Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I present 12 government responses to committee reports as listed on today's Order of Business. In accordance with the usual practice, I seek leave to incorporate the documents in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The documents read as follows—

Australian Government response to the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs report:

Inquiry into economic self-determination and opportunities for First Nations Australians

March 2026

Recommendation Key

Preamble

The Australian Government thanks and acknowledges the work of the Committee and secretariat in producing this report and its recommendations, and would further like to acknowledge the work of First Nations partners and organisations that are advancing the economic empowerment agenda.

The First Nations economy has a rich and enduring tradition, and today's policy settings should be viewed in their proper context. First Nations people have exercised economic self-determination through the trading of goods, services and information, both domestically and internationally, for tens of thousands of years. The strength and resilience of the modern First Nations economy derives from the strength, resilience, creativity and resourcefulness of First Nations people.

These strengths are obvious when one considers the numbers. First Nations businesses are thriving—they contribute over $16 billion to Australia's economy and pay out more than $4.2 billion in wages to 116,000 people across 13,000 businesses1 every year. The community-controlled sector is also a significant employer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, all the while providing vital support to over 500,000 First Nations Australians in all states and territories. Furthermore, the First Nations Estate equates to a legal right and interest to around 60 per cent of the Australian land massi and approximately 43 per cent of clean energy projects required to meet Australia's net zero commitments will need to be situated on the First Nations estate.

The Government recognises these strengths as a solid foundation with which to work towards greater economic empowerment of First Nations Australians. Increased economic opportunity can play a major role in reducing outcomes gaps across all aspects of policy, in all walks of life. As agreed in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, economic policy—like all policy, is done best in Partnership.

To this end the Government, working in partnership with First Nations representatives has established a First Nations Economic Partnership. The Government, guided by the Partnership, will develop a First Nations Economic Framework that will draw together the fundamentals needed to drive Government action across portfolios.2

The Australian Government is pleased to provide the responses that follow.

Recommendation 1

2.38 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government and the Department of Treasury develop a supplementary measurement framework that incorporates the principles of Australia's Measuring What Matters Framework. This must include profiling and tracking to illustrate gaps and the mapping of variations of socio-economic wellbeing of First Nations communities. This will create a systematic way to track the socio-economic wellbeing of communities over time.

Response: Noted

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

In signing the National Agreement on Closing the Gap the Australian Government has committed to collecting and sharing data that is most useful to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities (clauses 70-74 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap) on a range of metrics surrounding the 19 socio-economic targets. The Data Policy Partnership will bring together all Australian governments with First Nations representatives to progress work that will strengthen data related activities under the National Agreement. The Data Policy Partnership is co-chaired by a representative from the New South Wales Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations and a representative from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Recommendation 2

3.95 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government fund a national longitudinal Indigenous economic and business dataset to understand the composition and economic contribution of First Nations business to the Australian economy.

Response: Support in principle

The Australian Government supports this recommendation in principle. The Australian Bureau of Statistics' existing Business Longitudinal Analysis Data Environment (BLADE) and emerging Business Characteristics Asset (BCA) provide a foundation for the potential development of a national longitudinal Indigenous economic and business dataset. While these data assets do not currently support nationally consistent identification of First Nations businesses, the existing BLADE allows for the longitudinal analysis of business composition and economic contribution.

Work is underway by the Indigenous Economic Power Project, led by the University of Melbourne and supported by Government funding, to integrate data on First Nations businesses, from various business registers, into BLADE. While the data and research outputs are informative, they do not represent all businesses of this type. The University of Melbourne is also working to expand its list of registries, including for community-controlled organisations whose ownership cannot be identified through administrative sources.

Recommendation 3

3.101 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government, in its review of the Indigenous Procurement Policy, consider:

Response: Support

The Australian Government supports this recommendation. The Australian Government is committed to empowering and improving economic outcomes for First Nations people though leveraging its significant purchasing power to create more opportunities for First Nations businesses.

The Indigenous Procurement Policy (IPP) aims to increase the rate of Australian Government purchasing from First Nations businesses by setting targets for Commonwealth Portfolios. Since it began in 2015, more than $11 billion in Australian Government contracts have been awarded to First Nations businesses. The IPP has supported a high rate of growth for the First Nations business sector, and has significantly increased the Australian Government's purchasing from First Nations businesses.

The Government heard calls for changes to the IPP to increase the ambition of the policy and ensure that the economic benefits of the IPP are genuinely flowing to First Nations people as intended. In February 2025, the Australian Government announced changes to strengthen the IPP eligibility criteria and be more ambitious with the Commonwealth and Portfolio procurement targets that are set under the policy. These changes include:

Recommendation 4

3.102 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government investigate the practice of black-cladding and policies to combat it.

Response: Support

The Australian Government supports this recommendation. The Australian Government notes there are various perspectives about what is and is not black-cladding, its prevalence and how to best address the issue. Strengthening the definition is the first step. As outlined at Recommendation 3, the eligibility criteria for the IPP will be strengthened to require that Indigenous businesses are 51 per cent or more First Nations owned and controlled (or registered with ORIC) to access the IPP. This will ensure First Nations business owners accessing the IPP are empowered to run their businesses and exercise their rights as majority owners.

