TODAY, Mr Tony Zappia MP, chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works presented the Public Works Committee’s first report of 2026 and its 89th Annual Report to the House of Representatives.

In Report 1/2026, referrals made in September and October 2025 considered  six proposed works:

• Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation – Black Mountain Greenhouse Redevelopment, with an estimated total cost of $37.9 million;
• Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation – Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness – Stage 1 Part Life Refit, with an estimated total cost of $372.216 million;
• Australian Taxation Office – Proposed Fit-out of Leased Premises, Levels 5 to 10, 152 Wharf Street, Brisbane, with an estimated total cost of $29.179 million;
• Services Australia – Proposed Fit-out of Leased Premises at 90 Crown Street, Wollongong, New South Wales, with an estimated total cost of $22.34 million;
• Attorney-General’s Department – Proposed Fit-out of Existing Leased Premises at 3-5 National Circuit, Barton, Australian Capital Territory, with an estimated total cost of $39.3 million;
• Department of Home Affairs – Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre Redevelopment Project, with an estimated total cost of $34.944 million.

The committee found these projects had merit and represented value for money for the Australian Government. The committee recommended that the House of Representatives approve them.

The committee made some additional recommendations around ensuring that proponent entities thoroughly consult with affected staff and other stakeholders prior to and during project development and that such feedback is considered in project design and implementation, where appropriate.

Mr Zappia said, "While the committee has recommended that these projects be approved, it is vital that proponent entities robustly plan all proposed works to ensure the greatest confidence in estimated budgets and that value for money for the Commonwealth is maximised.

"Proper consultation with staff and other affected partners is essential if works are to be delivered in a state that is most fit for purpose. Proponent entities must ensure that adequate consultation is undertaken to make sure that relevant feedback is included in early design work and construction phases, thereby reducing the need to make potentially costly changes at later stages," he said.

In addition to providing an update on committee activities over the course of 2025, the committee’s 89th Annual Report reiterated the need for reform of the Public Works Committee Act 1969 (the Act) and highlighted the committee’s expectations for entities proposing public works and engaging with the scrutiny process.

Echoing a similar recommendation from the committee’s 87th Annual Report, the committee called for the government to prioritise the consultative review of the Act to ensure that it remained fit-for-purpose and provided a robust legislative framework for the thoroughgoing scrutiny of proposed public works by the Parliament.

On the annual report, Mr Zappia said, "Reform of the Act was agreed in principle by the government in response to the recommendation in the committee’s 87th Annual Report back in March 2024.

"The need for legislative reform has not changed since then and the committee reiterates that recommendation as a matter of urgency.

"Legislative reform is vital to ensure appropriate Parliamentary scrutiny of proposed public works and so that committee operation is aligned to current Parliamentary practice and procedure," he said.

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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DEMENTIA AUSTRALIA has welcomed the release of the Collective Priority Framework for the National Dementia Action Plan, but said further investment was "urgently needed" to address the growing impact of dementia in Australia.

The Federal Government and all state and territory Health Ministers have agreed the urgent priorities for action are:

1. Empowering individuals and communities to minimise risk where they can, and delay onset and progression.
2. Improving dementia diagnosis and post-diagnostic care and support.
3. Improve dementia data, maximise the impact of dementia research and promote innovation.

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said the release of the framework was a positive development and an important next step in addressing the growing impact of dementia now and into the future.

“We support the action areas that have been identified,” Prof. Buchanan said.

“We are also pleased that all governments will report annually on their dementia related activity and that people living with dementia will be involved in implementation.

“However, the National Dementia Action Plan was released in 2024 after extensive consultation," Prof. Buchanan said.

“Since then, dementia has become the leading cause of death in Australia and there are now an estimated 446,500 people living with dementia – a figure projected to more than double to more than one million people by 2065 without significant intervention.

“People living with dementia, their families and carers have been patient and were expecting to see firmer commitments and new investment to address the growing human and economic cost of dementia," she said.

“Without that, there is a danger services will not keep pace with demand and we will go backwards.

“We urgently need: a brain health campaign to help people minimise their risk of developing dementia; support to help people navigate the fragmented dementia service system; and improved access to diagnostic and post diagnostic services, such as respite services, particularly in rural and regional areas.

