THE deadline for the 2026 My First Speech competition has been extended to Wednesday July 29.

Developed by the Department of the House of Representatives, the My First Speech competition provides senior secondary school students a platform to connect with, and learn about, the work of the Australian Parliament. 

The competition invites students in Years 10-12 to imagine themselves as a newly elected Member of Parliament and to write a maximum three-minute speech on an issue they are passionate about.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP said, “One of my key priorities as Speaker has been to promote parliamentary education to students across the country, and this is yet another exciting way that young people can take an active role in our democratic system.”

One winner from each year group will receive an expenses-paid trip to Canberra to deliver their speech at an award ceremony hosted by the Speaker at Parliament House. Winners will also tour the building and other sites of national significance in Canberra.

The My First Speech website has tips and resources to aid students in writing a standout entry.

Entries close at 11:59pm AEST on Wednesday July 29, 2026. For more details and to enter competition, visit My First Speech competition.

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THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science will hold site visits and a public hearing in Sydney this week as part of its inquiry into the current state of the Australian tyre industry, and any challenges and opportunities for the industry within the context of a circular economy.

Committee Chair, Rob Mitchell MP said, "The committee will be making its final pit stop in Sydney to speak with researchers and other tyre industry representatives about work underway to improve circular outcomes for end-of-life tyres.

"On Tuesday, July 14, the committee will visit tyre recycling, retreading and research facilities across Sydney.

"The following day, on Wednesday, July 15, the committee will hear from a range of organisations at a public hearing, including those involved in the tyre, motoring and mining industries. Among those appearing is the Australian Tyre Industry Council, the peak industry body for tyres."

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

Public hearing details

Date: Wednesday, 15 July 2026
Time: 9:15am – 2:30pm (AEST)
Location: Dexus Place, Bennelong Room, Level 15, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney NSW

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

More information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference, submissions and transcripts of previous hearings, is available on the inquiry webpage.

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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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