The Government remains committed to exploring options to tackle black cladding in other ways. The Australian Government has introduced a Supplier Code of Conduct outlining the Government's minimum expectations of suppliers and their personnel while under contract with the Government. The code includes explicit requirements to respect the rights of First Nations people, and to ensure that partnerships with First Nations people are entered into with free, prior and informed consent and are fair, equitable and deliver genuine benefits to the First Nations party. In combatting black-cladding, the Government also notes that regulators (such as the ACCC and ASIC) in some instances may have the ability to take action based on their legislative remit and the circumstances raised. The NIAA will work with relevant regulators and support services to identify opportunities to make it easier for First Nations people to report black cladding that might amount to unlawful conduct and provide targeted education, guidance and support for First Nations business owners.

Recommendation 5

3.104 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government consider support for Indigenous Chambers of Commerce and similar business networks to boost their delivery of financial, commercial, and business capability services.

Response: Support

The Australian Government supports this recommendation. The Department of Industry Science and Resources is well-positioned to share learnings with

Indigenous Chambers of Commerce and similar networks about the support available for First Nations businesses. AusIndustry Regional Managers, for example are able to share information and enhance awareness of available programs and services, identify opportunities, build connections and networks across the economy, and to access market opportunities.

Recommendation 6

3.107 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government launch an awareness campaign and establish a central resource with information on federal, state, and territory government business advisory services for First Nations businesses.

Response: Support in principle

The Australian Government supports this recommendation in principle. The Department of Industry Science and Resources, National Indigenous Australians Agency and Indigenous

Business Australia work collaboratively to ensure that information on the business.gov.au website supports positive outcomes for First Nations businesses.

The business.gov.au Adviser finder tool is a central resource that provides all federal, state and territory adviser opportunities for business in one place. There is a specific question and filter to show opportunities for First Nations businesses.

Recommendation 7

3.113 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government pilot an entrepreneurial and business mentorship program for aspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and explore how it can improve support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait women in business.

Response: Support

The Australian Government supports this recommendation. The Australian Government is committed to fostering diversity in entrepreneurship, which will help deliver transformative economic outcomes for local communities and the Australian economy.

On 10 February 2025, the Government tabled its Closing the Gap 2024 Annual Report and 2025 Implementation Plan, which includes a commitment to provide $3.4 million over three years (to 30 June 2028) to Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) to establish a place-based business coaching and mentoring program for First Nations businesswomen. The business coaching and mentoring program will support First Nations women entrepreneurs with greater access to the resources, networks and support they need to launch a viable business, commercialise a viable business idea or grow an existing business.

Through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy, the Australian Government funds a range of programs under the Indigenous Business Sector Strategy (IBSS) which provide entrepreneurial and business support for aspiring, and established, First Nations people in business. The IBSS has a focus on access to services and tailored support for First Nations women.

For example, through its Business Solutions Program IBA established Australia's largest network of First Nations businesswomen and entrepreneurs—'Strong Women Strong Business'. Created in 2018, the network provides First Nations women and aspiring entrepreneurs access to formal and informal mentoring, capability development resources, business forums, and an online community network of over 2,000 First Nations women.

Recommendation 8

4.100 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government strengthen existing, and develop new, instruments to enhance and fast track Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' access to finance and capital.

Response: Support in principle

The Australian Government supports this recommendation in principle. The Australian Government has made a number of commitments to support access to finance and capital. These include boosting Indigenous Business Australia's (IBA) Home Loan Capital Fund by around $70 million, and amending the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act 2005 to enhance IBA's ability to leverage its capital to invest in First Nations communities and businesses.

On 29 September 2025, the Government signed the First Nations Economic Partnership with the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance and the Coalition of Peaks An immediate action in the Economic Partnership Agreement includes a commitment to 'consider opportunities to improve investment mechanisms and access to capital'.

The Australian Government is also considering ways in which it can further support access to finance and capital, such as through the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy (Strategy). The Strategy includes actions to investigate new models for collaborative finance and broker an investor forum on access to capital and equity ownership. For more information on the Strategy, refer to the response to Recommendation 18.

Recommendation 9

4.101 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government consider impediments to responsible lending and capital flow from mainstream banks and financial institutions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Response: Support in principle

The Australian Government supports this recommendation in principle. The Australian Government has a range of programs aimed at supporting access to finance and capital. Indigenous Business Australia has collaborative partnerships with like-minded banks and financial services providers to help First Nations customers access the benefits of commercial finance, such as competitive rates and access to a range of products and services. ASIC's Indigenous Outreach Program is a specialist team that works with industry, service providers and other government agencies to enhance First Nations consumer experiences of banking access and services, and aims to drive positive financial outcomes for First Nations Australians.

In considering ways to support economic empowerment, self-determination and wealth creation, the First Nations Economic Partnership will focus on improving access to markets, affordable capital, tailored investment support and institutional settings.

Recommendation 10

4.107 The Committee recommends that, on completion of the Australian Law Reform Commission Future Acts Regime Review, the Australia Government should consider whether a full review of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) is required.