“Dementia Australia acknowledges current government investments and is committed to delivering essential services and supports for people through the National Dementia Support Program, including the National Dementia Helpline available 24 hours a day seven days a week.

“However, to really shift the dial for people living with dementia and address its growing impact on health, community services and the economy, we need to act now," Prof. Buchanan said.

“We understand all government budgets are stretched, but reducing the new cases of dementia by just 5% every year has been estimated to result in savings of $120.4 billion by 2056.

“We cannot afford to wait and are calling for the government to make further investments to make dementia a priority in the upcoming budget.”

Read Dementia Australia’s 2026-27 Commonwealth pre-budget submission at dementia.org.au/pre-budget

For dementia information and support contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au. 

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THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications, the Arts and Sport is inquiring into arts and cultural philanthropy.

Committee chair, Ms Susan Templeman MP, said philanthropy played a vital role in supporting the work of artists and cultural organisations.

"Arts and culture enrich our everyday lives. Philanthropic giving provides valuable financial support for the sector and provides transformational opportunities for creative Australians," Ms Templeman said.

"This inquiry will look at the current levels of philanthropic and private support to the cultural sector, and the effectiveness of government policies and programs in encouraging that support.

"We’re particularly interested in emerging structures and mechanisms such as digital fundraising platforms, impact investment and public-private co-investment.

"There are both incentives and disincentives for philanthropic giving in the current tax, regulatory and administrative systems, and we are keen to hear from the sector about how we might improve that."

The committee said it would welcome a range of perspectives during the inquiry, including from regional areas and small-to-medium arts organisations, museums and galleries.

"We expect to hear a wide range of experiences and ideas during this inquiry and encourage all parts of the sector to share their insights into potential government initiatives to increase philanthropic participation."

The committee called for submissions by March 2, 2026. Further information, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the inquiry website.

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THE Department of the House of Representatives is pleased to announce that entries are now open for the 2026 Yarning Competition.

Yarning is an Australia-wide storytelling competition that invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students from across Australia to share their perspectives and stories with the Australian Parliament.

It provides a platform, through art, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to connect with, and learn about, the work of the Australian Parliament. 

Students may choose a creative medium such as visual art, text, photography, video or audio to address one of the four themes – Country and Connection; Identity and Culture; Family and Community; Reconciliation.

Three winners from each of the year groups (Years 7/8; Years 9/10; Years 11/12) will receive an expenses-paid trip to Parliament House in Canberra, including flights and accommodation, and a prize pack valued at $250. Their artwork will also be exhibited at Parliament House.

All competition entries will be displayed on the Yarning website.

For further information and entry submission, visit the website: Yarning Competition – Sharing Stories, Celebrating Culture. Entries close May 11, 2026.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP said, "The Yarning Competition is a wonderful new program where we recognise the emerging talent of our First Nations artists and young people from across Australia.

“Yarning was designed to give young First Nations people a platform to share not just their artwork, but their ideas and perspectives,” he said.

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THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works (the Committee) will be holding a series of public hearings on Friday, February 6,for three of its current inquiries.

They are: Department of Defence—9 Molonglo Drive project, Brindabella Park, Australian Capital Territory; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade—Refurbishment of Australian High Commission Staff Residential Compound, Konedobu, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; and Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts—Proposed Fit-out of New Leased Premises at One City Hill, Canberra City

The Department of Defence’s works seek to fit out a new office at 9 Molonglo Drive, replacing its current office accommodation at Brindabella Park. The total estimated cost is $103.9 million.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s works seek to refurbish 39 apartments at its Konedobu Residential Compound in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The total estimated cost is $37.3 million.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication, Sports and the Arts’ works seek to fit-out its new office at One City Hill as the second stage of its Canberra City precinct project. The total estimated cost is $46.4 million.

Committee Chair, Tony Zappia MP, said, "Routine office fit outs provide the committee an opportunity to monitor current construction market trends through the scrutiny of Ggovernment property priorities."

The committee will hear from relevant officers from the Department of Defence, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports and the Arts at the hearings. 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: Friday, February 6, 2026
Time: 9:30am–10:15am – Department of Defence (AEDT)

Time: 11:25am–12:10pm – Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (AEDT)

Time: 2pm–2:45pm – Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports and the Arts (AEDT)

Location: Committee room 1R5, Australian Parliament House

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

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THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water has commenced an inquiry into solar panel reuse and recycling, and is seeking written submissions to guide the inquiry’s findings.

