THE Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme will hold a public hearing in Canberra today (April 8) for its inquiry into the continuing operation of the scheme.

Committee Chair, Jodie Belyea MP, said the committee was grateful for the contributions made in support of the inquiry to date.

"The committee has received a substantial number of submissions in support of our current inquiry and heard evidence from a range of stakeholders," Ms Belyea said.

"On Wednesday, the committee will hear from Redress Support Services, lived experience advisers, and participating institutions. This evidence will help the committee understand issues from a range of perspectives as the scheme enters its final operational stage."

The committee will continue to hear evidence from a wide range of stakeholders and individuals as it examines issues related to the effective, safe and equitable management of the scheme.

More information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference and submissions, can be found on the inquiry webpage.

Public hearing details

Date: Wednesday, 8 April 2026
Time: 9:15am – 4pm (AEST)
Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra and via videoconference

A program for the public hearing is available on the inquiry webpage.

Public hearings are broadcast live on the Australian Parliament House Streaming Portal.

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THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) reform package, consisting of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Bill 2026 and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (National Policing Information Charges) Bill 2026.

The bills, which were introduced into the Parliament on March 25, would establish the ACIC under a new Act, aiming to clarify its role and enhance its ability to obtain, analyse, evaluate and communicate intelligence relevant to serious and organised crime.

The bills are intended to give effect to the Australian Government’s response to the 2024 Independent Review of the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and associated Commonwealth law enforcement arrangements (the Independent Review of ACIC). The Independent Review of ACIC found that the ACIC’s current legislative framework is no longer fit for purpose and inhibits it from fulfilling its criminal intelligence mandate.

Chair of the PJCIS, Senator Raff Ciccone, said, “The Independent Review of the ACIC found that the ACIC needed to be more clearly defined as Australia’s national criminal intelligence agency, focused on producing unique and incisive intelligence on serious and organised crime.

“This inquiry will aim to ensure the reform package achieves this objective, avoids unintended consequences and provides the ACIC with a secure footing to adapt and respond to the rapidly evolving landscape of serious and organised crime."

The committee has invited written submissions to be provided by Friday, June 5, 2026.

Further details on the review are available on the committee’s website: aph.gov.au/pjcis

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THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has commenced a review of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2026.

The Bill, which was introduced into the Parliament on March12,  2026, would enable the chief executive officer of the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) to restrict or prohibit reporting entities from using high-risk mechanisms to provide designated services; amend the meaning of financing of terrorism to reference new offences for financing a state sponsor of terrorism; and make technical amendments..

Chair of the PJCIS, Senator Raff Ciccone, said, “Transnational serious and organised crime networks continue to evolve, finding new ways to exploit communities and economic systems for illegal gain and to conceal the proceeds of crime.

"As governments strengthen protections across parts of the legitimate economy, criminals are increasingly turning to emerging technologies and changes in financial sector infrastructure to bypass safeguards.

"This inquiry seeks to ensure the Bill is well‑suited to today’s rapidly changing financial crime landscape.

"This is an important review given the ongoing risks posed by money laundering and serious crime to both Australia’s financial system and the broader community, and the importance of maintaining an anti‑money laundering and counter‑terrorism financing (AML/CTF) framework that can respond effectively to emerging threats, now and into the future.”

The committee is inviting written submissions to be provided by Friday, May 8, 2026.

Further details on the review are available on the committee’s website: aph.gov.au/pjcis

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty (the Pukpuk Treaty).

The Pukpuk Treaty strengthens Australia’s defence partnership with close neighbour Papua New Guinea by elevating the status of the defence relationship to a formal Alliance. Once ratified, the Pupuk Treaty will form Australia’s third Alliance, following on from the signing of the Security Treaty between Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America (ANZUS), more than 70 years ago.

Committee Chair, Lisa Chesters MP said, “The Pukpuk Treaty marks a significant achievement in Australia’s relationship with Papua New Guinea. This treaty ties our two countries closer together and enables enhanced diplomatic and defence coordination and collaboration.

“Papua New Guinea is one of Australia’s most important partners and we are proud to call them our ally.”

Throughout the inquiry process, the committee held a public hearing where it heard from stakeholders about some of the mutual benefits of the treaty, including the two-way military training and skills exchange in areas of specialist jungle warfare and increased interoperability.

The committee found that the Pukpuk Treaty was well aligned with Australia’s strategic focus on relationship building, regional stability, prosperity and sovereignty in the Pacific.

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

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