Response: Noted

The Australian Government notes this recommendation. As noted in the Report, the Attorney-General has requested the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) review the future acts regime in the Native Title Act in partial fulfilment of its 'agreement in principle' to recommendation 4 of A Way Forward: Final report into the destruction of Indigenous heritage sites at Juukan Gorge.

The future acts review is investigating any inequality, unfairness or weakness in the regime which governs how development projects can occur on land subject to native title.

In undertaking the future acts review, the ALRC will consider the opportunity for the native title system to contribute significantly to economic outcomes for First Nations people and business; the role of the future acts regime as a precursor to economic and other activities on native title land; and the importance of the future acts regime being appropriately designed for Australia's current and future social and economic development, in a way that respects the rights and interests of native title holders.3

In addition to the ALRC review, section 209A of the Native Title Act requires an evaluation of the amendments made by the Native Title Legislation Amendment Act 2021 to be conducted by 25 March 2026.

The Australian Government considers that current and planned reviews of the Native Title Act should be completed before consideration of any further reviews.

Recommendation 11

4.112 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government ensure resourcing for Prescribed Body Corporates in the Native Title Act 1993 is sufficient to enable delivery of its full legislative potential.

Response: Support in principle

The Australian Government supports this recommendation in principle. In line with the Australian Government's in principle commitments to recommendation 7 in A Way Forward: Final report into the destruction of Indigenous heritage sites at Juukan Gorge4 the Government is committed to working with Native Title holders, their Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), state and territory governments and other stakeholders to consider a range of options to reform funding of PBCs and build PBC capacity.

The Government recognises PBCs play an essential role in the Native Title system and in safeguarding Native Title holders' rights and interests. PBCs are also frequently the main vehicle for Native Title holders land management and economic aspirations and may also undertake various programs, such as ranger and cultural heritage management programs.

The National Indigenous Australians Agency is working closely with the National Native Title Council and receiving advice from the PBC Steering Group on issues impacting the sector and options for funding reforms that would support economic self-determination and opportunities.

The Government enhanced PBC Capacity Building grant funding of $77.2 million over

3 years (from 2024-25 to 2026-27) to improve organisational capacity and support PBCs to realise economic opportunities. This is provided in addition to the Government's Basic Support funding via Native Title Representative Bodies and Service Providers that was noted as part of the Inquiry Report.

On 2 August, the Australian Government committed an additional $75 million to PBCs over three years to 2028-29, taking the Australian Governments investment through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy for the PBC sector to over $200 million.

Recommendation 12

5.83 The Committee recommends the Australian Government ratify the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization and the World Intellectual Property Organization's Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge.

Response: Support in part

The Australian Government supports this recommendation in part. The Government supports the recommendation to ratify the World Intellectual Property

Organization (WIPO) Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (GRATK Treaty), subject to normal Treaty making processes, including consideration by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties. The GRATK Treaty will require patent applicants to disclose the source of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge when submitting patent applications. This Treaty is the first to address issues relating to the intellectual property (IP) system and traditional knowledge, providing for greater recognition and transparency.

The Government notes the recommendation to ratify the Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit sharing. In 2012, Australia signed the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (Nagoya Protocol). It has not yet ratified the Nagoya Protocol which came into effect in 2014. The Australian Government, along with each state and territory currently manages access to biological resources in its jurisdiction under its own laws. These legislative frameworks are largely aligned with the principles of the Protocol.

The Australian Government remains committed to engaging with stakeholders to examine the implications of ratifying the Nagoya Protocol. This will include considering how best to safeguard Traditional Knowledge associated with the use of biological resources and any related genetic information.

Recommendation 13

5.84 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government task IP Australia, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to investigate legislative and regulatory options to strengthen the protection, certification, promotion, and marketing of First Nations products and services domestically and internationally.

Response: Support

The Australian Government supports this recommendation. This recommendation aligns with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's Commitment to empower First Nations economic self-determination across Australia's agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.5 This empowerment will take place through enhancing the productivity, resilience and innovation of Australian food and fibre supply chains, and by expanding pathways for First Nations food and fibre exporters to international markets.

The Government notes there is work underway to develop an Indigenous Agricultural Product Framework to define characteristics and provide an evidence-base to support the establishment of Indigenous agricultural product credentials. This framework and eventual credentials will assist First Nations agricultural businesses and communities to demonstrate product authenticity, verify provenance, prove product claims, and provide assurance to consumers, governments and processors.

There is also continuing work to support promotion and marketing of First Nations products internationally. Austrade amplifies First Nations trade and investment success stories and the participation of qualified export ready First Nations businesses in international trade missions. Austrade also promotes The National Sustainability Framework for the Visitor Economy, released by Tourism Ministers in November 2023, and the accompanying sustainability toolkit to support respectful First Nations engagement in the visitor economy.

Australia's First Nations people and cultures are at the heart of Tourism Australia's Come and Say G'Day campaign and First Nations representation is prioritised in all of Tourism Australia's marketing activities.

The intellectual property (IP) system is another mechanism available to support the protection, certification, promotion, and marketing of First Nations products and services. IP Australia is increasing its public education and awareness material for First

Nations businesses and examining other IP system changes.

Further, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is collaborating with the World Intellectual Property Organization on a pilot project which aims to assist First Nations bushfoods exporters better understand how to protect and commercialise their products through the international IP system.

