DEMENTIA is now the leading cause of death for Australians, according to the latest update of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s (AIHW) Dementia in Australia report.

The update, which was released today, also found that without a significant intervention, the number of Australians living with dementia will exceed 1 million by 2065.

Dementia Australia CEO Tanya Buchanan said the…

THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has commenced an inquiry into the Attorney-General’s Department’s procurement of services in response to the 2017 Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse.

Chair of the Committee, Josh Burns MP, said, "Effective tendering and procurement processes are fundamental to how the Australian Government delivers vital services such…

THE House of Representatives Joint Standing Committee on Trade and Investment Growth has commenced a new inquiry into creating sustainable economic growth in rural and regional Australia.

The committee is seeking to identify opportunities to promote and support sustainable markets for rural and regional small and medium businesses in all sectors, through enhanced branding, and certification of…

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability has commenced a new inquiry into the proposed Thriving Kids initiative program.

Committee Chair, Dr Mike Freelander MP, said, "Foundational supports play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectories of children with developmental delay and autism, offering the scaffolding necessary for optimal growth, learning, and…

THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA) has commenced an inquiry into Sport Integrity Australia’s (SIA) management of the National Anti-Doping Scheme.

SIA was established in 2020 to protect Australian sporting integrity through a coordinated national approach that includes the detection and prevention of illegal drug use by athletes.

Committee Chair Josh Burns MP said, “Sport…

THE 2025 edition of the national My First Speech competition for year 10, 11 and 12 students, run out of the Hosue of Representatives in Canberra, is open and now accepting submissions.

The My First Speech competition seeks to engage young Australians in democracy and speak about the issues that are important to them.

Students are asked to write a 90-second speech on a topic they are passionate…

THE Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters in now inviting submissions to its inquiry into the 2025 Federal Election.

In keeping with previous parliaments, the committee has been asked to undertake a review of the last federal election.

Jerome Laxale MP, Committee Chair, said, ‘The inquiry plays an important role in ensuring the Australian public have their say in how their elections are…

THE Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports and the Arts’ (the Department) Proposed Fit-out of New Leased Premises at 7 London Circuit, Canberra City will be reviewed by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works at a public hearing on September 4, 2025.

The proposed works to install an office fit-out to the department’s new leased premises…

THE Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade has adopted a new inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2023–24. This will resume the inquiry commenced by the committee prior to the 2025 federal election.

Chair of the Defence Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill, said, "During the last Parliament, the subcommittee received many submissions addressing the…