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Public Works Committee supports redevelopment of Blamey Barracks

TODAY, Tony Zappia MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works presented the Public Works Committee’s second report of 2026 to the House of Representatives.

Report 2/2026 – Referral made in September 2025 considers the proposed redevelopment of Blamey Barracks, Kapooka, New South Wales for a total estimated cost of $889.2 million (excluding GST).

Following an inquiry during which the committee had the opportunity to visit the Barracks and see firsthand the conditions of the site and question Department of Defence officials at public and in-camera hearings in Wagga Wagga, the committee found that the proposed works would bring the Barracks in line with today’s standards. The committee has recommended the House of Representatives approve the works.

Mr Zappia said, "As the Home of the Solider, Blamey Barracks played a vital role for Defence in the basic training of Army recruits and ensuring Defence is able to maintain capability requirements as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.

"The redevelopment project will support Defence workforce planning by ensuring that Blamey Barracks has modern and fit-for-purpose facilities for recruits to live and train in," Mr Zappia said.

"After seeing the condition of the current facilities firsthand, the committee agrees that the site is in need of an upgrade."

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works is not involved in the tendering process, awarding of contracts or details of the proposed works. Enquiries on these matters should be directed to the relevant Commonwealth entities.

 

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Insurance industry to support customers as conflict drives up costs

THE Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) hastasked its most senior industry committee to actively manage the evolving impacts of the Middle East conflict across all insurance lines, ensuring the industry is ready to respond swiftly for customers.

Preliminary industry data shows the increasing fuel costs are disrupting existing supply chains, increasing the cost of materials,and delaying labour to completerepairs to homes and vehicles. 

Insurers have reported price increases of up to 36% for building materials, up to 30% for trades and on-site specialists, and up to 50% for freight.

Following a meeting of the ICA Board earlier this week, the ICA’s Board Strategy Committee will:

  • Work with member companies to support consumers seeking hardship assistance in line with the General Insurance Code of Practice.

  • Lead cross-sector engagement with government and industry stakeholders to anticipate supply chain disruptions and develop mitigation strategies.

  • Coordinate proactive communications to small businesses, encouraging them to talk to their insurer and/or broker for information around policy coverage or adjustments to premiums.

While claims directly linked to Middle East supply chain disruptions have not yet materialised, the ICA has systems in place to track, detect and respond to any shifts as they emerge.

The ICA noted the Federal Government’s release on Monday of four levels of action: ‘plan and prepare’; ‘keeping Australia moving’; ‘taking targeted action’; and ‘protecting critical service’ and is committed to working with the Australian Government on practical relief measures during this uncertain time.

ICA CEO Andrew Hall said, "The insurance sector, as always through times of crisis, stands ready to work together with Government to support Australians assupply chains cause further disruption and add cost pressures to customers and the operations of the industry.

"In the same way the ICAworks when a natural catastrophe occurs, the board has tasked the industry’s most senior executives to monitor impacts and, as appropriate, coordinate the industry’s response. 

"We welcome National Cabinet’s announcement on Mondayaround the staging of the impacts of the war on Australia, as we continue to work with state and federal governments to support Australians," Mr Hall said.

"If insurance customers have any concerns or believe they have a claim they should speak with the insurer or broker in the first instance."

 

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Committee to hear from lead department on circular economy benefits and impediments for solar panels

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water will hold its first public hearing on Wednesday, April 1, as part of its inquiry into solar panel reuse and recycling. The inquiry was referred on January 19 by the Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator Murray Watt.

The public hearing will provide an opportunity for the committee to question officials from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water about current policy settings, regulatory arrangements and future options to improve the sustainability and circularity of Australia’s solar energy system.

The committee has received submissions from all levels of government, various businesses, peak associations and individuals in the sector.

Committee Chair, Anne Urquhart MP, said, "The public hearing provides an important opportunity to examine the department’s views on Australia’s preparedness for managing end‑of‑life solar panels as installations continue to grow nationwide, and the opportunities and challenges associated with expanding domestic reuse and recycling capabilities. 

“Australia has one of the highest rates per capita of rooftop solar panel installation in the world.” Ms Urquhart said. “As we continue to transition to renewable energy, we must ensure that the components of the system we build—in this case the solar panels—do not become a long-term environmental and economic burden."

Australia’s circular economy framework will be discussed, and how it aligns with the views expressed by industry stakeholders and environmental groups in submissions to the inquiry. The committee will also discuss the current and potential viable panel reuse streams in the local economy, and how this could be fostered.

Public hearing details:

Date:               Wednesday, 1 April 2026
Time:               10am to 11am (AEDT)
Location:         Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House Canberra and online.

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

Hearing with:   Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water

Further information, including the terms of reference, can be found on the committee’s website.

 

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Public Works Committee referred proposed works by the AFP and CSIRO

THE Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works has recently commenced two new inquiries into proposed works by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) under the Public Works Committee Act 1969.

