THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) this week convened for the new 48th Parliament and adopted a work program that includes several new inquiries.

The committee has invited invites public submissions on the following reviews:

• Review of the listing of Terrorgram as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code Act 1995; submissions due by September 10, 2025;
• Review of the Strengthening Oversight of the National Intelligence Community Bill 2025; submissions due by September 25, 2025;
• Review of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2025; submissions due by October 9, 2025.

Committee Chair Senator Raff Ciccone, re-elected to lead the PJCIS, said the committee was eager to return to its important oversight role.

‘The committee is pleased to be back to work and encourages submissions from individuals and organisations on these important matters," Senator Ciccone said.

"Each of these reviews proposes important measures aimed at strengthening the legal and operational framework of Australia’s national security," he said.

Further details on each review, including submission guidelines and deadlines, are available on the committee’s website: aph.gov.au/pjcis.

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties held a public hearing today for its inquiry into the Nauru-Australia Treaty.

The Treaty enhances cooperation between Australia and Nauru in relation to strengthening Nauru’s economy, security and social resilience. The agreement also enables mutual agreement and consultation on Nauru’s partnerships including in the areas of security, telecommunications and banking.

Committee Chair, Lisa Chesters MP, said, "As Pacific partners, Australia and Nauru have shared close relations for many years in trade, investment and security. This agreement affirms Australia’s position as Nauru’s primary security and development assistance partner and is evidence of our bilateral relationship, shared history and cultural affinity.

"This Treaty follows other agreements with Nauru and similar treaties with Pacific nations, like the 2024 Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union. Alongside increasing collaboration with Nauru, the agreement reinforces Australia’s commitment to developing and supporting the Pacific region and its security, stability and resilience," Ms Chesters said.

The committee heard evidence from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at the public hearing.

Public hearing details

Date: Monday, 25 August 2025
Time: 11am to 12.30pm AEST
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House Canberra

The hearing was broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

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THE Department of the House of Representatives and Y Australia have called for expressions of interest in the National Youth Parliament 2026.

Through this program, young people from all walks of life will engage directly with civics and the Parliament. The program aims to equip 16–17-year-olds with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to actively participate in Australia's democratic and parliamentary system.

Through hands-on learning experiences, including simulated parliamentary debates, workshops with political leaders, and real-world policy challenges, students will gain a deeper understanding of how Parliament works and the process by which bills are drafted, debated and passed into law.

Youth members will travel to Canberra for a five-day (four-night) program held across Australia’s Parliament House and the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House. All costs associated with the program including travel and accommodation are covered by the program.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP, said, ‘The establishment and delivery of a National Youth Parliament program was a major priority for me as Speaker.

"I am proud to be giving young Australians a brand-new opportunity to learn about civics and our parliamentary system. The future of Australia’s great democracy is in the hands of our young Australians, and this is one way they will be able to shape it for future generations."

The Department of the House of Representatives is working with experienced Youth Parliament program provider, Y Australia to deliver the program. The Y has been running Youth Parliament programs for more than four decades.

CEO of Y Australia, Alexandra Ash, said, "We don’t just want young people to vote when they turn 18, we want them to understand why their vote matters, how decisions are made, and how they can influence them. Education in civics and democracy is key to that, and we’re thrilled to work with the Department of the House of Representatives on this initiative."

Why it matters:

• Research shows that young Australians are increasingly disengaged from traditional politics yet remain deeply passionate about social issues.
• Civics education has been declining in curriculum focus, leaving many young people unaware of how laws are made or how Parliament functions.
• This program helps close that gap by giving students real opportunities to see behind the scenes and learn how the system works.

Expressions of interest are now open. Young people who will be aged 16 or 17 in August 2026 are encouraged to submit an EOI at Home - National Youth Parliament.

No prior political experience is required – just curiosity, commitment, and a desire to learn.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply, as are young people from rural and regional areas or those from marginalised backgrounds.

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THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed yesterday's announcement to bring forward the start of the expanded Federal Government Home Guarantee Scheme to October 1.

"This promises to open doors for more people and is an important boost for aspirational home buyers in Australia,”  HIA managing director Jocelyn Martin said.

“This will make homeownership more accessible to those who may have previously been locked out of the market and something HIA successfully advocated for in lead up to this year’s election.

“Since its inception, HIA has been strongly supportive of the Home Guarantee Scheme. To date the scheme has helped more than 210,000 Australians get into a home of their own," she said.

“Previously the scheme has been capped at 50,000 new places each year, but today’s announcement will mean there are no caps or income limits and property prices have been adjusted in line with average house prices in both metropolitan and regional areas.

“This will mean more Australians can access the scheme and get into housing sooner," Ms Martin said.

“Under the First Home Guarantee, an eligible first home buyer can purchase a property with a deposit of as little as five percent.

“The guarantee offers help to those Australians looking to buy their first home, recognising that saving for a deposit is the largest obstacle to achieving home ownership.

“With the current cost pressures on households, a first home buyer is facing years to save a deposit and in that time they risk being priced out of the market.

”Recent analysis of the scheme shows that more than one third of all guarantees were issued to buyers in regional areas. It also showed an increasing proportion of younger buyers participated in the scheme each year since its inception highlighting its importance to a broad range of Australian’s.

“HIA has always maintained that owning your own home is the best form of financial and personal security a person can have. The expanded Home Guarantee Scheme goes a long way to helping that dream become a reality,” Ms Martin said.

www.hia.com.au

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