THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has today tabled its report for the inquiry into Commonwealth Financial Statements 2023-24 and 2024-25, together with its Annual Report for 2025-26.

Commonwealth Financial Statements 2023-24 and 2024-25: The committee's report examines the findings from the Australian National Audit Office's audits of the Commonwealth Financial Statements for 2023-24 and 2024-25.

Committee Chair Josh Burns MP said, "The IT control environment continues to account for the largest proportion of audit findings. It is clear to the committee that IT governance and controls remain a persistent challenge for government entities."

Mr Burns said the committee also considered legislative non-compliance, including breaches of the Australian Constitution, which had increased across the two audit periods.

"While entities are taking active steps towards remediation, the committee remains concerned by the number of breaches that persist across multiple audit cycles," Mr Burns said.

The growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies across the public sector was also of interest to the committee.

Mr Burns said, "While the committee did not investigate the use of AI across the public sector in depth, it will continue to monitor whether governance frameworks are keeping pace with the rate of adoption and the range of emerging use cases."

Annual Report 2025-26: Under the Public Accounts and Audit Committee Act 1951, the committee is required to report annually to the Parliament on the work it has undertaken. The report covers the committee’s activities in 2025–26, including non-inquiry activities in line with its legislative responsibilities.

The reports can be downloaded on the Committee’s website.

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THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works has recently commenced two new inquiries into proposed works by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the Public Works Committee Act 1969.

The ATO is proposing to fit-out approximately 22,000 square metres of office accommodation at its existing premises at 747 Collins Street, Docklands, Victoria. The ATO currently leases 38,375sqm at the site, which it intends to reduce by 16,000 sqm in a renegotiated lease with the building’s landlord, commencing in May 2027.

The reduced Net Lettable Area will result in an occupational density of around 7-8sqm to allow the office to fall within the government’s occupational density target of 14sqm per occupied work point. The proposed fit-out works are intended to provide a fit-for-purpose flexible workspace that meets the ATO’s current and future needs in a cost-effective manner, while accommodating for workforce fluctuations and changing attendance patterns. The total estimated cost of the proposed project is $94.74 million (excluding GST).

DFAT is seeking Parliamentary approval to commence works on the Australian High Commission in Suva, Republic of Fiji. The proposed works would extend the High Commission’s chancery, deliver a mid-life upgrade to the base building, and undertake a tenant fit-out refurbishment of the premises.

The proposed extension has been funded as part of the Pacific Infrastructure Programme New Policy Proposal 'Enhancing Pacific Infrastructure and Engagement' which was approved in the 2024-25 Federal Budget. The total estimated cost of the proposed works is $80.3 million (excluding GST).

The committee has invited interested individuals and organisations to make submissions by Thursday, October 22 this year. More information is available on the Committee’s website.

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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FOLLOWING a referral by Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers MP, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics will open an inquiry into the use of technology to assist in improving Australian productivity.

Like many advanced economies, Australia has sought for decades to find the best way to boost productivity.

The development and application of new technology is often offered up as a pathway to improved productivity.

Despite extraordinary advances in digital technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing and communications, productivity growth across many advanced economies has stubbornly remained below expectations.

Committee Chair Ed Husic MP said, "Lifting Australia’s productivity is critical to growing the economy and improving Australian living standards well into the future.

"While we proudly point to our own tech trail-blazers or the “first-mover” eagerness of Australians to adopt and use new technology, that hasn’t always translated into stronger productivity,” he said.

“We want this inquiry to move beyond the “tech can improve productivity” mantra, to explore the specifics of how we can do that best.

“We’ll examine how we can better develop and improve uptake of productive technologies across different economic sectors.

"This inquiry’s focus is to look at a broad scope of technologies that could boost productivity in Australia, from robotics to biotechnology, quantum technologies to advanced manufacturing or information and communication technologies.”

Mr Husic said the inquiry was not simply about inventing new technologies but ensuring Australia benefits from them.

"We also need to think carefully about Australia's sovereign capability. The nations that develop, commercialise and deploy critical technologies will be the nations that capture the greatest residual economic and productive value from them."

Committee Deputy Chair Simon Kennedy said, “Australia cannot afford to sit on the sidelines of the AI and robotics revolution.

"These technologies have the potential to help solve the anaemic growth and productivity problems that have plagued our economy for years. We must grow these industries in Australia and ensure government policy enables innovation rather than inhibits it.”