The AFP is proposing to fit out new premises for its Northern Command Headquarters located in Brisbane, Queensland.

The proposed new premises will replace the AFP’s existing two major Brisbane offices in Newstead and Fortitude Valley with 10,594 square metres of floorspace at 949 Ann Street in the Brisbane CBD. As well as office space, the proposed works will deliver over 3,000sqm of technical and specialist areas. The estimated cost of the proposed works in $89.3 million (excluding GST).

The CSIRO is proposing to upgrade and fit out Building 302 at its complex in Clayton, Victorian to deliver purpose-built laboratory facilities for staff relocating from the CSIRO’s site located in Aspendale, Victoria. The proposed works will allow the CSIRO to consolidate staff into modern, fit-for-purpose, compliant, and future-ready accommodation at the Clayton site and maintain capacity for vital atmospheric and climate science. The estimated cost of the proposed works is $18.27 million (excluding GST).

The committee has invited interested individuals and organisations to make submissions by Friday, May 1, 2026 for the AFP referral and Monday, May 11, 2026 for the CSIRO referral. More information is available on the inquiry websites: AFP, Brisbane and CSIRO, Clayton.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works is not involved in the tendering process, awarding of contracts or details of the proposed works. Enquiries on these matters should be directed to the relevant Commonwealth entities.

 

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Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee to hear from government agencies at first hearing

THE Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee will hold its first hearing of its inquiry into the link between domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) and suicide on Friday, March 27.

Committee Chair, Louise Miller-Frost MP, said the hearing provides "an important opportunity to understand how Commonwealth agencies are currently capturing data, coordinating services, and responding to DFSV victimisation that is linked to suicide risk".

The committee will hear from six Australian Government agencies:

  • Department of Social Services
  • Attorney-General’s Department
  • Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
  • National Indigenous Australians Agency
  • Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
  • Australian Bureau of Statistics

"These government bodies play a central role in shaping national policy, and their insights will provide a strong launching pad for the committee’s inquiry,’ Ms Miller-Frost said.

"The committee is expecting to hold interstate hearings in April and further hearings in Canberra over the coming months," Ms Miller-Frost said.

More information about the inquiry, including the terms of reference and submissions, can be found on the inquiry webpage.

Public hearing details

Date: Friday, 27 March 2026
Time: 10am to 12.15pm
Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra

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

Public hearings are broadcast live on the Australian Parliament House Streaming Portal.

 

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Treaties Committee recommends ratification of Pacific Resilience Facility Agreement and Manipulation of Sports Competitions Convention

THE Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) has tabled a report recommending the ratification of the Agreement to Establish the Pacific Resilience Facility and the Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions.

The report also contains the minor treaty action 2025 Amendments to Annex I of the International Convention against Doping in Sport.

The Agreement to Establish the Pacific Resilience Facility establishes the Pacific Resilience Facility as an international funding organisation. The organisation will fund projects and grants aimed at strengthening the region’s capacity to address the accelerating impacts of climate change.

The committee found that the agreement aligns with Australia’s regional goals to build resilience and stability in the Pacific.

Committee Chair, Lisa Chesters MP said, “This is an innovative agreement for the Pacific and efforts targeting the effects of climate change. Australia is a longstanding member of the Pacific Islands Forum and supports Pacific initiatives. The agreement will allow Australia to increase its regional support in an organisation that is Pacific-designed, implemented and led.”

The Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions establishes a framework for countries to work collaboratively with sports organisations and betting operators to detect, prevent and punish manipulation of sports competitions. The convention also facilitates international cooperation to further sports integrity on a global scale.

Ms Chesters said, “Sport is a substantial part of Australian culture, identity and economy. Ratification of the convention will allow Australia to contribute to strengthening the global response to match fixing and illegal gambling, two issues that threaten the integrity of Australia’s sport industry.”

The committee found that ratifying the convention would allow Australia to fortify its current regulatory and legislative framework. This would allow Australia to continue leading sports integrity efforts globally.

Throughout the inquiry process, the committee held public hearings for both treaties and heard from a range of stakeholders.

Australia supports ratification of these treaties 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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Public hearings commence for inquiry into gender equality as a national security and economic security imperative

THE Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade through its Human Rights Subcommittee will hold its first public hearing for its inquiry into gender equality as a national security and economic security imperative on Friday, March 27.

Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee, Tony Zappia MP, said, "Australia is a global champion of gender equality. The subcommittee will hear from government departments responsible for Australia’s foreign policy, defence and national security, to understand how the Australian government is promoting gender equality in this period of shifting global norms.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade is the whole-of-government lead on the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. The subcommittee will hear from implementation partners of Australia’s action plan for Women, Peace and Security, including representatives from DFAT, the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Defence and the Australian Federal Police.

