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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HOW DOES the House of Representatives work? What is the Australian legislative system? Who are the members?  How do House committees operate?

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 Wednesday, July 29.

This half-day seminar is presented by senior officers from the Department of the House of Representatives. It is a development opportunity for professionals wanting a detailed yet practical understanding of the role of the House and its members, the legislative process and the work of House and joint committees.

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

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.

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.

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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THE Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs will be holding a public hearing in Canberra on Friday, June 26 for its inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The hearing will bring together a range of national bodies, government agencies, and experts with experience in policy, service delivery and online safety to provide evidence to the committee.

Committee Chair, Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba woman Senator Jana Stewart, said, “This hearing is an opportunity to hear from key national bodies like Reconciliation Australia, alongside the federal agencies responsible for tackling racism.

"The committee is focused on practical action and real accountability. With systemic and institutional racism emerging as major themes, we want to see what these agencies are doing internally to combat it. This is also about examining where trust with First Nations communities has broken down, and how those agencies plan to rebuild it.”

The inquiry is examining the prevalence, impacts and drivers of racism, hate and violence, as well as existing responses and opportunities for reform. Evidence gathered during the hearings will inform the committee’s final report to Parliament.

Witnesses scheduled to appear include Reconciliation Australia, First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group, Department of Social Services, eSafety Commissioner, Attorney-General’s Department, National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), Australian Federal Police (AFP), Department of Home Affairs, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Services Australia, and Department of Education (including the Australian Tertiary Education Commission).

Information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and the public hearing program, is available on the committee’s website.

Please note the committee and secretariat are unable to provide counselling, advice, or support for individuals. Help is available:

For First Nations people:

• 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 Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a final public hearing for its inquiry into gender equality as a national security and economic security imperative Friday, June 26.

Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee, Tony Zappia MP, said this final hearing will feature representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to discuss some of the inquiry’s key findings.

Mr Zappia said, "DFAT is the lead agency on Australia’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, and supports gender equality as a central pillar of Australia’s foreign policy through the International Gender Equality Strategy.

‘This hearing will give the subcommittee an opportunity to consider practical avenues to further embed gender equality in regional approaches to security. We hope to discuss how Australia can advocate globally and regionally for gender equality to be centralised as a security imperative.’

Further information, including the full terms of reference, is available on the inquiry webpage.

Public Hearing Details

Date: Friday 26 June 2026
Time: 8am–9am (AEST)
Location: Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra

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

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