THE Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs will hold public hearings in Perth (Monday July 13), Darwin (Wednesday July 15 and Thursday July 16) and Alice Springs (Friday July 17) for its inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The committee will hear from community organisations, leaders, experts, from a range of sectors including health, law and justice, media, and women’s safety, as well as from individuals with lived experience of racism.

Committee Chair, Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman Senator Jana Stewart, said, “These hearings provide opportunities to hear from crucial and underrepresented voices, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and women. It is important to the committee to hear from a broad spectrum of the community.

"Systemic racism has emerged clearly as a major issue in both the submissions and previous public hearings. We want to keep building our understanding of how systemic racism is experienced in the lives and work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities, and use this understanding to hold institutions at all levels accountable to make practical, meaningful change.”

The inquiry is examining the prevalence, impacts and drivers of racism, hate and violence, with a strong focus on online racism, reporting mechanisms, and how governments and institutions can better respond. Evidence gathered during the hearings will inform the committee’s final report to Parliament.

Witnesses scheduled to appear include Boorloo Aboriginal Alliance, the National Indigenous Times (NIT), Ken Wyatt AM JP, who is chair of the University of Western Australia’s Public Policy Institute, Legal Aid WA, the Northern Land Council, Justice not Jails, the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress (CAAC), Tangentyere Women's Family Safety Group, and the Stars Foundation.

The committee has also invited government agencies from the Northern Territory, including the Northern Territory Attorney-General’s Department to appear.

Information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and the public hearing program, is available on the committee’s website. People can attend the hearing as an observer, by contacting the secretariat via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (02) 6277 4559.

Note: The committee and secretariat are unable to provide counselling, advice, or support for individuals. Help is available:

For First Nations people at:

• 13YARN: 13 92 76
• Brother to Brother: 1800 435 799
• Yarning SafeNStrong: 1800 959 563

For all people:

• Lifeline: Call 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
• Headspace: 1800 650 890
• Suicide Call Back Service:1300 659 467
• 1800 Respect: 1800 737 732

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THE HOUSING Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the decision to extend the lease of CSIRO's North Ryde fire testing facility by six months. But HIA is warning that while the announcement "provides valuable breathing space" it does not resolve the long-term threat to Australia's building product testing capability.

“The extension was a positive step that acknowledged industry concerns, but the underlying issue remains,” said HIA chief executive for industry and policy, Simon Croft.

“HIA has raised concerns on behalf of Australian manufacturers and builders about this, problem with the Federal Government so this extension provides an opportunity to further these discussions.

"However, the extension simply buys time. Australia still needs a long-term plan to protect this critical national asset," Mr Croft said.

"It is about ensuring Australia retains the testing capability needed to certify safe, compliant and innovative building products.

“The North Ryde facility plays a vital role in testing products used throughout residential construction, including timber windows, doors, plasterboard systems, flooring, façade assemblies and bushfire-rated building materials," Mr Croft said.

“Without it, Australia risks relying on a single private provider for many forms of fire testing. This reduces competition, risking increasing costs and creating uncertainty and longer delays for manufacturers seeking certification.

"At a time when governments are focused on lifting productivity and delivering more homes, we cannot afford to lose nationally significant testing infrastructure," Mr Croft said.

"This extension gives governments, CSIRO and industry a genuine opportunity to find a permanent solution. We urge all parties to use this time to secure Australia's long-term fire testing capability.

"If six months passes without a long-term commitment, we'll simply be back having the same conversation with the same risks hanging over manufacturers, builders and home buyers.

"A six-month stay is an opportunity that should not be wasted. The clock is now ticking, and industry will be looking for a positive solution," Mr Croft said.

www.hia.com.au

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BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS looking for a straightforward, but in-depth, explanation of the work of the House of Representatives -- and strengthening your understanding of the legislative process -- can do so through both an in-person and online seminar on Juily 29.

How the House Works is a half-day seminar on Wednesday, July 29, designed to build a better understanding of the House of Representatives and how it operates. This professional learning opportunity will help explain the work of members and committees, the legislative process, and more.

This seminar is presented by senior officers from the Department of the House of Representatives and is for professionals seeking a practical understanding of the House.

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 chamber.

How the House Works seminar

Date: Wednesday 29 July 2026
Time: 9.15am to 12.45pm
Venue: Parliament House, Canberra or online via Webex
Price: $350 AUD (inc. GST) for online or on-site participation

Tickets are limited so book your spot now.

For assistance with group bookings or other ticketing enquiries, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade will hold public hearings in Perth as part of its inquiry into strengthening Australia’s trade and investment relations with Africa.

Subcommittee Chair, Fiona Phillips MP, said, "These hearings will allow the subcommittee to engage directly with organisations and individuals based in Western Australia and hear important insights into how Australia can strengthen its trade and investment relations with Africa.

"The subcommittee will hear from a variety of organisations and individuals, including Curtin University, the Organisation of African Communities in Western Australia, the Australia Africa Minerals and Energy Group, and the organisers of the Africa Down Under conference, Paydirt Media. Witnesses will have the opportunity to share their perspectives on the changing demographic and economic opportunities across Africa’s diverse markets."

Mrs Phillips said, "The evidence gathered at these hearings will further inform the subcommittee’s understanding of Australia’s mining footprint in Africa and value adding opportunities, the potential for education partnerships with African nations, and the role of African diaspora communities in facilitating trade and investment opportunities."

Public Hearing details

Perth

Date: Thursday, 9 July 2026 

Time: 9am – 12:45pm (AWST)

Location: Mercure on Hay, 417 Hay Street, Perth – Floreat Room

The public hearing program is available on the inquiry website.

Public hearings are broadcast live on the Australian Parliament House Streaming Portal.

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