"The subcommittee also looks forward to hearing from representatives from the Office for Women and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research on issues relevant to the inquiry terms of reference, including the importance of gender equality to economic prosperity and food security, and their expertise on gender-responsive budgeting, research and policymaking."

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

Public Hearing Details

Date: Friday 27 March 2026
Time: 9am–12:45pm (AEDT)
Location: Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra

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

 

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Critical minerals advance Australia - Parliamentary hearing

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries will hold its first public hearing on Thursday, March 26, as part of its inquiry into factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes for critical minerals projects across Australia.

The committee will hear from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR), whose submission highlights the role of critical minerals within the Australian Government’s $22.7 billion Future Made in Australia Plan (FMA).

DISR said, "Critical minerals are a cornerstone of the FMA, with critical minerals processing identified as a priority under the National Interest Framework due to its supply chain vulnerabilities."

The DISR submission also highlights the potential growth from increasing raw exports of critical minerals, and the further opportunities in expanding downstream refining and processing.

Committee Chair, Meryl Swanson, said, "Critical minerals are a cornerstone of the modern economy—critical to developments in AI, defence and renewable energy. They present enormous opportunities for Australia, but also real challenges. Ensuring the social licence of critical mineral projects will be key to maximising benefits while minimising impacts."

More information on the inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on making a submission, can be found on the inquiry website.

Public hearing

Date: Thursday, 26 March 2026
Time: 9.45am – 11am (AEDT)
Location: Committee Room 1R2, Parliament House, Canberra

A program for the public hearing is available on the inquiry website. A live broadcast of the hearing will also be available on the APH website.

 

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ACFID to give evidence at public hearing for conflict prevention inquiry

THE Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hear from the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) as part of its Inquiry into the role of Australia's international development program in preventing conflict on Thursday March 26.

Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee, the Tim Watts MP, said the subcommittee looked forward to hearing from ACFID, Australia’s peak body for international development NGOs.

"ACFID represents organisations working at the frontline of peacebuilding, humanitarian response and community resilience across our region," Mr Watts said. "Their on‑the‑ground experience will give the subcommittee critical insights into the effectiveness of Australia’s development program in conflict settings."

Witnesses from ACFID will be joined by representatives from Conciliation Resources and Action Aid Australia, two ACFID member organisations who contributed to the submission from ACFID as well as providing their own submissions to the inquiry.

Mr Watts said the hearing would provide an opportunity for the subcommittee to explore the practical realities of conflict‑prevention work in fragile and conflict‑affected states.

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

Public Hearing Details

Date: Thursday 26 March 2026

Time: 8am–9am (AEDT)

Location: Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra

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

 

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Employment Committee to hear from government on employee entitlements

THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations, Skills and Training will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 26, 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 Employment and Workplace Relations Minister, Amanda Rishworth MP.

The NES set out the minimum terms and conditions of employment for all national system employees, alongside modern awards. Together, they form the safety net that underpins Australia’s workplace relations system.

At the public hearing, the committee will examine how effectively the NES protect employee entitlements, how well the standards are understood and complied with in practice, and the role of government agencies in administering and enforcing the framework.

Committee Chair, Dr Carina Garland MP, said the hearing would provide an important opportunity to hear directly from the federal government.

"The committee seeks to examine how the National Employment Standards (NES) are operating for Australian workers, employers, and the broader economy. In particular, it aims to understand the government’s perspective on whether the NES remain fit for purpose in 2026, and to identify any gaps or challenges affecting employees’ access to their minimum entitlements."

The committee will hear evidence from:

  • the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations;
  • the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Further information is available on the committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Thursday 26 March 2026
Time: 9am to 10am
Location: Committee Room 2R2, Parliament House Canberra and online.

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

 

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Public hearing on arts and cultural philanthropy

 

CREATIVE AUSTRALIA will give evidence this Wednesday at a public hearing for an inquiry into arts and cultural philanthropy.

The Standing Committee on Communications, the Arts and Sport is inquiring into opportunities to increase philanthropic giving for Australia’s cultural sector and the role the government could play in boosting private support for the arts.

Chair of the House Standing Committee on Communications, the Arts and Sport, Susan Templeman MP, said,

"Arts and culture are crucial to the vitality of Australian society and the wellbeing of our communities. Public funding will always provide a bedrock of support, but philanthropy can help take creative ambition to the next level.

"Recent reforms to Creative Australia have brought public funding and philanthropic support together into one organisation.

"The committee looks forward to hearing Creative Australia’s views on opportunities to better support cultural activity through increased philanthropic giving," Ms Templeman said.

Public hearing details are below, along with the full terms of reference available on the inquiry webpage.

More information about the committee, including membership, may be found on the Committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Wednesday, 25 March 2026
Time: 12pm up to 1pm (Canberra time)
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra

Watch on YouTube @AUSParliamentLive or ParlView

 

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