THE Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme will hear from representatives of the Department of Social Services at a public hearing in Canberra on Friday, September 11, as part of its inquiry into the continuing operation of the scheme.

Committee Chair, Jodie Belyea MP, said the hearing comes at a pivotal time for the scheme, with the statutory Eighth Anniversary Review underway and less than a year remaining before applications to the scheme are due to close.

"With only 10 months until applications close, the committee is seeking to understand how the Department is preparing for what is expected to be an intensive final phase of the Scheme," Ms Belyea said. "This evidence will be particularly important as the committee finalises its hearings and prepares its report and recommendations for tabling in October."

Ms Belyea noted that the National Redress Scheme is vast in complexity and scale.

"The committee recognises that the scheme is one of the most significant redress pathways available to victim-survivors, and is keen to ensure the Department has clear plans in place to manage what is likely to be a demanding period ahead," she said.

Issues relating to the experience of applicants, barriers to submitting applications, and access to the Scheme for vulnerable cohorts have emerged as key themes during the inquiry.

The committee is also closely examining processing times and the Department's capacity to manage a possible surge in applications as the Scheme approaches its closing date.

"The committee is particularly interested in the strategies that have been implemented to ensure applications are determined in a manner that is safe, trauma-informed, respectful and dignified," Ms Belyea said.

More information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference and submissions, can be found on the inquiry webpage.

Public hearing details

Date: Friday, 11 September 2026
Time: 9am – 10am (AEST)
Location: Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra

A program for the public hearing is available on the inquiry webpage.

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

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending ratification of three major treaty actions that will strengthen Australia's security partnerships, support international cooperation, and improve recognition of traditional knowledge in the global intellectual property system.

The committee has recommended binding treaty action be taken in respect of the:

• Treaty between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on Common Security (The Jakarta Treaty);
• Agreement between Australia and the Kingdom of Spain for the Mutual Protection of Classified Information of Defence Interest; and
• WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge.

The Jakarta Treaty establishes mutual consultation obligations for Australia and Indonesia, requiring regular consultation at leader and ministerial level as well as consultation in the event of challenges to individual or common security. The Treaty also commits both countries to promoting mutually beneficial defence cooperation activities.

The committee also supports ratification of an updated agreement with Spain to ensure classified information exchanged between Australia and Spain is protected at equivalent classification levels in each country. The new agreement replaces a 2012 treaty that became outdated following changes to the Australian Government Security Classification System (AGSCS).

In addition, the committee recommended ratification of the WIPO Treaty which establishes a framework for countries to introduce ‘disclosure of source’ requirements for applicants seeking patent protections. This would require applicants for patents to disclose any non-human ‘Genetic Resources’ or ‘Associated Traditional Knowledge’ related to their claimed inventions. The committee found that the Treaty would improve transparency within the international patent system and support recognition of the value of traditional knowledge.

The report also included a minor treaty action relating to the Amendments to Appendices I and II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. These amendments add 40 species or subspecies to the Convention’s appendices, creating obligations for certain Parties with respect to their conservation and supporting international efforts to protect migratory wildlife.

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

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At the public hearing the committee will hear evidence from Australian Border Force and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Further information about the inquiry, including the treaty text, National Interest Analysis and submissions received by the committee, is available on the inquiry webpage.

Public hearing details

Date: Monday, 7 September 2026
Time: 10:30am to 11:30am AEST (approximately)
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House Canberra

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

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THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s $150 million investment in Australia’s forestry industry, saying secure timber supply is critical to building the homes Australia desperately needs.

Under the $150 million program, grants and initiatives will be delivered across five key streams focused on modernising the sector, supporting secure and well-paid jobs, strengthening innovation, securing sustainable fibre supply and increasing Australia’s sovereign capability.

HIA chief executive for industry and policy, Simon Croft said the Forestry Growth Fund investment in plantations, timber processing, innovation and workforce capacity was a welcome recognition that housing targets must be backed by the materials needed to deliver them.

“You can’t build 1.2 million homes without securing the materials needed to build them,” Mr Croft said.

“Timber remains one of the most important building materials in Australian housing, with more than 70% of house frames constructed using timber.

“The $15 million investment in plantation establishment is particularly welcome. The trees we plant today will determine the timber available to Australian builders in the decades ahead.

“Equally important is the $115 million investment in modern processing and innovation to strengthen local manufacturing and get more value from Australia’s timber resources.

“Recent supply chain disruptions demonstrated the consequences when critical building materials become scarce, costs rise, construction slows and ultimately builders and home buyers pay more.

“Strengthening domestic timber production and processing will help reduce Australia’s exposure to international supply shocks while supporting manufacturing and regional jobs," Mr Croft said.

“HIA has consistently called for a long-term national approach to timber and building material security.

“The government’s Forestry Growth Fund and Timber Fibre Strategy are positive steps towards that goal and HIA welcomes the strong focus on supporting Australia’s sovereign capability.

“Australia has an enormous task ahead to build enough homes for a growing population. That means planning not just for the homes we need tomorrow, but the timber, trades and manufacturing capacity required to build them.

“This investment is a welcome step towards ensuring Australian builders have reliable access to Australian timber to get those homes built,” Mr Croft said.

www.hia.com.au

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