will hear from the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner (AEIC) and the Commonwealth Grants Commission (CGC) this week.

Mindful of the challenges faced by local governments, the committee said it wanted to better understand how the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Tony Mahar manages his national role in relation to energy infrastructure while working collaboratively with all levels of government, industry, landholders, and community members.

The committee will also hear from the Commonwealth Grants Commission to discuss its current roles and responsibilities, and how these have changed over time. The committee said it would be interested in hearing about the CGC’s views on horizontal fiscal equalisation between states and territories and the flow on effects for local governments.

Committee Chair, Fiona Phillips, said, "The committee will be particularly interested in hearing about the role of the AEIC to help make the shift to renewal energy smoother and fairer. This transition can involve significant disruption and uncertainty for host communities and their local councils and needs to be managed fairly across regional Australia.

“In regard to the CGC, the committee has also heard from councils and other stakeholders about the importance of ensuring the distribution of funding to local government is fair and equitable. We look forward to hearing from the CGC on their role.”

Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the committee’s website.

Public hearing

Date: Thursday, 28 May 2026
Time: 11am – 12.30pm
Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra

A program for the public hearing is available on the inquiry website. A live broadcast of the hearing will also be available on the APH website.

 

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