These work streams are intended to make the IP system more accessible to First Nations businesses. The work on stand-alone legislation for Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), as discussed in Recommendation 14, may also assist once implemented.

Recommendation 14

5.85 The Committee recommends the Australian Government task IP Australia as part of its current works to protect Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, to investigate legislative options to strengthen legal protections for collective knowledge and historical rights and opportunities.

Response: Support

The Government supports this recommendation. On 30 January 2023, the Australian Government released Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place, Australia's National Cultural Policy (Revive) for the next five years. One of the actions under Pillar One of Revive, First Nations First, is to introduce stand-alone legislation to protect First Nations traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, including to address the harm caused by fake art, merchandise, and souvenirs.

The Office for the Arts is the lead Australian Government agency working to develop stand-alone legislation to protect Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property. The Office is working closely with a First Nations expert group and other government departments on the legislation.

In addition to the work on stand-alone legislation, as part of their ongoing work IP Australia is examining what complementary changes could be made to the Patents, Trade Marks, Designs and Plant Breeder's Rights Acts to improve the consideration of Indigenous Knowledge in applications for IP rights and support the cultural integrity and economic potential of Indigenous Knowledge held by First Nations peoples. These changes include possible amendments to trade mark and designs laws to prevent the misappropriation of First Nations' language or imagery. Possible changes to patent and plant breeder's rights laws, such as the requirement to disclose the source of Indigenous Knowledge used in new innovations, would make it easier to determine if Indigenous Knowledge has been used in a patent or plant breeder's right application.

Recommendation 15

5.90 The Committee recommends establishing and funding a centralised database or national registration system to substantiate Indigenous knowledge and facilitate the creation of access and benefit sharing agreements. Such a database would enable a digital repository for data and knowledge associated with genetic resources found in Australia.

Response: Noted

The Australian Government notes this recommendation. Indigenous Knowledge is an important asset belonging to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their communities, organisations and businesses. Indigenous Knowledge can reflect and identify a community's history, cultural and social identity, and its values.

The Australian Government notes the interest in databases as a potential mechanism to support the protection of Indigenous Knowledge. Databases can complement legislative protections for Indigenous Knowledge but any collection and storage of knowledge must be done appropriately and in partnership with Indigenous Peoples so that information is not more vulnerable to misuse or misappropriation.

In prior public consultations on databases for Indigenous Knowledge stakeholders raised the need for appropriate access controls, incorporation of the principles of free prior and informed consent and the need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to retain data sovereignty.6

The Productivity Commission has urged caution around the use of registries (required or voluntary) in the context of First Nations visual arts and crafts.7 The Commission found that the expected benefits of registration, in the form of greater certainty about the allocation of rights, are unable to be realised due to several factors:

There are existing regulatory systems of the Australian, state and territory governments in relation to the accessing of biological resources and benefit sharing where traditional knowledge is involved.

Please see responses to Recommendation 12 and Recommendation 14 for further context and information on the Australian Government's support of Indigenous Knowledge.

Recommendation 16

5.96 The Committee recommends the Australian Government work with the bush foods and fibre industry to establish a sustainable peak industry body.

Response: Support in principle

The Australian Government supports this recommendation in principle. The Australian Government notes the establishment of a sustainable peak body for bush foods and fibre would align with Priority Reforms One and Two in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, to build structures that empower First Nations people to share decision-making authority with governments to accelerate policy and place-based progress against Closing the Gap socio-economic outcome areas, and build community-controlled capacity to deliver this.

The Government is committed to working in partnership with First Nations stakeholders in the bush foods and fibre industry. The recommendation to establish a peak industry body aligns with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's (DAFF) commitment to empower First Nations economic self-determination across Australia's agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries by working in partnership with First Nations stakeholders in the sector through ongoing engagement.

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources continues to contribute to collaborative research on First Foods and is working with Indigenous business researchers, DAFF and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to bring key stakeholders in the system together to capitalise on opportunities and overcome challenges faced in bringing traditional foods and medicines to market.

Recommendation 17

6.84 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government explore and consider best practice mechanisms to improve First Nations workplace cultural safety.

Response: Support in principle

The Australian Government supports this recommendation in principle. The Australian Government recognises the importance of workplace cultural safety. In culturally safe workplaces, employees feel comfortable, supported and respected. This provides an environment where employees can fully participate at work, will work more safely and be more productive.

Cultural safety is also a right. There are a number of regulatory frameworks which provide for aspects of cultural safety including work health and safety (WHS) legislation, and protections against racial discrimination in human rights legislation and the Fair Work Act 2009.

Under model WHS laws, a person conducting a business or undertaking, such as an employer, has a duty of care ensure the health and safety of workers and other people in the workplace, to the extent that is reasonably practicable. Recent changes to WHS safety regulations specify the obligation to protect employees from psychosocial hazards and risks. Psychosocial hazards refer to aspects of work design, the work itself, and the interactions between employees which can negatively influence mental health and emotional wellbeing. The laws are supported by a model Code of Practice on Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work, published by Safe Work Australia and was adopted by the Australian Government in November 2024.

The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 protects an individual's rights (including all employees) to be free from discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, descent or national or ethnic While origin in any field of public life, including in employment and the provision of human services.

