THE Electoral Matters Committee is reopening written submissions and inviting community input on the 2025 Federal Election at its upcoming hearings.

Committee Chair, Jerome Laxale MP said, "We have learnt a great deal from the personal submissions and statements we have received to date, but we know there is still much more left to hear. We want to continue to hear from community members and organisations about their experience of the 2025 Federal Election.

"In response to community feedback, the committee has resolved to continue to receive written submissions until February 28, 2026,"  Mr Laxale said.

The committee will now be holding hearings in Ipswich on December 11, 2025. As part of these hearings, members of the public will be invited to get on the record by making short verbal statements of up to five minutes.

"Experiences from individuals involved in the 2025 Federal Election are essential to shaping the committee's priorities," Mr Laxale said. "Your perspective offers valuable clarity on where our efforts should be focused.

"If you would like to address the committee, please tell us a bit about how you participated in the election and what you would like to talk to the committee about," Mr Laxale said.

To register interest in making a statement at upcoming hearings, contact the Committee Secretariat at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Information on the 2025 election inquiry can be found at the inquiry webpage. Committee details can be found at the Committee’s webpage.

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday, 11 December 2025
Location: North Ipswich Reserve Function Centre, 2B Pine Street, North Ipswich, Queensland 4305

Programs for these upcoming hearings will be advertised on the Committee’s public hearings webpage as they are finalised. The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

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THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works (the committee) will conduct a public hearing on December 1 to review the Attorney-General Department’s proposed fit-out of new leased premises at 3-5 National Circuit, Barton.

The proposed works to consolidate the department’s Canberra footprint from three buildings into one aims to achieve substantial Commonwealth savings, and establish an effective workplace for the Department. The proposal should better support the department’s functions by reducing excess and under-utilised workplaces, and delivering an efficient and productive workplace design. The proposed works have a total estimated cost of $39.93 million.

Tony Zappia MP, Chair of the Committee, said, "The public hearing will enable the committee to carefully consider the value and effective use of taxpayer money, and ensure the fit-out accommodates the diverse needs of staff."

The committee will hear from relevant officers from the department at the public hearing. Interested members of the public are encouraged to listen in to the public hearing via the APH website.

Public hearing details

Date: Monday, December 1, 2025
Time: 12:30 pm–1:10 pm

Location: Virtual

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

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THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations, Skills and Training has launched an inquiry into the operation and adequacy of the National Employment Standards (NES) under the Fair Work Act, and is seeking written submissions to guide the inquiry’s findings.

The inquiry – a commitment arising from the 2022 Jobs and Skills Summit – will consider whether the NES continue to meet the needs of workers, employers, and the broader economy.

The NES set out guaranteed minimum terms and conditions for all national system employees, along with modern awards. This safety net of terms and conditions underpins the bargaining system and serves an incredibly important role in the workplace relations system.

Committee Chair, Carina Garland MP, said, "The National Employment Standards are a critical part of the workplace relations framework, setting out a guaranteed minimum safety of terms and conditions that cannot be undercut.

"Sixteen years on, it’s time for a coordinated review to find out whether the Standards remain fit for purpose in a changing labour market," Dr Garland said.

"We are seeking to engage with the public and the Australian workforce to evaluate if the Standards continue to meet the needs of employees, employers and the economy.

"The committee also wants to receive submissions on the effectiveness and application of the NES, including any opportunities for technical improvements."

The inquiry will not focus on flexible working arrangements, casual employment, parental leave, or family and domestic violence leave, as these matters have either been recently reviewed or are scheduled for separate reviews.

The committee has invited written submissions in response to the terms of reference by Friday, February 27, 2026. Submissions will be welcomed from anyone with concerns about current employment entitlements, including unions, employer groups, academics, and workers covered by the NES – particularly women, workers over 55, young workers, First Nations workers, and people with disability.

Submitters who wish to provide input anonymously should contact the Secretariat to discuss available options. More information on the inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on making a submission, can be found on the inquiry website.

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the major treaty action Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005).

The committee found the amendments to the treaty are aimed at strengthening global preparedness for future pandemics. The amendments will allow the World Health Organization to respond to future pandemics more swiftly and effectively, through the following key measures:

• A new pandemic emergency declaration mechanism to improve early warning and elevate global attention to emerging health threats;
• Expanded core capacities, such as measures to combat misinformation and disinformation, and improved access to essential health products for developing countries;
• Strengthened global health architecture, promoting faster, coordinated international responses and reducing the risk of future pandemics.

Committee Chair Lisa Chesters MP said, "Australia already has strong health systems in place. The real benefit of these amendments lies in helping other countries strengthen their capacity to detect and respond to health threats early. This global cooperation ultimately safeguards Australians and reduces the risk of future pandemics."

The report also contains one minor treaty action relating to the Amendment to the International Tropical Timber Agreement, 2006. The treaty provides a framework for cooperation between tropical timber-producing and -consuming countries in the promotion of sustainable forest management and legal timber trade. The amendment is to extend the treaty until 2029.

The committee supports ratification of the major and minor treaty actions and recommends that binding treaty action be taken.

The report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiry.

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