THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations, Skills and Training has launched an inquiry into the operation and adequacy of the National Employment Standards (NES) under the Fair Work Act, and is seeking written submissions to guide the inquiry’s findings.

The inquiry – a commitment arising from the 2022 Jobs and Skills Summit – will consider whether the NES continue to meet the needs of workers, employers, and the broader economy.

The NES set out guaranteed minimum terms and conditions for all national system employees, along with modern awards. This safety net of terms and conditions underpins the bargaining system and serves an incredibly important role in the workplace relations system.

Committee Chair, Carina Garland MP, said, "The National Employment Standards are a critical part of the workplace relations framework, setting out a guaranteed minimum safety of terms and conditions that cannot be undercut.

"Sixteen years on, it’s time for a coordinated review to find out whether the Standards remain fit for purpose in a changing labour market," Dr Garland said.

"We are seeking to engage with the public and the Australian workforce to evaluate if the Standards continue to meet the needs of employees, employers and the economy.

"The committee also wants to receive submissions on the effectiveness and application of the NES, including any opportunities for technical improvements."

The inquiry will not focus on flexible working arrangements, casual employment, parental leave, or family and domestic violence leave, as these matters have either been recently reviewed or are scheduled for separate reviews.

The committee has invited written submissions in response to the terms of reference by Friday, February 27, 2026. Submissions will be welcomed from anyone with concerns about current employment entitlements, including unions, employer groups, academics, and workers covered by the NES – particularly women, workers over 55, young workers, First Nations workers, and people with disability.

Submitters who wish to provide input anonymously should contact the Secretariat to discuss available options. More information on the inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on making a submission, can be found on the inquiry website.

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THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the major treaty action Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005).

The committee found the amendments to the treaty are aimed at strengthening global preparedness for future pandemics. The amendments will allow the World Health Organization to respond to future pandemics more swiftly and effectively, through the following key measures:

• A new pandemic emergency declaration mechanism to improve early warning and elevate global attention to emerging health threats;
• Expanded core capacities, such as measures to combat misinformation and disinformation, and improved access to essential health products for developing countries;
• Strengthened global health architecture, promoting faster, coordinated international responses and reducing the risk of future pandemics.

Committee Chair Lisa Chesters MP said, "Australia already has strong health systems in place. The real benefit of these amendments lies in helping other countries strengthen their capacity to detect and respond to health threats early. This global cooperation ultimately safeguards Australians and reduces the risk of future pandemics."

The report also contains one minor treaty action relating to the Amendment to the International Tropical Timber Agreement, 2006. The treaty provides a framework for cooperation between tropical timber-producing and -consuming countries in the promotion of sustainable forest management and legal timber trade. The amendment is to extend the treaty until 2029.

The committee supports ratification of the major and minor treaty actions and recommends that binding treaty action be taken.

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

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THE Parliament Standing Committee on Petitions has today launched an Inquiry into the standing orders relating to petitions.

The committee will inquire into and report on the work of the Standing Committee on Petitions in the 48th Parliament, including:

• The suitability of the current provisions of the standing orders governing the form, submission, and consideration of petitions and e-petitions;
• The impact of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and automated systems, on the integrity and authenticity of the petitions process; and
• Potential amendments to the standing orders or administrative practices to ensure the petitions process remains accessible, credible, and sustainable.

Chair of the Committee Jodie Belyea MP, said, "Petitions enjoy a long history in the Western parliamentary tradition, dating back to the 12th century. Today, petitions remain one of the few ways for Australians to raise their concerns directly with parliament, and their popularity has only continued to grow.

“The e-petitions system was introduced in 2016 at the start of the 45^th Parliament. There has been a remarkable growth in e-petitioning from the days of paper petitions, when fewer than 300 petitions were typically presented over the course of a parliament.

"In the 47^th Parliament the number of petitions presented to the parliament was 1,706, with the vast majority of these being e-petitions.  Next year will mark the 10^th anniversary of the e-petitions system, and this inquiry is timely."

Submissions from interested individuals and organisations are invited by Friday, February 6, 2026. The preferred method of receiving submissions is by electronic format lodged online using a My Parliament account.

Further information about the committee’s inquiry is available on the committee’s website.

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QUEENSLAND Resources Council (QRC) chief executive officer Janette Hewson will release a key report revealing the resources sector’s economic contribution to Queensland at a major annual industry event in Brisbane tomorrow. 

The 2024-25 financial year report outlines the industry's contribution to the economy, jobs and to local businesses and community organisations across the state. 

QRC will also launch a new industry campaign promoting the importance of the resources sector to Queensland. 

Ms Hewson will address around 850 senior industry and government representatives discussing the report and the challenges and opportunities ahead for the sector.

What: QRC Annual Economic Contribution Report 2024-25
Where: QRC Annual Lunch, Plaza Ballroom, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre 
When: 12.30 - 2.15 pm.

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