First public hearing – inquiry into the role of Australia's international development program in preventing conflict

THE Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, through the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee, is commencing public hearings for its inquiry into the role of Australia's international development program in preventing conflict today in Melbourne.

Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee, Tim Watts MP, said, "The subcommittee received a large volume of submissions to its inquiry, which provided key insights into stakeholder views about the challenges and priorities for Australia’s development program in the context of increasing conflict.

"We look forward to meeting with practitioners, academics and advisory groups from the international development sector to expand on the suggested recommendations contributed by stakeholders in their submissions," he said.

"Australia’s international development program is a critical component of our statecraft toolkit –working alongside diplomacy, trade and defence - to advance a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future for our region."

Further information, including the hearing program is available on the Inquiry webpage.

Public Hearing Details

Date: Monday 23 February 2026
Time: 10am – 3:15pm (AEDT)
Location: Cliftons Melbourne, 1/440 Collins St, Melbourne, Victoria

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

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