In the inquiry, the committee will examine matters related to:

• harnessing technological innovation in priority technology fields identified as vital to Australia’s economic success;
• improving productivity through technology adoption and diffusion in different economic sectors, including market and non-market sectors;
• opportunities to facilitate uptake of, and promote investment in, productive technologies;
• barriers to technological innovation and the use of technologies to improve productivity in Australia;
• workforce and skills requirements to enable effective and productive use of new technologies; and
• international trends and experiences of major technology-driven productivity improvements.

The committee will release a discussion paper and open for submissions in the coming weeks. Those interested in contributing to the inquiry are encouraged to monitor the committee’swebsite for further information.

The committee is due to present its report to the House of Representatives by September 10, 2027.

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) will hold a public hearing on Monday 14 September as part of its inquiry into the Framework Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United States of America on Cooperation in Aeronautics and the Exploration and Use of Airspace and Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes. The agreement was referred to the committee on June 23.

The agreement aims to establish an overarching treaty-level framework for civil cooperation between Australia and the United States in aeronautics, space exploration, and the exploration and use of airspace and outer space for peaceful purposes. Potential areas of cooperation include space exploration, space science, Earth observation and Earth science, space medicine and life sciences, aeronautics research, and technology.

The US has similar agreements with more than a dozen countries, including Canada, France and New Zealand.

Committee Chair, Ms Lisa Chesters MP, said, "The inquiry provides an opportunity to examine the practical operation of the agreement and consider how its implementation may support Australia’s economic and strategic interests.

"The committee is interested in understanding the potential benefits, risks and implementation considerations associated with the Agreement, including its implications for research collaboration, industry participation and Australia's international partnerships in the space sector," Ms Chesters said.

The committee will hear evidence from the Australian Space Agency, CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology, Geoscience Australia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Further information about the inquiry, including the treaty text, National Interest Analysis and submissions received by the committee, are available on the inquiry webpage.

Public hearing details

Date: Monday, 14 September 2026
Time: 10:30am to 11:30am 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 Procedure has presented the report of its Inquiry into disrespectful behaviour towards other Members in the Chamber.

The inquiry built on work undertaken in previous parliaments to raise the standard of behaviour in Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces. While progress has been made, cultural change is not a project with a defined end. It is the responsibility of all Members to uphold and promote high standards of behaviour, including in the House of Representatives Chamber.

It is a public forum where ideas are tested, elected representatives advocate for their constituents, and governments are held to account. Parliamentary privilege — including freedom of speech — is fundamental to the effective operation of the House. With that privilege comes a responsibility to engage with others respectfully.

"Robust debate and respectful conduct are not competing principles, but complementary." said Committee Chair, Ms Sharon Claydon MP. ‘The core principle of freedom of speech is entirely compatible with the values of courtesy, dignity and mutual respect."

The behaviour of parliamentarians in the Chamber is not an issue that is unique to the House of Representatives. As part of this inquiry, the committee heard from Members from across the House, Presiding Officers, Clerks, parliamentary officials, and representatives of other Australian and international parliaments whose evidence helped shape the committee’s recommendations.

A key question for this inquiry was the application of the Behaviour Code for Australian Parliamentarians to Members’ behaviour in the Chamber. The code was adopted as a continuing resolution of the House in 2024. The committee is satisfied that the code applies to Members’ conduct in the House. However, evidence received by the committee revealed a lack of clarity around how the Code applies and how it is enforced.

The committee has recommended a series of practical measures to support consistent understanding and application of the Code in the House. Recommendations include enhanced induction and refresher training and guidance for all Members, and additional support for new Members. The committee has also recommended tailored training for the Speaker’s panel, in recognition of their unique position presiding over the House.

Ms Claydon said, "Cultural change is not static but an ongoing process requiring consistent commitment, reflection and action by all Members. We should all strive to meet the high standards that Australians expect of us in our work and our conduct.

"The standing orders, established House practice, and the Code collectively provide us with a robust framework. The recommendations in this report reinforce this framework, fostering a parliamentary culture that balances mutual respect and robust debate.’

A full copy of the report and further information about the inquiry is available on the committee’s website.

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THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability has today presented and published its final report for its inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia.

Committee Chair, Dr Mike Freelander MP, said, "The true cost of addiction to alcohol and other drugs in Australia is almost impossible to calculate but is measured in the tens of billions of dollars. We have a responsibility as public policymakers to look at how we are addressing this and whether our current frameworks are fit for purpose."

Dr Freelander said, "Our report makes 30 recommendations to the Australian Government which reflects the complexity of the issues that arose in the evidence to the inquiry. The committee believes strongly that these changes will have a significant impact in reducing alcohol-related harms to Australian individuals, families and communities."

