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June 18, 2025

New Parliamentary Members seminar June 23-26

Author: Mike Sullivan

NEWLY elected members of the House of Representatives will come to Canberra next week to learn about their new roles as federal parliamentarians. 

During the four-day seminar, to be held from June 23 to 26, Australia’s newest MPs will be introduced to both the procedural and…

June 17, 2025

Parliament in Schools returns for the 48th Parliament

Author: Mike Sullivan

AFTER VISITING more than 160 schools in the 47th Parliament, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP has announced the Parliament in Schools program will be returning for the 48th Parliament.

Today, the program officially kicks off at Chapel Hill State…

165,000 workers face cuts to pay and conditions under Coalition’s IR approach: McKell Insitute…

May 01, 2025 539

The report, titled Risking the Floor: The Impact of the Coalition’s IR Agenda, also warns that about 3.3 million workers who currently rely on award rates as a foundation for…

New Timber Furnishing Textiles Union members vote overwhelmingly to split from CFMEU

Apr 15, 2025 651

MEMBERS of the CFMEU Manufacturing Division have voted overwhelmingly to leave the CFMEU and establish an independent union—the Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union (TFTU).

In the AEC-run ballot ordered by the Fair Work Commission, 91.6% of participating members voted 'yes' to the split.

The union will now begin formal steps to complete the demerger and establish Australia’s newest trade…

Sharing stories, celebrating culture – Yarning competition just launched

Apr 03, 2025 713

YESTERDAY the Department of the House of Representatives launched Yarning, a new competition for First Nations secondary school students across Australia.

The Yarning competition is about storytelling. It aims to raise awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and provide a platform for young First Nations Australians to connect with the work of the Australian Parliament.

The…

AFCA enhances support for employees affected by domestic violence

Apr 01, 2025 744

THE Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has announced significant enhancements to its family and domestic violence support policy, reaffirming its commitment to the safety and well-being of employees affected by domestic violence.

These policy improvements provide increased flexibility, confidentiality, and access to vital resources, an AFCA spokesperson said.

AFCA employees…

Economics Committee reports on ASIC

Mar 27, 2025 1139

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics has released the final report for its reviews of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) annual reports of 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Committee Chair, Daniel Mulino MP, said the report covered key issues examined by the committee during the 47th Parliament.

Dr Mulino noted that ASIC had been subject to extensive…

Treaties Committee tables report on Australia-Portugal Tax Treaty

Mar 27, 2025 723

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has tabled the report on its inquiry into the Convention between Australia and the Portuguese Republic for the Elimination of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance (Australia-Portugal Tax Treaty).

The treaty is a taxation agreement with Portugal aimed primarily at eliminating double taxation for…

‘No flash in the pan’: Productivity problem a long-term challenge

Mar 27, 2025 635

AUSTRALIA'S PRODUCTIVITY continued to stagnate in the December quarter, suggesting that the country's productivity problem may be part of a long-term trend. 

The Productivity Commission's latest quarterly productivity bulletin shows labour productivity declined by 0.1% in the December quarter and by 1.2% over the year.

"The data makes it clear that our productivity problem is not a flash in the…

JCPAA publishes report of inquiry into administration of Commonwealth regulations

Mar 26, 2025 647

THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has today published the report of its inquiry into the administration of Commonwealth regulations.

The inquiry was informed by audits into regulatory responsibilities of five entities: Department of Health and Aged Care; Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission; Department of Home Affairs; Department of Industry, Science and Resources; and the…

Public sector contract management is mixed and requires closer attention

Mar 19, 2025 801

THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has released its report on the contract management frameworks operated by Commonwealth entities, which examined whether they are fit for purpose to ensure project delivery and value for money.

The Australian National Audit Office audits examined by the committee revealed areas of good practice in this regard, underpinned by effective governance.…