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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

THE Department of the House of Representatives is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced service provider to develop and deliver a National Youth Parliament to be held in Canberra in 2026.

Participants in the National Youth Parliament will have the unique opportunity to learn about aspects of being a Member of Parliament, including the process by which bills are drafted, considered, and…

THE Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) has published its report into the operation of amendments made by the Autonomous Sanctions Amendment (Magnitsky-style and Other Thematic Sanctions) Act 2021.

Chair of the Subcommittee, Maria Vamvakinou MP said, "Sanctions can and do play a vital role in tackling human rights abuses,…