The committee’s recommendations include:

• a new mandatory alcohol advertising and marketing framework;
• modelling of the alcohol taxation system to determine whether it remains fit for purpose;
• national standards for the online sale and delivery of alcohol;
• capability building for primary and antenatal care services for alcohol screening and interventions, including for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD);
• a national early warning system for illicit drugs;
• increasing the awareness of, and access to, the Take Home Naloxone Program;
• mandatory alcohol and drug education programs in secondary schools;
• mandated alcohol and other drug training in medical colleges and across sectors;
• scaling of digital models of care and increased funding for integrated models of care;
• improving the retention of the alcohol and other drug workforce, including peer workers;
• improved and targeted services for regional areas, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and other vulnerable Australians.

The report can be accessed and downloaded here.

Further information about the committee’s inquiry is available at the Committee’s website.

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THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has commenced an inquiry into Snowy Hydro Limited’s management of the Snowy 2.0 project following a major project reset in August 2023.

Snowy 2.0 is the largest committed renewable energy project in Australia. The project reset doubled the estimated project cost from $6 billion to $12 billion and extended the expected completion dates. A further cost reassessment was announced in October 2025 but is yet to be released.

Committee Chair Josh Burns MP said, "Snowy 2.0 is vital for Australia’s energy future but the project has seen delays, growing costs and performance issues. The committee wants to understand Snowy Hydro Limited’s management of these issues and the lessons for other major public infrastructure projects.

"The financial risks of massive public projects like Snowy 2.0 rest with Australian taxpayers. The Parliament needs to ensure there are strong governance, risk management, forecasting and oversight arrangements in place to see this project completed."

The inquiry’s terms of reference include examining Snowy Hydro Limited’s management of Snowy 2.0, particularly the project reset and cost forecasting, schedule and risk management, and contractor oversight. The inquiry will further consider the findings in Auditor-General Report No. 39 2025–26, Delivery of Snowy 2.0.

Submissions to the inquiry addressing the terms of reference have been invited by Friday, October 9.

Further details of this inquiry – including its terms of reference, submissions received and public hearing schedules – can be accessed on the inquiry website.

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THE Business Council of Australia’s latest warning on declining productivity should be a catalyst for governments to move from analysis to action, Housing Industry Association (HIA) managing director Jocelyn Martin said today.

“The Productivity Commission has identified the challenges. The Business Council has reinforced them. The Senate Cost of Living Inquiry highlighted them. The Senate Housing Productivity Inquiry highlighted them," Ms Martin said.

“The evidence is now overwhelming. The challenge is no longer identifying the problem. The challenge is whether governments are prepared to act.”

Ms Martin said housing was one of the clearest examples of how declining productivity, excessive regulation and poor policy settings were undermining economic growth and living standards.

“HIA forecasts continue to show Australia will fall well short of the 1.2 million homes target," Ms Martin said.

“The barriers are not a mystery. They include planning delays, workforce shortages, infrastructure constraints, excessive regulation and declining project feasibility.

“You cannot regulate or tax your way to higher housing supply.”

Ms Martin said governments should respond with measurable productivity and red tape reduction targets.

“The Business Council’s proposal to reduce the cost of red tape by 25 per cent by 2030 deserves serious consideration," Ms Martin said.

“Governments set targets for housing delivery, emissions reduction and budget outcomes.

“They should also set targets for reducing regulatory burden and publicly report on their progress.”

HIA is calling for a practical productivity reform agenda that includes:

• A national red tape reduction target.

• A one-in, two-out approach for new regulation.

• A mandatory small business test for all new regulatory proposals.

• Greater accountability for regulators and rule-makers to consider productivity, investment, housing supply and economic growth impacts.

• Greater use of Artificial Intelligence to simplify regulation, improve transparency and accelerate approvals.

“AI presents a significant opportunity to improve the way government operates," Ms Martin said.

“We should be using technology to reduce bureaucracy, improve transparency and streamline approvals, not simply digitise inefficient processes.

“Builders should spend more time building homes and less time navigating unnecessary administrative complexity.”

Ms Martin said productivity reform ultimately comes down to making it easier for businesses to invest, employ people and grow.

“If Australia wants more homes, stronger economic growth and higher living standards, governments need to move beyond acknowledging the productivity challenge and start delivering reform.

“We don’t need more evidence.

“We need targets, accountability and action,” Ms Martin said.

www.hia.com.au

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