While this regulation protects the right to feel safe at work, it is not the only mechanism to promote cultural safety. In signing the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, all Australian governments committed to embed meaningful approaches to promoting cultural safety (Priority Reform Three). The Priority Reforms Roadmap is a practical guide to help the Australian Public Service (APS) do things differently when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) support the building of cultural capability across the APS. Launched in 2023, the Cultural Capability Hub provides a central repository of practical tools, examples, and resources to help APS staff enhance their cultural capability through self-paced learning modules. In addition to facilitating learning and training opportunities for individual staff, the Hub supports the application of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Capability Framework and assists agencies in improving workforce management processes so that APS policies, programs, and services are responsive to the needs of First Nations people.

The Australian Government continues to explore mechanisms to build cultural capability and to attract and retain First Nations employment across the APS. Following recommendations from the Chief Operating Officer (COO) Committee Collaboration Circle (which teams up several agency Chief Operating Officers and First Nations staff from across the APS), the APSC are in the process developing guidance on elements of cultural training that meet a foundation level, and a more advanced level of knowledge on cultural awareness.

A First Nations Partnership Playbook has been developed. This playbook provides the APS with practical guidance and best-practice examples on working in partnership with First Nations people. Prevailing systems and structures within government can create barriers to meaningful partnerships. The playbook provides guidance on how the APS can navigate government processes, including practices, behaviours and culture that will enable effective partnerships between government and First Nations people. This internal-to-government document will contribute to building culturally safe workplaces by building the cultural capability of the APS.

The Priority Reforms Roadmap is a practical guide to help the Australian Public Service (APS) do things differently when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The APS is at a key moment in its transformation journey. While some agencies have already made strong progress, there is more work to do across the APS to fully meet our commitments. The Roadmap gives every APS agency, no matter where they are starting from, a clear framework to begin or strengthen this transformation.

The Government also develops and provides resources that may be used by mainstream agencies to promote cultural safety. For example, the Australian Institute of Family Studies have publicly available resources to assist non-Indigenous practitioners to provide culturally safe service responses to First Nations people, families and communities, as well as resources on building culturally safe workplaces with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Recommendation 18

6.92 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government implement the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy and consider a target for First Nations project ownership and equity in clean energy.

Response: Support in principle

The Government supports this recommendation in principle. The First Nations Clean Energy Strategy (the Strategy), released on 6 December 2024, provides a national framework for First Nations peoples' participation and empowerment in the energy transition.

The Australian Government has committed $70 million for implementation of the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy 2024-2030 (the Strategy) over three years from 2025-26.

The Strategy includes objectives for assisting First Nations project ownership and equity stakes in project partnerships.

Work is underway with government specialist investment vehicles and other financial institutions such as Indigenous Business Australia and the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation to improve strategic investment of capital and support for First Nations project ownership and equity.

Recommendation 19

7.85 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government facilitate knowledge exchanges between First Nations Australians and international First Nations communities to share experiences and lessons on economic empowerment and trade.

Response: Support

The Government supports this recommendation. This recommendation aligns with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (DFAT) inclusive trade, and public diplomacy agendas. This includes establishment of the Ambassador for First Nations People and the Office for First Nations International Engagement in DFAT.

The Government, through DFAT, Austrade and other Departments continue to implement a range of initiatives that support this recommendation, including:

Recommendation 20

7.86 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government accelerate its work with the First Nations Economic Partnership and consider the experiences of international jurisdictions and their fiscal management powers and frameworks (for example, Canada).

Response: Support

The Australian Government supports the recommendation. The Government has established a new First Nations Economic Partnership with the Coalition of Peaks and the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance. Design of the Economic Partnership has been informed by lessons from international jurisdications.

The Economic Partnership will focus on the full range of policy levers available to the Commonwealth Government to advance the economic empowerment and lasting economic security for First Nations peoples, communities and organisations including:

Recommendation 21

7.87 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government ratify the United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and explore opportunities for UNDRIP to guide commonwealth, state, and territory policy development and its relevance to good government in Australia.

Response: Noted

The Australian Government notes this recommendation. The Australian Government recognises the important principles articulated through UNDRIP and acknowledges the important work done by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Indigenous peoples globally in the negotiation of UNDRIP in the UN. It promotes the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in all matters that concern them, and the ability of Indigenous Peoples to pursue their own priorities in economic, social, and cultural development, recognising their political, economic and social structures and cultures, spiritual traditions, histories and philosophies.

As a resolution of the UN General Assembly, UNDRIP is not a legally binding instrument, and is not open for signature or ratification by states. Despite this status, since Australia formally supported UNDRIP and the principles it outlines in 2009, the Australian Government has given practical effect to the Declaration through its programs and policies and its approach to engagement and collaboration. UNDRIP informs the way Australian governments engage with and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and

Australia seeks to proactively include references in support of UNDRIP in international instruments. This work is ongoing in pursuing the ambitions set out in UNDRIP.

The Australian Government has used successive Closing the Gap frameworks since 2008 to guide and coordinate national efforts to improve the economic, health and education outcomes of First Nations Australians. Since that time, the Government has made a conscious effort to improve concordance with the guiding principles of UNDRIP, such as self-determination, participation in decision-making and partnership, through accountability measures such as implementation plans and the Partnership Agreement.

