THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP, has chosen distinguished political journalist Dennis Shanahan to deliver the sixth Speaker’s Lecture at Parliament House on November 23.
Mr Shanahan will speak on the topic ‘How the rise of social media and misinformation is changing Australia’s democracy, and what we can do to safeguard our country.’
Mr Shanahan has been The Australian’s Canberra bureau chief, then political editor and now national editor based in the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery since 1989 covering every Federal Budget, election and prime minister since then. He has been in journalism since 1971 and has a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University, New York.
Speaker's Lecture 2026
Date: Monday 23 November 2026 Time: 12 noon – 1pm AEDT Venue: Main Committee Room, Parliament House, Canberra
Mr Shanahan will be introduced by the Speaker and the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Ms Claressa Surtees. A Q&A session will be held after Mr Shanahan’s speech.
Building occupants and members of the public have been invited to attend (RSVP required).
The Speaker’s lecture will also be broadcast on the APH website: www.aph.gov.au/live.
The Vanuatu-Australia Nakamal Agreement aims to establish a legally-binding framework for security, economic, developmental and people to people cooperation between Australia and Vanuatu. Through strengthening the existing security partnership and economic and people to people cooperation, the agreement aims to advance the respective national security interests of each party.
Committee Chair, Lisa Chesters MP, said, "Australia and Vanuatu share close connections, history and geography which entwine our cultures and peoples. We also share an interest in the collective security, sovereignty and prosperity of the Pacific region.
"The committee is interested in understanding how the agreement will strengthen Australia’s role as Vanuatu’s closest economic, security and development partner," Ms Chesters said.
The committee will hear evidence from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Federal Police.
Further information about the inquiry, including the treaty text, National Interest Analysis and submissions received by the committee, are available on the inquiry’s webpage.
Public hearing details
Date: Monday, 12 October 2026 Time: 10:30am – 11:30am AEDT (approximately) Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House Canberra
THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Lynda McAlary-Smith, has welcomed the decision that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will continue accepting credit card payments until June 30, 2027, describing it as a practical outcome that recognises the cash flow realities facing many Australian small businesses.
Ms McAlary-Smith said access to flexible payment options remains important for many small business and family enterprise operators who carefully manage cash flow while meeting their tax obligations.
“I welcome the Treasurer's announcement that the ATO will continue accepting credit card payments until 30 June 2027,” Ms McAlary-Smith said.
“This is a sensible and welcome decision that gives small businesses breathing room and recognises the very real cash flow pressures they are managing.
“For a small business, flexibility in how and when bills are paid can make a real difference to cash flow,” she said.
“The ATO has listened to concerns from myself and other stakeholders about the impact this change would have had on small businesses and the need for genuine consultation that reflects the real experiences of business owners who are already managing significant financial pressures.”
Ms McAlary-Smith said, “This extension provides valuable breathing room for small businesses who use credit cards as a legitimate cash flow management tool to meet obligations on time and allows consultation about longer term arrangements to take place.
“Small businesses have told us that removing this payment option too quickly would make managing already tight cash flow even harder. It is pleasing to see those concerns heard and acted on.
“This extension provides valuable time to properly consider what comes next and ensure any longer-term arrangements are workable for small businesses," Ms McAlary-Smith said.
“While this is a positive outcome, I will continue to advocate strongly for the interests of small businesses and ensure their practical experience is at the centre of the ATO’s consultation as I work with them over the coming months.”
THE Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has suspended its plan to deny payments by credit card from November 30. It has agreed to continue accepting credit card payments for tax obligations until June 30, 2027.
An ATO spokesperson said the change followed "discussions with the government and the provision of transitional funding".
"We will continue to consult with relevant stakeholders and stewardship groups to understand how best to support those experiencing financial hardship and identify alternative arrangements for businesses and individuals who are unable to pay via other methods," the ATO said in an official statement.
"Taxpayers who wish to continue using a credit card to meet their tax obligations after 30 June 2027 may continue to use third-party payment providers. The ATO encourages taxpayers considering these options to carefully consider relevant fees, charges and processing timeframes.
"The ATO also encourages taxpayers to remain vigilant against scams and verify the credentials of any third-party providers before sharing information or making payments."
The ATO said taxpayers needing additional support "are encouraged to contact the ATO or speak with their registered tax professional".
THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) is calling on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Federal Government to reverse the decision to cease accepting credit card payments from November 30, warning the change needs to be viewed against the cumulative financial pressure already confronting residential building businesses.
HIA chief executive for industry and policy, Simon Croft said the decision removed a legitimate payment option used by some businesses to help manage cash flow at a time when builders are being asked to absorb an increasing range of costs, taxes and compliance obligations.
“Residential builders and small businesses more broadly continue to navigate a challenging operating environment, with increased construction costs, wages, insurance, finance and regulatory costs all significantly higher than they were just a few years ago,” Mr Croft said.
“Builders and small businesses are also navigating a growing list of additional cost and compliance pressures.
“Recent and upcoming changes include increases in minimum award wage rates, the introduction of payday superannuation, restrictions on credit card surcharges, higher fuel costs, increases in insurance premiums, and additional costs flowing through from levies and charges applied across the supply chain.
“Businesses are also facing proposals that could significantly increase the tax burden on family-owned enterprises, a reduction in government support for employers taking on apprentices, and an expanding range of regulatory and reporting requirements.
“Each of these changes may appear manageable in isolation, but together they are placing increasing pressure on business cash flow, profitability and confidence," Mr Croft said.
“Combined with elevated construction costs and tighter trading conditions, these pressures continue to make managing cash flow one of the most significant challenges facing residential building businesses.
“Cash flow remains critical for residential building businesses. Builders are often balancing payments to employees, subcontractors, suppliers, insurers and government agencies well before the next progress payment is received from a client.
“While the ATO's decision does not change the amount of tax owed, it removes one of the tools some businesses use to manage the timing of payments and maintain cash flow," he said.
“HIA is calling on the ATO and the Federal Government to reverse the decision before it takes effect on November 30 and retain access to credit card payments for taxation liabilities.
“Removing payment flexibility does not reduce a business's tax obligations. It simply makes managing cash flow more difficult at a time when many builders are already facing significant cost pressures.
“Small and medium-sized builders construct the majority of Australia's new homes. At a time when governments are looking to increase housing supply, every effort should be made to support the businesses responsible for delivering those homes, not impose further costs and complexities on their business,” Mr Croft said.
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