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HIA calls for permanent Instant Asset Write-Off in Federal Budget to drive business investment

THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) has called on the Federal Government to make the Instant Asset Write-Off permanent in this year’s Federal Budget, saying the measure is important in supporting business investment in tools, technology and people.

HIA said, in its 2026/27 Pre-Budget Submission, that permanent write‑off would provide long‑term certainty for businesses across the residential building sector, most of which are small and medium‑sized enterprises, enabling them to invest with confidence.

“The Federal Budget is the right opportunity to lock in the Instant Asset Write‑Off on a permanent basis,” HIA chief executive for industry and policy, Simon Croft said.

“Certainty matters. Businesses need confidence that tax settings won’t change year‑to‑year if they are going to invest in equipment, new technology and their workforce.

“Repeated temporary extensions of the measure have limited its effectiveness and created unnecessary uncertainty for businesses making long‑term investment decisions.

“Helping businesses to invest will additionally help to achieve productivity goals as outlined in the recent Productivity Commission report, Housing construction productivity, Can we fix it?.

“For builders and trades, investment isn’t just about machinery and tools—it’s also about training and safety systems. Making the Instant Asset Write-Off permanent would directly support business growth and workforce capability," Mr Croft said.

The association said the measure would help businesses manage cost pressures while continuing to take on apprentices and upskill workers at a time of ongoing labour shortages.

“If the government is serious about improving productivity and increasing housing supply, it must support the businesses delivering that work," Mr Croft said.

“A permanent Instant Asset Write‑Off as part of this year’s Federal Budget would be a practical, business‑focused reform that delivers immediate benefits, supporting investment and strengthening the industry’s capacity to deliver new homes."

www.hia.com.au

 

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Electoral Matters Committee brings 2025 election inquiry hearings to Adelaide

THE Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters will be holding hearings in Adelaide on May 4 and 5 as part of its inquiry into the 2025 Federal Election.

Committee Chair, Jerome Laxale MP said, "South Australia has consistently been at the forefront of electoral innovation, and its experience continues to offer valuable insights into how our democratic processes can evolve and improve.

"These hearings will provide an important opportunity for South Australian voters and organisations to give voice to their views on our electoral process," Mr Laxale said.

"South Australia has set a notable example through its truth in political advertising laws, showing how strong standards can support integrity and confidence in our electoral system," Mr Laxale said. "We are grateful to the Electoral Commission of South Australia for appearing before the committee, given its unique expertise in implementing and enforcing truth in political advertising laws.’

Public hearing details

Date: Monday 4 May 2026
Location: Hotel Grand Chancellor, 65 Hindley St, Adelaide SA 5000

10am–11am : Democracy 2036
11am–11:45am : Professor Rodrigo Praino, Flinders University
11:45am–12:30pm : Associate Lecturer Lachlan Poel, Flinders University
1pm–1:45pm : Umeewarra Aboriginal Media Association
1:45pm–2:30pm : Electoral Reform Society of South Australia
2:30pm–3:30pm : Community Sessions
3:30pm : Close

Date: Tuesday 5 May 2026
Location: Hotel Grand Chancellor, 65 Hindley St, Adelaide SA 5000

9am : Electoral Commission South Australia
11am : Close

Further information on the 2025 election inquiry can be found at the inquiry webpage. Committee details can be found at the Committee’s webpage.

Programs for these upcoming hearings will be advertised on the Committee’s public hearings webpage as they are finalised. The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

 

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Upcoming hearings on the value of skilled migration

THE Joint Standing Committee on Migration will be holding public hearings in Adelaide, Canberra and Sydney during May 2026 for its inquiry into the value of skilled migration to Australia.  

To date, public hearings have been focused on Federal Government agencies in Canberra. Looking ahead, the committee intends to hear a wider range of perspectives from stakeholders involved in the migration system, including academics, migration agents and lawyers, migrant support services, industry associations and state government.

In Adelaide, the committee’s focus will be on initiatives and supports to encourage skilled migration to South Australia. In Canberra and Sydney, the committee will hear from migration experts and peak body groups representing the agriculture, construction, finance and hospitality and business sectors.

Committee Chair, Steve Georganas MP, said, "The committee looks forward to taking evidence from a range of sectors and industries with experience in supporting and employing skilled migrants.”

The committee expects to conduct additional hearings throughout Australia in the coming months. More details about the inquiry, including hearing programs, are available on the committee’s website.  

Public hearing details 

Adelaide  

Date: Monday, 4 May 2026  
Time: 9.30am to 4pm ACST
Location: Elevate & Collaborate Room, Crowne Plaza, 27 Frome St, Adelaide

Canberra  

Date: Friday, 15 May 2026 
Time: 8.30am to 2.20pm AEST
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra

Sydney  

Date: Tuesday, 19 May 2026 
Time: 9.30am to 4.20pm AEST
Location: The Macquarie Room, NSW Parliament House, Sydney 

The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

 

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Public hearings Mel, Syd into gender equality as a national security and economic security imperative

Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee, Tony Zappia MP, said, "The subcommittee looks forward to hearing from scholars, policy organisations, advocacy groups and aid organisations about their first-hand experience of how gender equality supports national and economic security."

Examples of witnesses the subcommittee will hear from include:

  • the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women;
  • the Centre for International Security Studies at the University of Sydney;
  • Women in International Security Australia;
  • the Humanitarian Advisory Group;
  • Plan International Australia;
  • Dr Anna Cody, Sex Discrimination Commissioner.

Mr Zappia said, "These individuals and groups will give the subcommittee valuable evidence of the essential role of women in creating resilience, responding to crises and raising the alarm about emerging security threats. Knowledge of the work of women in the Indo-Pacific is essential to Australia’s foreign policy and the security of our region.

"The evidence we hear will also help the subcommittee identify threats and obstacles to gender equality that are directly impacting economic and national security, and ways the Australian Government could respond to these."

Further information, including the full terms of reference, is available on the Inquiry webpage.

Public Hearing Details

Melbourne
Date: Tuesday 5 May 2026
Time: 9:30am–4pm (AEST)
Location: Cliftons, 440 Collins St, Melbourne

Sydney
Date: Wednesday 6 May 2026
Time: 9am–2pm (AEST)
Location: Cliftons, 60 Margaret St, Sydney

Programs for each public hearing are available on the inquiry website.

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

 

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Employment Committee to hear business perspectives on workers’ minimum entitlements

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations, Skills and Training will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 5, as part of its inquiry into the operation and adequacy of the National Employment Standards (NES).

The inquiry was referred to the committee on November 27, 2025, by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth MP.

At the public hearing in Western Sydney, the committee will listen to business owners’ experiences with the NES, examining whether the system is working effectively and remains accessible for small and medium‑sized businesses.

Building on evidence already received from government stakeholders and employee groups, this hearing will allow the committee to capture business perspectives and develop a more comprehensive understanding of how the NES operates in practice.

Committee Chair, Carina Garland MP, said the hearing would reveal to the Committee how businesses experience the NES framework.

"As the nature of work continues to evolve, it’s important that the National Employment Standards are clear and navigable for employers and workers alike. The committee is seeking to understand how the NES operates in practice for small and medium-sized businesses, with this hearing helping to identify areas of uncertainty and opportunities to streamline the framework," Dr Garland said.

The committee will hear evidence from:

  • Australian Industry Group
  • Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia
  • Martha Travis People Innovators
  • A small business panel including local businesses
  • Youth Law Australia

Further information is available on the Committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Tuesday 5 May 2026
Time: 9am to 12pm
Location: Warwick Farm Holiday Inn, Warwick Farm, Sydney and online

The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

 

 

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