The Australian Government is ensuring that future policies have consideration of First Nations people through the First Nations Impacts Framework (the Framework). The Framework provides guidance to Australian Government departments and agencies on how to meaningfully consider impacts of policy on First

Nations people, communities and organisations. The Framework references the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and extends to broader impacts on First Nations people.

The Australian Government is committed to progressing meaningful programs and policies that empower all First Nations people through strengthening partnerships and hearing from them about what works and will lead to meaningful change.

The Australian Government is carefully considering the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs report into the application of UNDRIP in Australia and its recommendations, that was tabled on 28 November 2023.

Recommendation 22

7.88 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government consider capacity and capability support for First Nations and Traditional Owner groups to strengthen their engagement in the energy transition and other Australian Government initiatives.

Response: Support in principle

The Australian Government supports this recommendation in principle. As stated in response to recommendation 11, the Australian Government is committed to working in partnership with Native Title holders, their Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), state and territory governments and other key stakeholders to consider a range of options to reform funding of PBCs and build PBC capacity. On 2 August, the Australian Government committed an additional $75 million to PBCs over three years to 2028-29, taking the Australian Governments investment through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy for the PBC sector to over $200 million.

The Government recognises that PBCs and other Traditional Owner groups have a key role to play as partners, leaders and supporters of Australia's clean energy transition. At a project level, PBCs and other First Nations stakeholders' participation can save time, reduce cost and improve overall outcomes through the life of green energy projects.

The National Indigenous Australians Agency is working closely with the National Native Title Council and receiving advice from the PBC Steering Group on issues impacting the sector and options for reforms. This includes advice on ways to support PBCs to participate in the clean energy transition.

The First Nations Clean Energy Strategy (the Strategy), released on 6 December 2024, provides a national framework for First Nations peoples' participation and empowerment in the energy transition.

The Strategy includes objectives for assisting First Nations-led coordination and capacity building and improving First Nations engagement in the clean energy sector. To date a total of $70 million has been announced to support these objectives and programs are now in development for commencement in 2025/26.

More support and funding may be needed to improve engagement capacity and capability for First Nations people affected by other emerging initiatives and industries. Not all relevant First Nations peoples and groups are covered by existing programs such as PBC funding.

Additional comments

Coalition members of the Committee endorsed, or made recommendations similar to recommendations 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 20.

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Australian Government response to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services report:

Wholesale investor and wholesale client tests

April 2026

Response to the recommendations

Recommendation 1

The Committee recommends that the government consider establishing a mechanism for periodic review of the operation of the wholesale investor and client tests; and that any such mechanism include mandatory requirements for engagement and consultation with Australia's investment industry.

Australian Government response

The Government notes this recommendation.

Whilst the Government does not intend to establish a dedicated mechanism for periodic review of the operation of the wholesale investor and client tests, Treasury is continuing to monitor the operation of the test and impacts on consumer outcomes.

The Government is progressing a wide range of reforms in response to the collapse of the Shield and First Guardian Master Funds with a focus on strengthening consumer protections.

The Government is considering targeted reforms to ensure our regulatory system remains fit for purpose and is consulting on these in 2026. On 10 February the Government released a consultation paper on managed investment scheme regulation and governance. The Government has also announced it will be consulting on additional consumer protection reforms in early 2026. This includes stronger regulation of lead generation activities, creating a safer framework for superannuation switching and strengthening superannuation trustee governance standards.

Recommendation 2

The Committee recommends that subject to a period of stakeholder consultation, the government amend the Corporations Act 2001 to remove the subjective elements of the sophisticated investor test and introduce objective criteria relating to the knowledge and experience of the investor.

Australian Government response

The Government notes this recommendation.

The Government is prioritising its response to the collapse of Shield and First Guardian Master Funds with a focus on strengthening consumer protections.

The Government is considering targeted reforms to ensure our regulatory system remains fit for purpose and is consulting on these in 2026. On 10 February the Government released a consultation paper on managed investment scheme regulation and governance. The Government has also announced it will be consulting on additional consumer protection reforms in early 2026. This includes stronger regulation of lead generation activities, creating a safer framework for superannuation switching and strengthening superannuation trustee governance standards.

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Australian Government response to the Senate Committee Economics report:

Digital Assets (Market Regulation) Bill 2023

March 2026

Introduction

In March 2023, Coalition Senator Andrew Bragg introduced the Digital Assets (Market Regulation) Bill 2023 into the Senate. In September 2023 the Senate Economics Legislation Committee provided its final report (Report) on that Bill. The Report recommended that the Bill not be passed and subsequently the Bill was not passed by Parliament.

Digital assets are a rapidly evolving part of the economy, offering opportunities for new products and productivity gains. The potential benefits of these assets are far reaching, from streamlining payments systems to transforming how we invest and do business.

That is why, in November 2025, the Government introduced its own legislation, the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025 (Bill), to the Parliament following extensive consultation with stakeholders. The Bill helps unlock innovation and protect Australians investing in digital assets. The Government is continuing to work with industry, regulators and the broader community to make Australia a leader in the global digital asset ecosystem.

