THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) is marking National Safe Work Month by recognising the significant safety gains achieved across the residential building industry over the past two decades and highlighting how technology and innovation are helping create the smarter, and safer, building sites of the future.

HIA chief executive for industry and policy, Simon Croft, said today's residential building sites are safer, better managed and more safety-conscious than ever before.

"The residential building industry has made significant progress in workplace safety over the past two decades," Mr Croft said.

"That progress has been driven by builders, trades, workers and businesses embracing better training, stronger safety systems and a more proactive approach to managing workplace risks.

"Today's sites are safer than ever before because safety has become embedded in the way building businesses operate. From site inductions and toolbox talks to risk assessments and supervision, safety is now part of everyday business."

This year's National Safe Work Month theme throughout the month of October is, 'Safe Work is for Life', an important reminder that workplace safety is about more than preventing injuries today. It is also about protecting the long-term health, wellbeing and careers of workers across the industry.

"While the industry can be proud of the progress that has been made, there is always more work to do," Mr Croft said.

"Safety is not a destination. It is an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, and every worker, subcontractor, supervisor and business owner has a role to play in creating safer workplaces."

Mr Croft said technology is playing an increasingly important role in improving safety outcomes across the residential building industry.

"Digital safety management systems, mobile site inspections, real-time reporting tools and online training are making it easier for businesses to identify hazards, manage safety obligations and respond to risks before incidents occur.

"Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and smarter project management tools also have the potential to further improve safety outcomes by helping businesses identify patterns, assess risks earlier and make better-informed decisions."

Innovation in products, equipment and construction methods is also helping make sites safer.

"Advances in prefabrication, modular construction, mechanical lifting equipment and modern building systems are reducing manual handling risks and improving workplace safety for builders and tradespeople,” Mr Croft said.

"The next generation of safety improvements will be driven not only by culture and training, but also by the adoption of smarter technologies and innovative ways of building."

Mr Croft said strong safety performance delivers benefits for workers, businesses and clients alike.

"Good safety outcomes are also good business outcomes. Safe workplaces help retain skilled workers, reduce disruption, improve productivity and support successful project delivery.

"The strongest safety outcomes occur when businesses combine good leadership, practical safety systems, effective training and innovative solutions."

As part of National Safe Work Month, HIA is encouraging all businesses to take the opportunity to review their safety practices and continue building strong safety cultures across their workplaces.

"HIA remains committed to supporting the industry with practical tools, resources, advice and training to help continue the industry's strong safety performance and drive further improvements into the future," Mr Croft said.

More information on National Safe Work Month can be found here and HIA's dedicated safety resources are available through HIA's Safety Hub.

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, October 1, as part of its inquiries into the Ocean of Peace Alliance and Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union.

The treaties were both referred to the committee on August 11 this year and will be examined together due to their complementary defence, security and regional cooperation objectives.

The Ocean of Peace Alliance aims to establish a defence and security partnership between Australia and Fiji. The treaty will require both countries to cooperate to develop defence capacity, consult in the event of security-related developments, and act to meet the common danger where one faces an armed attack.

The Ocean of Peace Alliance may also be joined by other Pacific countries ‘in a position to further’ the Alliance.

The Fiji-Australia Vuvale Union aims to deepen Australia and Fiji’s bilateral cooperation across security, economic integration, people-to-people links, climate and regional cooperation.

Committee Chair, Lisa Chesters MP, said, "The inquiries into the Fiji defence and security treaties allow Parliament to investigate whether these treaties are in Australia’s strategic and economic interest.

"The committee is particularly interested in understanding the practical effects of these agreements and what they mean for Australia's relationship with Fiji and the broader Pacific region," Ms Chesters said.

The committee will hear evidence from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Defence, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Australian Federal Police.

Further information about the inquiries, including the treaties’ text, national interest analyses and submissions received by the committee, are available on the inquiries’ webpages.

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday, 1 October 2026
Time: 2pm to 3pm AEST (approximately)
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House Canberra

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

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

On Monday, September 28, the committee will hear from a range of stakeholders, including academics, engagement professionals, mining and mineral processing companies, and government, about the social licence requirements and economic potential of critical minerals projects.

On Tuesday, September 29 the committee will meet with representatives of the Greater Whitsunday Alliance and Isaac Regional Council to explore the opportunities for critical minerals development in a region shaped by mining, as well as the challenges facing local communities in those regions.

Committee Chair, Meryl Swanson, said, "There are tremendous opportunities for mining regions to leverage their existing resources and expertise to take advantage of the critical minerals boom. Areas like Gladstone, Mackay and Townsville have the people, expertise and infrastructure to take these opportunities to another level in processing and manufacturing of critical minerals.

"The committee is keen to see how these opportunities might be progressed while ensuring that the benefits and costs are distributed fairly."

More information on the inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on making a submission, can be found on the inquiry website. The committee will travel to other regions across the country in the coming months.