Ensuring that renewable technologies, such as solar panels, are responsibly managed at the end of their life is essential to protecting Australia's environment. This inquiry will take a close look at how Australia currently handles ageing and decommissioned solar panels, examining the scale of today’s waste challenge and what’s expected in the years ahead. It will assess existing disposal practices, comparing the economic and environmental impacts of reuse, versus recycling, and landfill.

The inquiry will explore the environmental, economic, and energy‑security opportunities that could come from recovering valuable materials from end‑of‑life panels. It will also consider how developed Australia’s reuse and recycling capabilities are, and what more may be needed to support a sustainable and circular solar industry.

Committee Chair, Anne Urquhart said, "As the amount of solar generation installed across the nation continues to grow, it is critical to examine the end-of-life plan for solar infrastructure. This inquiry will examine the current and future impacts of solar waste, and the state of Australia’s solar panel reuse and recycling capabilities.

"To progress Australia’s transition to a circular economy, the barriers to reusing and recycling solar panels at scale need to be identified through close collaboration with industry, academia, and subject matter experts."

The committee has invited written submissions addressing the terms of reference by March 27, 2026. Further information, including the terms of reference and details on how to make a submission, can be found on the committee’s website.

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THE Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts will explain its key financial role at the opening public hearing for the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport’s inquiry into local government funding.

In 2023-24 the Department was responsible for administering more than $5 billion or 94% of the Commonwealth’s total commitment to local governments. The committee wants to better understand how the Department’s manages its important role in the funding and financial sustainability of local governments in Australia.

Of this funding for local governments, more than $3 billion in 2023-24 was provided under the untied Financial Assistance Grants. Another $500 million was for Roads to Recovery (RTR) and also $730 million for Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) programs.

Chair of the committee, Fiona Phillips, said, "The committee will be considering whether existing funding mechanisms are addressing the evolving responsibilities of local governments and identify how funding arrangements affect local government’s ability to deliver services and invest in local infrastructure."

Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, 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.

The committee will schedule further public hearings in 2026.

Public hearing

Date: Thursday, 5 February 2026
Time: 11am – 12pm
Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra

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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“THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) is calling for a proposed Federal Bill creating a legislated right to work from home to be rejected, as it would only add further regulatory pressure on small building businesses already struggling with rising costs and labour shortages,” senior executive director for compliance and workplace relations, Stuart Collins said today.

“Flexible work arrangements can play an important role in supporting workforce participation, and the current laws already provide a clear and functioning framework for employers and employees to establish effective working from home arrangements.

“While there has been a lot of discussion around mandating work from home in recent months, these changes would create a blanket one-size fits all obligation that disregards the operational realities of many industries, including home building businesses, adding compliance pressure and complexity for employers.

“For housing construction, work from home mandates would be impractical as many roles in home building require work that must be done on site. Supervising construction, managing trades and ensuring safety compliance simply can’t be done remotely," Mr Collins said.

“Mandating a broad right to work from home risks creating confusion, more disputes and extra compliance costs, particularly for small businesses.

“It would also create added work health and safety complications for employers, who remain responsible for workplace safety even when that workplace is someone’s home.

“Importantly, HIA's position as set out in our recent submission to the Senate Standing Committees on Education and Employment is broadly supported by the Productivity Commission (PC), who have outlined similar concerns with this proposed legislation in their submission.

“The Productivity Commission (PC) submission states that 'Australia appears to have arrived at a sensible middle ground' and '... the need for a legislated right to work from home is not clear'.

“This position by the PC confirms what Australian business and workers already know: that further interference in negotiated and flexible employment arrangements risks significantly undermining productivity, employment choice and can lead to unfairness and inequity in the workplace," Mr Collins said.

“At a time when Australia faces a critical housing shortage, policy settings should support productivity and reduce regulatory imposts. Adding another layer of workplace regulation without clear evidence of a problem will only make it harder to focus on what matters most, building more homes for Australians,” Mr Collins said.

HIA’s submission to the Private Senators Bill – Fair Work Amendment (Right to Work from Home) Bill 2025 can be accessed here.

www.hia.com.au

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