The Subcommittee will discuss uncrewed and autonomous systems and their integration into the Joint Force.

Chair of the Defence Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill, said, "Expert testimonies are essential to ensuring the subcommittee is best informed on contemporary and emerging issues that relate to the defence of Australia.

‘The perspectives of expert witnesses enhance the subcommittee’s ability to develop evidence-based recommendations and improve inquiry outcomes," Senator O’Neill said.

"The Subcommittee greatly appreciates the support of expert witnesses who have taken the time to appear before the inquiry."

Further information, including the full Terms of Reference, is available on the inquiry webpage.

Public Hearing Details

Date: Tuesday, 4 November 2025
Time: 5.40pm–7.30pm (AEDT)
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra

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

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Migration has launched a new inquiry into the value of skilled migration to Australia.

Skilled migration has played a central role in shaping Australia’s economic success. Skilled migrants address labour shortages, meet in-demand skills, and foster innovation to boost productivity, drive economic growth, and improve living standards. They also contribute significantly by enriching the cultural diversity that is fundamental to Australian society.

The inquiry will seek to better understand the enduring economic, social and cultural value of skilled migration to Australia, as well as examine the program’s effectiveness in addressing skills gaps and supporting the ongoing needs of Australian businesses. It will also consider the requirements of the states and territories, while recognising the continuing need for housing and infrastructure.

Committee Chair, Steve Georganas MP said, “Skilled migration makes a vital contribution to Australia’s economy and local communities. It is important to ensure the skilled migration program is operating effectively and that we have the right settings to support Australia’s current and future needs.

"The committee also wants to hear what could be done to better build public awareness and understanding about the important role of skilled migration in Australia.”

Interested individuals, businesses and organisations have been encouraged to make a submission addressing one or more of the terms of reference by Monday, January 5, 2026.

For more information about the inquiry, people can visit the inquiry webpage where they can make a submission to the inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. People can also track the committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

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TODAY (October 31), the Defence subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hear from the Department of Defence for its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2023–24.

The subcommittee will discuss the following topics with Defence:

• Uncrewed/Autonomous Systems and their integration into the Joint Force;
• Progress on the transformation to an integrated focused force;
• Australian international defence cooperation and competition.

Chair of the Defence subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill, said, "It is a good opportunity for the Defence subcommittee to hear from the Department of Defence on these matters.

"The Department of Defence often appears as a witness to Parliamentary Committees, providing a forum to scrutinise its activities and contribute to their mission in safeguarding the nation.

"The subcommittee is keen to support the Australian Defence Force as it embarks on a major transformation to meet the challenges of a changing security environment."

Further information, including the full Terms of Reference, is available on the inquiry webpage.

Public hearing details

Date: Friday, 31 October 2025
Time: 1pm–3pm (AEDT)
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra

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

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of three strategic Defence treaties.

The AUKUS-UK Agreement between the United Kingdom and Australia provides a framework for the joint development of a new class of submarines, SSN-AUKUS.

The Agreement follows the 2021 AUKUS treaty between Australia, the UK and the US and includes frameworks for the design, construction, operation and disposal of nuclear waste involved in the development of the submarines. The treaty also includes provisions for UK submarine visits and rotations, intellectual property rights and liability.

The UK Defence Agreement aims to update an existing 2014 treaty to modernise Australia’s defence and security arrangements with the UK. The new agreement will deepen cooperation between the two nations and expand the scope of bilateral collaboration, particularly relating to cyber security, military equipment and capabilities.

The Indonesia Defence Agreement upgrades and replaces an existing arrangement with one that is binding under international law. The agreement will increase opportunities for defence collaboration between the two nations and has provisions for cooperation.

Committee Chair, Lisa Chesters MP said, “These three treaties play a significant role in strengthening Australia’s longstanding defence and security relationships with its key bilateral partners, the United Kingdom and Indonesia. In particular, the AUKUS-UK Agreement will play a key role in Australia’s defence security, maintaining regional stability and growing its industrial capacity.”

The report also contains eight minor treaty actions relating to Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974.

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

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