Public hearings

Date: Monday, 28 September 2026
Time: 9am– 3.20pm (AEST)
Location: Committee Room 2, Level 3, Parliamentary Annexe, Alice Street, Brisbane.

Date: Tuesday, 29 September 2026
Time: 9am – 10.30am (AEST)
Location: Resources Centre of Excellence, 65 Crichtons Rd, Paget.

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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NEXT WEEK, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works (the committee) will visit Darwin, Northern Territory, to conduct a site inspection and public hearing for its inquiry into Facilities to Support AIR 6500 Integrated Air and Missile Defence Command and Control (Package 1)—RAAF Base Darwin, Northern Territory.

The Department of Defence is proposing to deliver fit-for-purpose facilities and infrastructure to support the requirements of the AIR 6500 Integrated Air and Missile Defence Command and Control project. The project proposes to deliver facilities for the 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit, including a new Operations Support Facility, new vehicle shelters, and associated external works to provide infrastructure and security. The estimated cost of the proposed works is $299.1 million (excluding GST).

The committee will conduct a site inspection of RAAF Base Darwin and be briefed in private by Defence officials on the project, prior to conducting a public hearing with Defence witnesses in Darwin City later in the day.

Interested members of the public are encouraged to listen in to the public hearing via the APH website or attend the hearing in person at the location listed below.

Public Hearing Details:

Date: Wednesday, 30 September 2026

Time: 1.30pm – 2.10pm (ACST)

Location: Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory (Nitmiluk Lounge), Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800.

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

Note: the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works is not involved in the tendering process, awarding of contracts or details of the proposed works. Enquiries on these matters should be directed to the relevant Commonwealth entities.

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ON SEPTEMBER 14, the winners of the My First Speech competition visited Parliament House and delivered their speeches to Members and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

HOW DOES the House of Representatives work? How are laws made? Who are the Members? What is the House committee system?

If you’ve asked yourself these questions or have wanted to gain a better understanding of the House of Representatives, you are invited to attend the How the House Works seminar on Thursday, November 12. 

This half-day seminar is presented by senior officers from the Department of the House of Representatives and is a development opportunity for professionals wanting a detailed yet practical understanding of the House.

How the House Works seminar

Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026

Time: 9.15am to 12.45pm

Venue: Parliament House, Canberra or online via Microsoft Teams

Price: $350 (inc. GST) for online or on-site participation

In-person participants will be able to network with other attendees and ask questions of senior staff from the Department of the House of Representatives during a provided morning tea. They will also have the opportunity to attend a Q&A session in the public gallery overlooking the House of Representatives chamberTickets are limited. Book your spot here.

For assistance in booking multiple tickets for your team or other ticketing enquiries, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Find out more

Website: www.houseofrepresentatives.gov.au
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: (02) 6277 4428

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has commenced inquiries into the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Seychelles relating to Air Services; and theAir Transport Agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Government of Australia.

The two Air Services Agreements propose to formalise and elevate existing air services arrangements to treaty status between Australia and two countries, Oman and Seychelles. This will support the operation of international air services between Australia and these countries. The committee will inquire into the benefit of these treaties for Australia including in the areas of trade, tourism and the airline sector.

Further information about each inquiry, including the full treaty text and accompanying National Interest Analysis, is available on the relevant inquiry webpages.

The committee has invited interested individuals and organisations to make submissions addressing the treaties and their implications. Submissions to both inquiries close on Tuesday, September 29 this month and can be lodged online via the Committee website. Guidance on preparing and lodging submissions is also available on the website.

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THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport’s inquiry into local government funding and fiscal sustainability has concluded public hearings for the inquiry.

Twenty-six public hearings have been held between February 5 and September 17 this year, where the committee heard from 390 witnesses across Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Wodonga, Wagga Wagga, Taree, Townsville, Roma, Brisbane, Launceston, Adelaide, Port Lincoln, Perth and Northam.

The witnesses included representatives from 187 organisations, including 17 government departments and statutory authorities, 98 local councils, and seven union bodies.

The committee also heard from 38 local government alliances and associations, including the Australian Local Government Association and peak bodies from each state and the Northern Territory. The witnesses reflected the diversity and reach of local government across Australia, from Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean to King Island in Tasmania, and from the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley in the far north-west to the Torres Strait Island Regional Council.

Committee Chair, Fiona Phillips, said, "The committee is incredibly grateful to all the witnesses who appeared at the public hearings. We have heard from a variety of organisations and individuals from all of Australia’s states and territories.

"Local government funding and fiscal sustainability impacts all aspects of Australia’s communities, and we have seen that reflected across the breadth of issues raised at public hearings and in submissions. The committee’s focus will now shift to delivering the final report."

Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference, is available on the committee’s website.

Evidence provided to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport inquiry into Local Government Sustainability of the 47^th Parliament will also be considered as part of this new inquiry.

Programs and submissions from the public hearings are available on the inquiry website.

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