New inquiry on the role of Australia's international development program in preventing conflict

THE Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT), through the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee, has commenced an inquiry into the role of Australia's international development program in preventing conflict.

The inquiry was referred by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong with the below terms of reference.

Chair of the JSCFADT, Shayne Neumann MP, said, "We are operating in a geopolitical context of change and uncertainty, and we are deeply concerned at how conflicts around the world are exacerbating existing humanitarian crises in many regions."

Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee, Tim Watts MP, said, "In an increasingly complex and contested international environment the challenge of conflict prevention is becoming more acute."

The inquiry will consider the role of Australia's international development program in preventing conflict, with particular reference to:

1. the role of Australia's international development program in building resilience in fragile states, including by strengthening community and civic participation, governance, security reform and human capital;
2. the strategic use of Australia's international development program to prevent conflict in the Indo-Pacific;
3. options for effective support through Australia's aid program in pre-conflict and/or post-conflict zones;
4. the impact of international development in the maintenance of peace and prevention of conflict, including for early identification and mitigation of conflict; and
5. any related matters.

The subcommittee is now inviting written submissions responding to the inquiry’s terms of reference by January 20, 2026.

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