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Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability presents report on the Thriving Kids Initiative

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability has today released its report into the inquiry into the Thriving Kids Initiative.

Committee Chair, Mike Freelander MP said, "The ideals of the NDIS such as independence, choice, dignity, equity and inclusion, are important. However the NDIS was rolled out with several structural flaws which continue to reduce the effectiveness of the scheme, both in terms of its budget efficiency and providing support, particularly for young children.

"We acknowledge that the announcement of the Thriving Kids initiative caused many families, carers and providers concern. The committee’s aim throughout this inquiry was to ensure that moving forward every child who requires foundational supports is protected, included, and provided appropriate and quality services in the design of the Thriving Kids initiative."

Dr Freelander was careful to emphasise the point that the Thriving Kids initiative be implemented in phases and that the Thriving Kids Advisory Group consider appropriate safeguards to prevent loss of supports for children.

The committee’s 16 recommendations include:

  • Inclusive co-design with families, carers, service providers, and advocacy groups to ensure the Thriving Kids initiative reflects lived experience.
  • Phased implementation supported by an Advisory Council to guide progress and maintain transparency.
  • Stronger protections for families and carers, including clear pathways for support and safeguards for children engaged in the Thriving Kids initiative.
  • Equity of access, particularly for First Nations communities, culturally and linguistically diverse families, and those in regional and remote areas.
  • A review of the Thriving Kids initiative after 24 months to ensure it remains effective and responsive to community needs.

The committee said it "greatly appreciates" the contributions of families, carers, and service providers throughout the inquiry and reaffirms its commitment to processes that protect and empower those most affected.

The committee’s findings in the report will assist the Australian Government and the Thriving Kids Advisory Group to design the Thriving Kids program.

www.aph.gov.au

 

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Critical minerals: shaping social licence and economic development outcomes

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries has launched an inquiry into factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes in critical minerals projects across Australia and is seeking written submissions to guide the inquiry’s findings.

Committee Chair, Meryl Swanson, said, "Critical minerals are vital to the economic development of Australia and the world. They underpin technologies integral to modern communications, manufacturing, transport, energy and defence. They also provide Australia—a country rich in critical minerals—with a key competitive advantage, economically and strategically.

"Just as important, critical minerals offer significant opportunities for regional development, job creation, and skills growth, particularly in remote and Indigenous communities. A vital factor in delivering benefits that are both economically and socially sustainable is ensuring that critical mineral projects are developed responsibly, with strong community engagement and social licence.

"Capturing these development opportunities will require co-ordinated policy and effective collaboration across all jurisdictions," Ms Swanson said.

The committee said it welcomed written submissions providing recommendations in response to the terms of reference by Friday, February 27, 2026. Submissions are encouraged from a wide range of stakeholders, including government, peak bodies and mining companies, local communities, Indigenous bodies and academic experts.

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

 

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JCPAA to continue scrutiny of Sport Integrity Australia

THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA) will be holding a hearing on Friday for its inquiry into Sport Integrity Australia’s Management of the National Anti-Doping Scheme.

This will be the second public hearing with Sport Integrity Australia for this inquiry.

Date: Friday, December 12, 2025

Time: 12.30pm – 1.30pm (AEDT)

Witnesses: Sport Integrity Australia; Australian National Audit office.

Location: Online.

The hearing will be broadcast on the Parliament House website at www.aph.gov.au/live.

Details of this inquiry, including the terms of reference and submissions, are available on the committee’s website.

 

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Review into the listing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a state sponsor of terrorism

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the listing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism under the Criminal Code.

This follows ASIO’s assessment that the IRGC orchestrated cowardly attacks against Australia’s Jewish community – including the fires at Lewis’ Continental Kitchen in Sydney in October 2024 and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne in December 2024. These attacks were designed to intimidate, sow fear and undermine Australia’s multicultural society.

Legislation enabling the listing of state sponsors of terrorism commenced on November 8, 2025 through the Criminal Code Amendment (State Sponsors of Terrorism) Act 2025.

On November 27, the IRGC became the first entity listed under this framework. Listing activates criminal offences for directing, financing, recruiting for, or otherwise supporting a state sponsor of terrorism, with penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment.

The IRGC is a hybrid military-security organisation that operates independently from Iran’s conventional armed forces and reports directly to the Supreme Leader. It has a record of conducting internal security operations and hostile overseas activities.

Under subsection 110.7(2) of the Criminal Code, the PJCIS may review a listing at any time and report its comments and recommendations to both Houses of Parliament.

Chair of the PJCIS, Senator Raff Ciccone, said, “This is the first organisation listed as a state sponsor of terrorism under laws recently passed by the Australian Parliament.

“The committee’s review will give the Australian community an opportunity to have their say on the listing of the IRGC and ensure that appropriate processes have been followed."

Members of the public can make submissions to the review by January 23, 2026.

 

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Education Committee to hear from language and cultural educators

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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