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Proposed Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission reforms to be reviewed

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 March 25, would establish the ACIC under a new Act, aiming to clarify its role and enhance its ability to obtain, analyse, evaluate and communicate intelligence relevant to serious and organised crime.

The bills are intended to give effect to the Australian Government’s response to the 2024 Independent Review of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and associated Commonwealth law enforcement arrangements (the Independent Review of ACIC). The Independent Review of ACIC found that the ACIC’s current legislative framework is no longer fit for purpose and inhibits it from fulfilling its criminal intelligence mandate.

Chair of the PJCIS, Senator Raff Ciccone, said, “The Independent Review of the ACIC found that the ACIC needed to be more clearly defined as Australia’s national criminal intelligence agency, focused on producing unique and incisive intelligence on serious and organised crime.

“This inquiry will aim to ensure the reform package achieves this objective, avoids unintended consequences and provides the ACIC with a secure footing to adapt and respond to the rapidly evolving landscape of serious and organised crime."

The committee has invited written submissions to be provided by Friday, June 5, 2026.

Further details on the review are available on the committee’s website: aph.gov.au/pjcis

 

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Proposed new powers to combat money laundering and terrorist financing to be reviewed

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 from using high-risk mechanisms to provide designated services; amend the meaning of financing of terrorism to reference new offences for financing a state sponsor of terrorism; and make technical amendments..

Chair of the PJCIS, Senator Raff Ciccone, said, “Transnational serious and organised crime networks continue to evolve, finding new ways to exploit communities and economic systems for illegal gain and to conceal the proceeds of crime.

"As governments strengthen protections across parts of the legitimate economy, criminals are increasingly turning to emerging technologies and changes in financial sector infrastructure to bypass safeguards.

"This inquiry seeks to ensure the Bill is well‑suited to today’s rapidly changing financial crime landscape.

"This is an important review given the ongoing risks posed by money laundering and serious crime to both Australia’s financial system and the broader community, and the importance of maintaining an anti‑money laundering and counter‑terrorism financing (AML/CTF) framework that can respond effectively to emerging threats, now and into the future.”

The committee is inviting written submissions to be provided by Friday, May 8, 2026.

Further details on the review are available on the committee’s website: aph.gov.au/pjcis

 

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Treaties Committee recommends ratification of Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty (the Pukpuk Treaty)

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 Australia’s third Alliance, following on from the signing of the Security Treaty between Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America (ANZUS), more than 70 years ago.

Committee Chair, Lisa Chesters MP said, “The Pukpuk Treaty marks a significant achievement in Australia’s relationship with Papua New Guinea. This treaty ties our two countries closer together and enables enhanced diplomatic and defence coordination and collaboration.

“Papua New Guinea is one of Australia’s most important partners and we are proud to call them our ally.”

Throughout the inquiry process, the committee held a public hearing where it heard from stakeholders about some of the mutual benefits of the treaty, including the two-way military training and skills exchange in areas of specialist jungle warfare and increased interoperability.

The committee found that the Pukpuk Treaty was well aligned with Australia’s strategic focus on relationship building, regional stability, prosperity and sovereignty in the Pacific.

The report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiry.

 

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Public Works Committee supports redevelopment of Blamey Barracks

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 during which the committee had the opportunity to visit the Barracks and see firsthand the conditions of the site and question Department of Defence officials at public and in-camera hearings in Wagga Wagga, the committee found that the proposed works would bring the Barracks in line with today’s standards. The committee has recommended the House of Representatives approve the works.

Mr Zappia said, "As the Home of the Solider, Blamey Barracks played a vital role for Defence in the basic training of Army recruits and ensuring Defence is able to maintain capability requirements as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.

"The redevelopment project will support Defence workforce planning by ensuring that Blamey Barracks has modern and fit-for-purpose facilities for recruits to live and train in," Mr Zappia said.

"After seeing the condition of the current facilities firsthand, the committee agrees that the site is in need of an upgrade."

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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Insurance industry to support customers as conflict drives up costs

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 labour to completerepairs to homes and vehicles. 

Insurers have reported price increases of up to 36% for building materials, up to 30% for trades and on-site specialists, and up to 50% for freight.

Following a meeting of the ICA Board earlier this week, the ICA’s Board Strategy Committee will:

  • Work with member companies to support consumers seeking hardship assistance in line with the General Insurance Code of Practice.

  • Lead cross-sector engagement with government and industry stakeholders to anticipate supply chain disruptions and develop mitigation strategies.

  • Coordinate proactive communications to small businesses, encouraging them to talk to their insurer and/or broker for information around policy coverage or adjustments to premiums.

While claims directly linked to Middle East supply chain disruptions have not yet materialised, the ICA has systems in place to track, detect and respond to any shifts as they emerge.

The ICA noted the Federal Government’s release on Monday of four levels of action: ‘plan and prepare’; ‘keeping Australia moving’; ‘taking targeted action’; and ‘protecting critical service’ and is committed to working with the Australian Government on practical relief measures during this uncertain time.

ICA CEO Andrew Hall said, "The insurance sector, as always through times of crisis, stands ready to work together with Government to support Australians assupply chains cause further disruption and add cost pressures to customers and the operations of the industry.

"In the same way the ICAworks when a natural catastrophe occurs, the board has tasked the industry’s most senior executives to monitor impacts and, as appropriate, coordinate the industry’s response. 

"We welcome National Cabinet’s announcement on Mondayaround the staging of the impacts of the war on Australia, as we continue to work with state and federal governments to support Australians," Mr Hall said.

"If insurance customers have any concerns or believe they have a claim they should speak with the insurer or broker in the first instance."

 

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