Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee, Tony Zappia MP, said, "The subcommittee looks forward to hearing from scholars, policy organisations, advocacy groups and aid organisations about their first-hand experience of how gender equality supports national and economic security."

Examples of witnesses the subcommittee will hear from include:

• the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women;
• the Centre for International Security Studies at the University of Sydney;
• Women in International Security Australia;
• the Humanitarian Advisory Group;
• Plan International Australia;
• Dr Anna Cody, Sex Discrimination Commissioner.

Mr Zappia said, "These individuals and groups will give the subcommittee valuable evidence of the essential role of women in creating resilience, responding to crises and raising the alarm about emerging security threats. Knowledge of the work of women in the Indo-Pacific is essential to Australia’s foreign policy and the security of our region.

"The evidence we hear will also help the subcommittee identify threats and obstacles to gender equality that are directly impacting economic and national security, and ways the Australian Government could respond to these."

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

Public Hearing Details

Melbourne
Date: Tuesday 5 May 2026
Time: 9:30am–4pm (AEST)
Location: Cliftons, 440 Collins St, Melbourne

Sydney
Date: Wednesday 6 May 2026
Time: 9am–2pm (AEST)
Location: Cliftons, 60 Margaret St, Sydney

Programs for each public hearing are available on the inquiry website.

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

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THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations, Skills and Training will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 5, 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 the public hearing in Western Sydney, the committee will listen to business owners’ experiences with the NES, examining whether the system is working effectively and remains accessible for small and medium‑sized businesses.

Building on evidence already received from government stakeholders and employee groups, this hearing will allow the committee to capture business perspectives and develop a more comprehensive understanding of how the NES operates in practice.

Committee Chair, Carina Garland MP, said the hearing would reveal to the Committee how businesses experience the NES framework.

"As the nature of work continues to evolve, it’s important that the National Employment Standards are clear and navigable for employers and workers alike. The committee is seeking to understand how the NES operates in practice for small and medium-sized businesses, with this hearing helping to identify areas of uncertainty and opportunities to streamline the framework," Dr Garland said.

The committee will hear evidence from:

• Australian Industry Group
• Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia
• Martha Travis People Innovators
• A small business panel including local businesses
• Youth Law Australia

Further information is available on the Committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Tuesday 5 May 2026
Time: 9am to 12pm
Location: Warwick Farm Holiday Inn, Warwick Farm, Sydney and online

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

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs is starting its interstate public hearings in Sydney this week for its inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The first hearing will be held in Sydney on Friday, May 1 and will bring together a broad range of organisations, researchers, community leaders and advocates to provide evidence to the committee.

Witnesses scheduled to appear include national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and academic experts, and veterans’ representatives.

Following recent events at ANZAC day commemorations, the final session of the day will hear evidence from Reverand Dr Ray Minniecon and the RSL NSW acting president, retired Brigadier Vince Williams. This will focus on the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans.

Committee Chair, Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman Senator Jana Stewart, said, “These hearings provide an important opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, organisations, researchers and advocates to share their experiences and insights directly with the committee.

“Racism, hate and violence have real and lasting impacts. Hearing firsthand evidence is essential to understanding the scale and nature of the problem and identifying meaningful responses.”

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.

Further interstate public hearings will continue in other locations as part of the inquiry.

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

The committee and secretariat have advised they 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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SMALL-TO-MEDIUM arts organisations along with peak bodies are giving evidence next Monday at public hearing roundtables to discuss boosting arts and cultural philanthropy.

Chair of the House Standing Committee on Communications, the Arts and Sport, Susan Templeman MP, said, “Small-to-medium arts organisations are an essential part of our cultural sector. They nurture talent, build careers and provide transformative opportunities for creatives.

“Public funding should provide a bedrock of support for small to medium organisations, but we also don’t want them to miss out on the opportunity to access philanthropic support.

“Hearing from these organisations along with the peak bodies that represent them will ensure that their experiences are front and centre when considering how to boost Australia’s philanthropic giving.”

Public hearing details are below, along with the full terms of reference available on the inquiry webpage.

More information about the committee, including membership, may be found on the Committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Monday, 4 May 2026
Time: 10am – 1pm (Canberra time)
Location: Committee Room 2R2, Parliament House, Canberra

Watch on YouTube @AUSParliamentLive or ParlView.

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