THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries will hold public hearings in Sydney and Dubbo as part of its inquiry into factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes for critical minerals projects across Australia.

On Monday, May 18,  the committee will hear from a range of stakeholders, including mining and mineral processing companies, local government, academics and unions about the economic potential and social licence requirements of critical minerals projects.

On Tuesday, May 19, the committee will meet with representatives of local government in western New South Wales to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing communities in the regions, as well as a leading proponent of critical minerals development.

Committee Chair, Meryl Swanson, said, "Effective engagement, economic participation, and socially and economically sustainable development are key factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes for critical minerals projects.

"The committee is keen to explore ways to ensure that socially acceptable and economically beneficial outcomes are achieved by the critical minerals sector, for the benefit of mining regions and the nation."

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 hearings

Date: Monday, 18 May 2026
Time: 9am – 3.20pm (AEST)
Location: Cliftons, Level 13, 60 Margeret Street, Sydney.

Date: Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Time: 9am – 11.30am (AEST)
Location: Jacaranda Room, Dubbo RSL, Corner of Brisbane and Wingewarra Streets, Dubbo.

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) 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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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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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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