THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport has launched a new inquiry into the funding and financial sustainability of local governments in Australia.

Committee Chair, Fiona Phillips, said, "The committee wants to gain a deeper understanding of the financial relationship between local government and other levels of government in Australia, with a particular emphasis on funding mechanisms and fiscal sustainability."

The inquiry aims to identify how funding arrangements affect local government’s ability to deliver services and invest in local infrastructure by identifying all sources of government funding received by local governments.

The committee will also be exploring how to overcome barriers to infrastructure service delivery. It will consider trends in attracting and retaining a skilled workforce, impediments to security for local government workers and the impacts of labour hire practices.

The committee will be considering whether existing funding mechanisms are addressing the evolving responsibilities of local governments.

The committee said it welcomes submissions from interested organisations and individuals by February 3, 2026. Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the committee’s website.

Evidence provided to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport inquiry into Local Government Sustainability of the 47^th Parliament will be considered as part of this new inquiry.

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• the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia relating to Air Services;
• the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Colombia relating to Air Services; and
• the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Peru relating to Air Services.

These agreements establish the first treaty-level air services relationships between Australia and the countries of Saudi Arabia, Colombia and Peru.

Each agreement will enable the development and operations of international air services between Australia and the respective countries. They outline provisions relating to safety, security, regulatory compliance and commercial arrangements. These Agreements will benefit Australian travellers and businesses and will expand opportunities in tourism and export sectors.

Committee Chair, Lisa Chesters MP said, “Air Services Agreements play an important role in enhancing Australia’s global connectivity. The committee found these three agreements are expected to deliver economic benefits, particularly in tourism, education and trade.”

The report can be found on the Committee website, along with further information on the inquiry.

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THE Australian tyre industry, and its challenges and opportunities in the circular economy, will be the focus of a new inquiry by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science.

Australia generates more than 67 million end-of-life tyres each year, with many ending up in landfill, stockpiles, or exported without adequate oversight.

Improving innovation in the Australian tyre industry presents major opportunities to reinforce domestic manufacturing capabilities and facilitate the development of new markets for recycled materials, contributing to waste reduction and improved resource efficiency.

Committee Chair, Rob Mitchell MP, said, "It’s time for the rubber to hit the road. We want to understand the full lifecycle of a tyre, and how circular economy practices in reuse, retreading and resource recovery can be improved.

"A key focus for the committee will be the development of high-value uses for tyre-derived materials, including tyre designs, recycling processes and alternative materials," Mr Mitchell said.

The inquiry will also consider product stewardship schemes, infrastructure needs, regulatory settings, and environmental and community impacts.

"We are seeking input from all parts of the sector, from manufacturers and recyclers to researchers and community organisations," Mr Mitchell said.

"This is a critical part of our economy with huge potential for innovation. We want to hear about how the Australian Government can support the tyre industry to become more sustainable into the future."

The committee invited written submissions addressing the inquiry terms of reference by Friday, January 23, 2026.

Further information, including the terms of reference and details on how to make a submission can be found on the Committee’s website.

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) has adopted a new inquiry into gender equality as a national security and economic security imperative.

Chair of the JSCFADT, Shayne Neumann MP, said, “Gender equality is important on so many fronts. We’ve talked about how important it is for productivity, but this inquiry is a great opportunity to have a broader conversation about the role it plays in Australia’s economic and national security, and international security as a whole.”

Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee, Tony Zappia MP, said, “We know that when a crisis happens, whether conflict or climate disaster, women and girls are disproportionately impacted and gender equality suffers.

"This was acknowledged 25 years ago when the United Nations Security Council adopted the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. The committee hopes to explore how Australia can better contribute to efforts by the international community in advancing and implementing this agenda.”

Key themes of the inquiry’s focus include:

• The economic security and national security benefits of realising gender equality for every person, and how the integration of gender equality across foreign policy supports this objective;
• Evidence and data that demonstrates the links between gender equality and economic growth and prosperity, including in food security and labour markets;
• The international and national security implications of undermining gender equality, including in the context of humanitarian crises and climate change;
• The role of locally-led leadership and decision making in advancing gender equality and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda;
• The Australian government's efforts to advance gender equality and the human rights of women and girls across all aspects of foreign policy, defence and national security;
• The Women, Peace and Security agenda internationally and Australia's role in promoting and implementing it.

The subcommittee is now inviting written submissions by Tuesday, 20 January 2026.

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