THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP, is bringing the Australian Parliament House (APH) Flag Roadshow to schools across Sydney.

Under this program, the iconic flag that usually flies above Parliament House in Canberra will travel across Sydney, accompanied by local Members of Parliament, visiting local schools.

Over the next two days, the Speaker will take the APH National Flag to:

• Heathcote High School, with the Federal Member for Hughes, Jenny Ware MP;
• Gladesville Public School, with the Federal Member for Bennelong, Jerome Laxale MP;
• Box Hill Public School, with the Minister for Communications and the Federal Member for Greenway, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP; and
• Mimosa Public School, with the Federal Member for Mackellar, Dr Sophie Scamps MP.

This is an extension of the Speaker’s existing civics program to increase access to civics education and opportunities to experience Australian democracy, outside Canberra.

The APH Flag Roadshow program is designed to promote Australian democracy and is a gateway to broader discussions about civic engagement.

"The massive, iconic Parliament House Flag is something our young Australians should have the opportunity to see in real life," the Speaker said.

"This is an important way we can encourage students to develop an interest in and understanding and appreciation of the Australian National Flag – in a very practical way.

"I look forward to working with MPs from across the political spectrum, to deliver this program to schools across the country."

The APH Flag Roadshow complements the Parliament in Schools program, established by the Speaker in September 2022. An initiative to bring Parliament to regional and remote schools across Australia who may not get the opportunity to visit Canberra.

The Parliament in Schools Program has been delivered to over 145 schools across Australia by the Speaker, in collaboration with the Parliamentary Education Office and local Members of Parliament.

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THE House Standing Committee on Economics has released its report on Australia’s four major banks, concluding a series of annual public hearings throughout the 47th Parliament with executives from CBA, Westpac, ANZ and NAB.

These hearings are a key part of the committee’s long-standing role in scrutinising the major banks, a practice upheld since the 45th Parliament.

Chair of the Committee, Daniel Mulino MP, said, "The banks play a critical role in the economy and in the daily lives of Australians. Households and businesses have faced inflation, a sustained period of rising interest rates, and cost of living pressures. Mindful of this, the committee focused on how the banks are safeguarding both their institutions and the customers who rely on them."

The report highlights the significant influence of banks across many aspects of the economy and the importance of rigorous scrutiny to ensure transparency, accountability and responsible banking practices. It details key discussions on:

• the financial position of households and businesses amid ongoing economic pressures, as observed by the banks;
• the adequacy of the banks’ efforts to combat scams and protect consumers, particularly in the evolving social media landscape;
• the decline of cash services and concerning trends on branch closures, and whether the banks are properly supporting Bank@Post as an alternative;
• the evolving payments landscape, including concerns over surcharging on card payments at a time where the cost of living is elevated, and the banks’ influence in this space;
• the banks’ perspectives on housing affordability and supply challenges; and
• the banks’ commitments to environmental, social, and governance initiatives and their progress in meeting these responsibilities.

The committee also raised concerns about bank culture and conduct, noting that despite progress made since the Financial Services (Hayne) Royal Commission more than five years ago, serious issues persist.

Dr Mulino said, "The committee remains concerned about ongoing cultural and governance challenges within the banks. Recent developments—such as the increase in variable bonus caps for lenders and ASIC’s investigation into alleged misconduct by ANZ—demonstrate that parliamentary scrutiny of bank conduct remains essential."

Further information on the inquiry as well as a copy of the report can be obtained from the inquiry website.

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THE House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources has released its report for its inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing in Australia, titled Food for Thought: The opportunities and challenges for Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing industry. The report has made 23 recommendations.

Chair of the Committee, Rob Mitchell MP, said, "By 2040, the global population is expected to reach nine billion. This will shape the global economic and consumer landscape, and Australia is well-positioned to capitalise on its ‘clean and green’ reputation and ability to innovate and expand product range to further increase its market share, both domestically and internationally'.

"This inquiry found many opportunities for expanding the Australian food and beverage manufacturing sector. These include export opportunities, integrating new technologies, building on Australia’s reputational and competitive advantages, and adding value to raw products to produce high-value goods.

"The committee has made several recommendations to take advantage of these opportunities, including developing a National Food Plan, increasing AusTrade assistance for small and medium enterprises looking to export Australian food and beverage products to Asia, identifying skills shortages in the industry, and supporting automation technologies."

Further information on the inquiry, as well as a copy of the report, can be obtained from the inquiry website.

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THE Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has today released its report on public sector information technology (IT) procurement and projects.

The committee examined various large IT contracts over the course of the inquiry, including a visa processing system that was expanded to include other permit, licencing and registration processes; a system for managing parliamentary expenses; a system to evaluate suitable employment service providers; and a tool to enable administrators, service provider staff, employers and apprentices to exchange information in the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive Scheme.

Committee Chair, Linda Burney MP, said, "The committee’s main findings were that capability, planning and management shortfalls in these external IT contracts invariably led to poor outcomes."

The committee has made three core recommendations:

• that the Department of Finance improves its guidance to other entities, including more effective information on developing IT procurement plans;
• that the Department of Finance and the Digital Transformation Agency continue to collaborate on providing guidance and policy documents for IT procurements and projects; and
• that both agencies provide progress updates to the Committee on improvements to IT procurement practices.

Ms Burney said, "These sensible recommendations are underpinned by the absolute need to demonstrate value for money on behalf of the taxpayer, as required by the Commonwealth Procurement Rules and emphasised in multiple previous reports from this committee."

The report can be downloaded from the inquiry website.

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