The Bill introduces clear, enforceable rules for businesses that hold digital assets on behalf of consumers, ensuring they meet the same standards of transparency, integrity and consumer protection that apply across the financial system.

The Bill introduces two new types of financial products—digital asset platforms and tokenised custody platforms. These platforms will now need to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence, ensuring they are subject to core obligations including:

This Bill highlights the Government's commitment to a fit-for-purpose regulatory regime, and a methodical approach to ensure that consumers are adequately protected, and innovation can flourish. By working closely with regulators, industry, and consumers, we are determined to get the policy settings right to ensure digital asset regulation is appropriate for a modern and innovative economy.

The Report made additional recommendations which are addressed by the Government in the next section.

Response to the recommendations

Recommendation 1

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government continue to consult with industry on the development of fit-for-purpose digital asset regulation in Australia.

Australian Government response

The Government supports this recommendation.

Following extensive consultation with industry, regulators and consumer groups, the Government's Bill was introduced into the Parliament in November 2025 and is intended to be flexible and technology neutral so it can adapt as the sector evolves.

The Bill is a key reform to strengthen consumer protection and confidence by addressing gaps in oversight that can expose consumers to risks such as poor disclosure, weak governance and inadequate protections.

The Bill also plays an important role in supporting innovation. By providing greater regulatory certainty, it gives responsible businesses the confidence to invest, grow and develop new products and services in Australia. A clear, consistent and transparent framework will reduce uncertainty, support competition, and allow innovation to flourish within a safe and well-regulated environment.

Recommendation 2

The Coalition senators' dissenting report recommends that the Government expedite the Board of Taxation's review of the Tax Treatment of Digital Assets and Transactions in Australia with a view to introducing legislation in early 2024.

Australian Government response

The Government notes this recommendation.

The Government provided its response to the Board of Taxation's Review of the Tax Treatment of Digital Assets and Transactions in Australia in March 2025. In its response, the Government agreed with the Board of Taxation's recommendation 13.1 that no crypto specific taxation legislation should be introduced at the current time.

https://treasury.gov.au/publication/p2025-639068

Recommendation 3

The Coalition senators' dissenting report recommends that the Government establish a consultation on an appropriate regulatory structure for Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAO) with a view to introducing legislation by the end of the 47th Parliament.

Australian Government response

The Government notes this recommendation.

The Government released the Statement on Developing an Innovative Australian Digital Asset Industry in March 2025. The policy position statement outlines the Government's approach to digital asset reforms and articulates future work streams. Reviewing decentralised autonomous organisations is not part of the future digital asset work program.

Recommendation 4

The Coalition senators' dissenting report recommends that the Government implement, in full, the Council of Financial Regulators' recommendations for Potential Policy Responses to De-banking in Australia.

Australian Government response

The Government supports this recommendation in principle.

The Council of Financial Regulators' report made recommendations aimed at providing a better understanding of the extent and nature of de-banking and to improve transparency, consistency, and fairness for affected customers. The Government released its response in June 2023.

More detail about the Government response can be found at https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-06/p2023-404377-gr.pdf

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Australian Government response to the Senate Committee Economics report:

Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Bill 2024 [Provisions]

March, 2026

Introduction

The Australian Government thanks the Senate Economic Legislation Committee for its consideration of the Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Bill 2024.

The Bill passed both Houses on 11 February 2025 and received Royal Assent on 14 February 2025 as the Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Act 2024.

The Government provides the following response to the Committee's recommendations.

Response to the recommendations

Coalition Senators' Dissenting Report

Recommendation 2

That the community benefit principles cannot include union agreement requirements.

Australian Government response

The Government notes this recommendation.

The Government's Future Made in Australia agenda will help Australia build a stronger, more diversified and more resilient economy powered by renewable energy, and create more secure, well paid jobs.

Recipients of the production tax incentives will be expected to deliver benefits relating to the six Community Benefit Principles included in the overarching Future Made in Australia Bill. The specific requirements will be detailed in rules set by the Treasurer. The Government recently consulted on Draft Public Guidance on the operation of the Community Benefit Principles.

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Australian Government response to the Senate Committee Economics report:

Superannuation (Objective) Bill 2023

March 2026

Introduction

The Superannuation (Objective) Bill 2023 defines the objective of superannuation as 'to preserve savings to deliver income for a dignified retirement, alongside government support, in an equitable and sustainable way'.

The Bill passed both Houses on 28 November 2024 and received Royal Assent on 10 December 2024 as the Superannuation (Objective) Act 2024.

The Government thanks the Senate Economics Legislation Committee for its inquiry into the Bill, and thanks the organisations and individuals who made submissions to the inquiry and participated in the public hearing.

The Government's responses to the recommendations made in the Committee's final report are provided below.

Response to the recommendations

Recommendation 1

The Committee recommends that the bill be passed.

Australian Government response

The Government supports this recommendation.

The Superannuation (Objective) Bill 2023 passed both Houses on 28 November 2024 and received Royal Assent on 10 December 2024 as the Superannuation (Objective) Act 2024.

