THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works has recently commenced three new inquiries into proposed works by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) and the Department of Defence (Defence) under the Public Works Committee Act 1969.

ANSTO is proposing a replacement of its backup power network with a new, centralised high voltage backup power network at its Lucas Heights site in New South Wales. The project seeks to deliver a new Campus Utilities Building, a new campus backup power system, and associated infrastructure elements. The estimated cost of the proposed works is $30.416 million (excluding GST).

DEWR is proposing a fit-out of its new leased premises at 40–60 London Circuit, Canberra City. The fit-out will provide DEWR and the Department of Education 46,389 m² of modern office accommodation to consolidate their Canberra-based workforce into a single precinct while supporting long-term operational requirements and strategic objectives. The estimated cost of the proposed works is $110.641 million (excluding GST) at a rate of $2,375 per m² (excluding GST).

Defence is proposing to deliver facilities and infrastructure at RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria, to support the Future Air Mission Training System. The project includes delivery of working and training accommodation, simulation equipment and Living-In Accommodation in line with the National Defence Strategy 2026. The estimated total cost of the works is $130.8 million (excluding GST)

The committee invites interested individuals and organisations to make submissions by Thursday, August 6 for these referrals. More information is available on the inquiry websites: ANSTO, Lucas Heights, DEWR, London Central, and Defence, Air Mission.

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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THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending ratification of the Agreement on Social Security between Australia and the Oriental Republic of Uruguay.

The agreement enables eligible individuals who have moved between Australia and Uruguay to qualify for social security benefits. It also allows Australians and Uruguayans to continue receiving certain social security payments when they move between the two countries.

In addition, the agreement reduces costs and administrative burden by preventing individuals and businesses from having to pay social security contributions in both countries at the same time.

Committee Chair, Lisa Chesters MP said, “Australia and Uruguay share a strong and cooperative bilateral relationship grounded in mutual respect and common interests. This agreement is an opportunity to deepen our relationship with Uruguay while delivering practical benefits to people who have lived and worked in both countries.

“The committee is satisfied that the costs to Australia will be modest and manageable, and that the agreement is consistent with Australia’s other international social security agreements.”

At the conclusion of the inquiry the committee determined that the agreement is in Australia’s national interest and has recommended that binding treaty action be taken.

The report also includes a minor treaty action relating to the Amendment to the Agreement establishing the Asian Development Bank. This amendment removes the Asian Development Bank’s lending limit, boosting its financial capacity and maximising its developmental impact.

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

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

On Friday, June 26 the committee will hear from the National Farmers’ Federation, Monash University researcher Mr Riasat Noor, the Critical Minerals Consortium and CSIRO, with a focus on community engagement and integrating mining with existing land uses.

CSIRO research noted, "While there is strong public recognition of the essential role critical minerals play in reaching net-zero emissions and the need to increase their supply, many Australians remain concerned about the potential environmental impacts’ of mining. Addressing these concerns requires ‘building trust by ensuring that local communities have genuine opportunities to participate in and influence decision making, and that they are treated fairly with clear pathways to realise meaningful benefits’."

Committee Chair, Meryl Swanson, said, "Social licence is critical to the development of the critical minerals sector. It involves honest communication, building trust, creating tangible and enduring benefits and mitigating costs and negative impacts.

"The committee looks forward to discussing with experts how strong, early and continuous community engagement by project proponents can ensure that critical minerals projects gain and maintain acceptance by host communities."

More information on the inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on making a submission, can be found on the inquiry website.

Public hearing

Date: Friday, 26 June 2026
Time: 9am – 12pm (AEST)
Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra.

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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THE Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters has been conducting a review of the 2025 election.

On June 24, the committee agreed to re-invite the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (informally known as the Plymouth Brethren or PBCC), and Advance (previously known as Advance Australia) to give evidence before a hearing of the committee.

This is after both groups declined to appear at previous hearings in November 2025, and March and May 2026.

Given multiple attempts have been made to have these witnesses appear before the committee, the committee has also resolved to issue a summons to compel their attendance if witnesses continue to decline these invitations.

The committee acknowledges that this is an extraordinary step, but one it believes necessary.

Preliminary analysis of committee evidence shows that over 75 published submissions to JSCEM mention the Plymouth Brethren, and note their presence in approximately 80 different suburbs in federal electorates across Australia.

Given the volume of submissions the committee has received, and the level of community concern about their involvement in the electoral process, it is not just in the committee’s interest, but Australia’s interest, to understand the involvement of both of these third parties in the 2025 Federal Election and their influence on the electoral process.

Information on the hearings will be made available on the Committee’sPublic Hearings webpage as they are finalised.

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