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Business News Releases

Critical minerals inquiry in Brisbane and Mackay

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries will hold public hearings in Brisbane and Mackay as part of its inquiry into factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes for critical minerals projects across Australia.

On Monday, September 28, the committee will hear from a range of stakeholders, including academics, engagement professionals, mining and mineral processing companies, and government, about the social licence requirements and economic potential of critical minerals projects.

On Tuesday, September 29 the committee will meet with representatives of the Greater Whitsunday Alliance and Isaac Regional Council to explore the opportunities for critical minerals development in a region shaped by mining, as well as the challenges facing local communities in those regions.

Committee Chair, Meryl Swanson, said, "There are tremendous opportunities for mining regions to leverage their existing resources and expertise to take advantage of the critical minerals boom. Areas like Gladstone, Mackay and Townsville have the people, expertise and infrastructure to take these opportunities to another level in processing and manufacturing of critical minerals.

"The committee is keen to see how these opportunities might be progressed while ensuring that the benefits and costs are distributed fairly."

More information on the inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on making a submission, can be found on the inquiry website. The committee will travel to other regions across the country in the coming months.

Public hearings

Date: Monday, 28 September 2026
Time: 9am– 3.20pm (AEST)
Location: Committee Room 2, Level 3, Parliamentary Annexe, Alice Street, Brisbane.

Date: Tuesday, 29 September 2026
Time: 9am – 10.30am (AEST)
Location: Resources Centre of Excellence, 65 Crichtons Rd, Paget.

A program for the public hearing is available on the inquiry website. A live broadcast of the hearing will also be available on the APH website.

 

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Public Works Committee heads north to RAAF Base Darwin

NEXT WEEK, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works (the committee) will visit Darwin, Northern Territory, to conduct a site inspection and public hearing for its inquiry into Facilities to Support AIR 6500 Integrated Air and Missile Defence Command and Control (Package 1)—RAAF Base Darwin, Northern Territory.

The Department of Defence is proposing to deliver fit-for-purpose facilities and infrastructure to support the requirements of the AIR 6500 Integrated Air and Missile Defence Command and Control project. The project proposes to deliver facilities for the 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit, including a new Operations Support Facility, new vehicle shelters, and associated external works to provide infrastructure and security. The estimated cost of the proposed works is $299.1 million (excluding GST).

The committee will conduct a site inspection of RAAF Base Darwin and be briefed in private by Defence officials on the project, prior to conducting a public hearing with Defence witnesses in Darwin City later in the day.

Interested members of the public are encouraged to listen in to the public hearing via the APH website or attend the hearing in person at the location listed below.

Public Hearing Details:

Date: Wednesday, 30 September 2026

Time: 1.30pm – 2.10pm (ACST)

Location: Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory (Nitmiluk Lounge), Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800.

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

Note: the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works is not involved in the tendering process, awarding of contracts or details of the proposed works. Enquiries on these matters should be directed to the relevant Commonwealth entities.

 

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Winners of the 2026 My First Speech visit the House of Representatives

ON SEPTEMBER 14, the winners of the My First Speech competition visited Parliament House and delivered their speeches to Members and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The competition asks students to imagine themselves as a newly elected Member of the House of Representatives and write a 500-word speech about an issue they are passionate about.

This year’s winning speeches were about youth mental health, housing affordability and the rights of deaf people. 

The judges of the 2026 competition were Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP; Ash Ambihaipahar MP, member for Barton; Sam Birrell MP, member for Nicholls; and Rebekha Sharkie MP, member for Mayo.

The Speaker of the House welcomed the students and hosted the presentation event where they delivered their speeches.

"It is so important that we continue to look for these opportunities to give our young Australians the opportunity to engage with our Parliament. Hearing their voices and views is the sign of a vibrant and healthy democracy – something I am so passionate about," Speaker Milton Dick said.

Video footage of the winners’ speeches is available on the House of Representatives YouTube channel.

To find out more about the competition, visit My First Speech competition – You have Parliament's attention. What will you say?.

 

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Gain a better understanding of the House of Representatives in engaging half-day seminar

HOW DOES the House of Representatives work? How are laws made? Who are the Members? What is the House committee system?

If you’ve asked yourself these questions or have wanted to gain a better understanding of the House of Representatives, you are invited to attend the How the House Works seminar on Thursday, November 12. 

This half-day seminar is presented by senior officers from the Department of the House of Representatives and is a development opportunity for professionals wanting a detailed yet practical understanding of the House.

How the House Works seminar

Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026

Time: 9.15am to 12.45pm

Venue: Parliament House, Canberra or online via Microsoft Teams

Price: $350 (inc. GST) for online or on-site participation

In-person participants will be able to network with other attendees and ask questions of senior staff from the Department of the House of Representatives during a provided morning tea. They will also have the opportunity to attend a Q&A session in the public gallery overlooking the House of Representatives chamberTickets are limited. Book your spot here.

For assistance in booking multiple tickets for your team or other ticketing enquiries, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Find out more

Website: www.houseofrepresentatives.gov.au
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: (02) 6277 4428

 

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Submissions open for inquiries into Oman and Seychelles Air Services Agreements

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has commenced inquiries into the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Seychelles relating to Air Services; and theAir Transport Agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Government of Australia.

The two Air Services Agreements propose to formalise and elevate existing air services arrangements to treaty status between Australia and two countries, Oman and Seychelles. This will support the operation of international air services between Australia and these countries. The committee will inquire into the benefit of these treaties for Australia including in the areas of trade, tourism and the airline sector.

Further information about each inquiry, including the full treaty text and accompanying National Interest Analysis, is available on the relevant inquiry webpages.

The committee has invited interested individuals and organisations to make submissions addressing the treaties and their implications. Submissions to both inquiries close on Tuesday, September 29 this month and can be lodged online via the Committee website. Guidance on preparing and lodging submissions is also available on the website.

 

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