THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education will hear from teachers, school associations, and community language educators today (December 8) as part of its inquiry into building Asia capability in Australia through the education system and beyond.

Committee Chair, Tim Watts MP, said, "Teachers and lecturers are at the heart of building Australia’s Asia capability. They’re not just teaching language. They’re opening doors to understanding cultures, building empathy, and preparing our young people to succeed in a region that will define our future.

"When we invest in teachers’ skills and resources, we’re investing in Australia’s ability to engage confidently and effectively with our neighbours," he said.

‘The committee is looking forward to hearing firsthand perspectives on the critical role teachers and lecturers play in building Asia capability. This hearing will explore how educators can embed language learning and cultural understanding in classrooms, and how we can support them to maintain and grow these capabilities into the future."

The committee will schedule further public hearings in 2026.

Public hearing

Date: Wednesday, 8 December 2025
Time: 9am – 3.15pm
Location: Committee Room 2R1, 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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THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) today tabled its report for its annual review of administration and expenditure of six intelligence agencies..

In the review, covering the 2023-24 reporting period, the committee said it was satisfied that the agencies were overseeing their administrative functions and administering outcomes and outputs effectively.

In reviewing the expenditure of the six intelligence agencies, the committee was satisfied with the conduct of agencies, their efforts to achieve value-for-money outcomes for the Australian taxpayer, and their appropriate management of budget and expenditure over the reporting period.

PJCIS Chair, Senator Raff Ciccone, said, “The committee’s annual review of intelligence agencies’ administration and expenditure is an important oversight component of Australia’s National Intelligence Community. After in depth classified hearings and review of classified submissions the committee found the intelligence agencies to be working in an effective and efficient manner.”

Further information on the inquiry can be obtained from the committee’s website.

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THE Electoral Matters Committee is reopening written submissions and inviting community input on the 2025 Federal Election at its upcoming hearings.

Committee Chair, Jerome Laxale MP said, "We have learnt a great deal from the personal submissions and statements we have received to date, but we know there is still much more left to hear. We want to continue to hear from community members and organisations about their experience of the 2025 Federal Election.

"In response to community feedback, the committee has resolved to continue to receive written submissions until February 28, 2026,"  Mr Laxale said.

The committee will now be holding hearings in Ipswich on December 11, 2025. As part of these hearings, members of the public will be invited to get on the record by making short verbal statements of up to five minutes.

"Experiences from individuals involved in the 2025 Federal Election are essential to shaping the committee's priorities," Mr Laxale said. "Your perspective offers valuable clarity on where our efforts should be focused.

"If you would like to address the committee, please tell us a bit about how you participated in the election and what you would like to talk to the committee about," Mr Laxale said.

To register interest in making a statement at upcoming hearings, contact the Committee Secretariat at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Information on the 2025 election inquiry can be found at the inquiry webpage. Committee details can be found at the Committee’s webpage.

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday, 11 December 2025
Location: North Ipswich Reserve Function Centre, 2B Pine Street, North Ipswich, Queensland 4305

Programs for these upcoming hearings will be advertised on the Committee’s public hearings webpage as they are finalised. The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

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THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works (the committee) will conduct a public hearing on December 1 to review the Attorney-General Department’s proposed fit-out of new leased premises at 3-5 National Circuit, Barton.

The proposed works to consolidate the department’s Canberra footprint from three buildings into one aims to achieve substantial Commonwealth savings, and establish an effective workplace for the Department. The proposal should better support the department’s functions by reducing excess and under-utilised workplaces, and delivering an efficient and productive workplace design. The proposed works have a total estimated cost of $39.93 million.

Tony Zappia MP, Chair of the Committee, said, "The public hearing will enable the committee to carefully consider the value and effective use of taxpayer money, and ensure the fit-out accommodates the diverse needs of staff."

The committee will hear from relevant officers from the department at the public hearing. Interested members of the public are encouraged to listen in to the public hearing via the APH website.

Public hearing details

Date: Monday, December 1, 2025
Time: 12:30 pm–1:10 pm

Location: Virtual

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

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