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Intelligence and Security Committee supports listing of Hizb ut-Tahrir as a prohibited hate group

THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today presented its report on its Review of the listing of Hizb ut‑Tahrir as a prohibited hate group under the Criminal Code, backing the Federal Government's decision to list Hizb ut-Tahrir as a prohibited hate group.

The PJCIS found the organisation has advocated conduct constituting hate crimes against Australians.

Hizb ut-Tahrir was listed in March 2026 under the new prohibited hate group framework – the first listing under new laws enacted by the Parliament earlier this year to stop groups that spread hatred, radicalise our youth and threaten social cohesion in Australia.

The PJCIS conducted an independent review of the listing which found that Hizb ut-Tahrir met the criteria for listing and that the regulation under Part 5.3B of the Criminal Code Act 1995 was properly made. The committee supported the listing and found no reason to disallow the legislative instrument.

Committee Chair, Senator Raff Ciccone, said, “The PJCIS carefully examined the evidence before it, including stakeholder views. Based on the evidence, the committee is satisfied that Hizb ut-Tahrir has advocated conduct constituting hate crimes and that the listing is reasonably necessary to protect the Australian community from harm.

"For too long, organisations like Hizb ut-Tahrir have been able to spread hate and create a pathway for others to engage in violence," Sen. Ciccone said.

“Australia will not tolerate groups that promote hatred, normalise extremist rhetoric and put the safety of Australians at risk.”

Under the listing, it is a criminal offence to be a member of, recruit for, provide training or funds to, or provide material support to Hizb ut-Tahrir.

Anyone who experiences or witnesses a hate crime is encouraged to report it to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.

The full report is available from the committee’s website.

 

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Racism inquiry extends submission deadline to June 1

THE Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs has extended the submission deadline to Monday, June 1, for its inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The decision has been made by the committee due to significant community interest in the inquiry and requests from the community to have more time to make a submission.

The inquiry is examining the prevalence, impacts and drivers of racism, hate and violence, as well as existing responses and opportunities for reform. Evidence gathered during the hearings will inform the committee’s final report to Parliament.

Committee Chair, Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman, Senator Jana Stewart, said the level of engagement reflected the importance of the issue.

“This important inquiry has had significant community interest, and the committee want to make sure all people who want to have their say can do so," Sen. Stewart said.

“The committee has already received many powerful stories from around the country about racism, hate and violence experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We encourage these voices to continue to be shared through this inquiry.”

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

Note: The committee and secretariat are unable to provide counselling, advice, or support for individuals. Help is available:

For First Nations people:

  • 13YARN: 13 92 76
  • Brother to Brother: 1800 435 799
  • Yarning SafeNStrong: 1800 959 563

For all people:

  • Lifeline: Call 13 11 14
  • Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
  • MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
  • Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
  • Headspace: 1800 650 890
  • Suicide Call Back Service:1300 659 467
  • 1800 Respect: 1800 737 732

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Audit Committee Hearing into the administration of the National Disability Insurance Scheme

THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA) will be holding a hearing on Friday, May 15, for its inquiry into the administration of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Committee Chair Josh Burns MP said, "The effective administration of the NDIS is central to compliance with the NDIS claim requirements and to its financial sustainability. It is of great interest to the committee whether the scheme is working as it should.

"This inquiry provides a valuable mechanism for this Committee to further scrutinise issues with the administration of the NDIS.’

Date:               Friday, 15 May 2026

Time:              10am – 1.45pm National Disability Insurance Scheme

Venue:            Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House

Witnesses:    

  • Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
  • Professionals Australia
  • National Disability Services
  • Villamanta Disability Rights Legal Service
  • Intrepidus Law
  • Alliance20

The hearings will be broadcast live and will be accessible from the Parliament House website at https://www.aph.gov.au/live.

Details on the inquiry into the administration of the National Disability Insurance Scheme — including terms of references and submissions — are available on the committee’s website.

 

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Employment Committee continues to hear how minimum workers entitlements operate in practice

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations, Skills and Training will hold a public hearing in Canberra on Friday, May 15, as part of its inquiry into the operation and adequacy of the National Employment Standards (NES).

The inquiry was referred to the Committee on November 27, 2025, by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth MP.

At its public hearing the committee will hear from a broad range of stakeholders about their experiences with the NES, building on evidence already heard from the government, unions and the business sector.

The hearing will enable the committee to gather further perspectives on key issues, including reproductive health leave, cultural, kinship and carer’s leave, compassionate leave for bereaved parents, the costs and administrative impacts of the NES on small businesses, and employment conditions for young workers.

Committee Chair, Dr Carina Garland MP, said the hearing would allow the committee to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how the NES operates in practice.

"As the nature of work continues to evolve, it is important that the National Employment Standards (NES) remain clear, fair and fit for purpose," Dr Garland said..

"The committee is seeking to understand how the NES supports key worker groups — including First Nations employees, carers and women — while balancing these protections with the operational and financial realities faced by employers." 

The committee will hear evidence from:

  • Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
  • Council of Small Business Organisations Australia
  • The Compassionate Friends Australia
  • Maurice Blackburn Lawyers
  • Families Australia
  • National Tertiary Education
  • Australian Education Union
  • Community and Public Sector Union
  • Health Services Union
  • Finance Sector Union
  • Australian Youth Affairs Coalition.

Further information is available on the committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Friday 15 May 2026
Time: 9am to 2.15pm
Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra ACT/Videoconference

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

 

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Public hearing on conflict prevention through food security and peacebuilding efforts

THE Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing as part of its Inquiry into the role of Australia’s international development program in preventing conflict.

The subcommittee will continue its examination of how Australia’s development cooperation contributes to conflict prevention and stability, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings across the Indo-Pacific region.

Subcommittee Chair, Tim Watts MP, said the subcommittee hoped to gain valuable perspectives from two organisations working at the intersection of humanitarian response, delivery of development assistance, and conflict prevention – the World Food Programme and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.

"Witnesses from these organisations can offer important insights into how food security, mediation, and dialogue can help address the drivers of conflict and build more stable and resilient communities across our region," Mr Watts said.

The subcommittee expects to hold further public hearings in June.

Further information, including the full terms of reference, is available on the inquiry webpage.

Public Hearing Details

Thursday 14 May 2026
Time: 8am - 9am (AEST)
Venue: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra

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

 

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