Recommendation 2

The Committee recommends that the Government develop a whole-of-system retirement income system objective, outlining the objective of the retirement income system and the roles of the pillars, as suggested by the 2020 Retirement Income Review. Factors impacting home ownership in retirement should be considered as part of the development of this objective.

Australian Government response

The Government notes this recommendation.

The legislated objective of superannuation recognises that superannuation is one part of the retirement system.

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Australian Government response to the Senate Committee Economics report:

Tax Laws Amendment (Incentivising Food Donations to Charitable Organisations) Bill 2024

March 2026

Introduction

The Australian Government welcomes the opportunity to respond to the recommendations of the Senate Economics Committee in its Report on the Tax Laws Amendment (Incentivising Food Donations to Charitable Organisations) Bill 2024.

The Government acknowledges the genuine concerns that have informed the development of this bill and recognises the valuable contributions of individuals and organisations who participated in the committee's inquiry.

The Government remains firmly committed to addressing food insecurity in Australia and continues to support key national food relief organisations Foodbank, OzHarvest, and SecondBite through direct grants and associated programs. In parallel, the Government maintains its commitment to halving food waste in Australia by 2030, as outlined in the National Food Waste Strategy, and continues to invest in initiatives that promote sustainable food systems and reduce waste across the supply chain.

The Government accepts the recommendation made by the committee. The Government's responses to the recommendations of the Coalition Senators' dissenting report are below.

Response to the recommendations made by the dissenting report of the Coalition

Recommendation 1

Strong consideration be given to proposed enhancements to the bill, with a view to increasing both its efficacy and cost efficiency, including:

Australian Government response

The Government notes this recommendation.

The Government shares the committee's concerns that the bill presents an uncapped and unaccounted-for cost to the budget, may preference large corporations over small businesses and charities, and lacks sufficient safeguards to prevent the dumping of poor-quality food, potentially undermining efforts to reduce national food waste.

While the Government acknowledges that recommendation 1 of the dissenting report has been proposed to expand the scope of eligibility for the proposed tax offset and, by extension, to increase the volume of potential food donations from smaller primary producers, the Government remains concerned that the bill, even with the proposed enhancements, would contain deficiencies that compromise its policy intent. In particular, the proposed tax offset would still risk disproportionately benefiting large corporations with established food donation policies and practices. Expanding eligibility and turnover thresholds would not rectify this imbalance.

As outlined in response to recommendation 5 of the dissenting report (below), the Government continues to support targeted, evidence-based measures to address food insecurity and reduce food waste, including through existing grant initiatives and broader food system reforms.

Recommendation 2

An amendment to the bill be introduced prior to debate that prevents signatories to the Mandatory Food and Grocery Code from accessing the tax incentive.

Australian Government response

The Government notes this recommendation.

The Government notes the dissenting report advises that the proposal's intention is to provide the incentive to primary producers and their associated service providers. The Government appreciates that recommendation 2 of the dissenting report has been proposed to address concerns that large supermarkets would have access to the tax incentive and seeks to address the issue by excluding large grocery businesses subject to the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct from the proposal's scope. The Government notes that other large businesses in the sector may disproportionately and inappropriately benefit from the incentive and the concerns outlined in paragraph 2.68 of the committee view would still stand.

Recommendation 3

The Treasury request that the Australian Taxation Office reports any known compliance or integrity issues connected with the tax incentive on a regular basis.

Australian Government response

The Government notes this recommendation.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is responsible for identifying and assessing tax compliance risks based on the information available to it at any given time. As the administrator of enacted legislation, the ATO is best placed to determine how compliance resources are allocated and to advise the Government and relevant agencies on matters affecting the integrity of the tax system. The ATO undertakes this function in accordance with its statutory responsibilities and operational priorities, and any reporting on compliance or integrity matters is managed within that framework.

Recommendation 4

The Australian Government release the advice on the bill provided by the Treasury to the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and the Treasury.

Australian Government response

The Government notes this recommendation.

Treasury advice on the bill provided to the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury was provided to the Senate in response to Senate Orders for the Production of Documents No. 666 and No. 767, which were tabled on 5 February 2025 and 27 March 2025, respectively.

Recommendation 5

Having failed to endorse the bill, the Australian Government bring forward its own, alternative plan to support donations to food relief charities and reduce food waste in Australia.

Australian Government response

The Government notes this recommendation.

The Government continues to support targeted, evidence-based measures to address food insecurity and reduce food waste, including through existing grant initiatives and broader food system reforms.

The Government continues to support key national food relief organisations Foodbank, OzHarvest, and SecondBite through direct grants that enable the sourcing, transportation, and distribution of food to vulnerable communities. From 1 October 2025, these organisations, together with Good360, will share in $20 million in funding over the next five years, representing a doubling of the Government's investment in food relief, to continue the provision of food and material aid to Emergency Relief providers across Australia.

In December 2024, the Government released Australia's Circular Economy Framework which provides the blueprint for Australia's circular economy transition. This framework sets clear priorities and targets to keep materials in our economy for as long as possible, while reducing waste. The food and agriculture sector is one of four priority sectors identified in the framework. The framework states the target to halve Australia's food waste by 2030 and outlines opportunities to reduce food waste through innovation, behaviour change and standards.

The Government awarded a grant to End Food Waste Australia in September 2023 to deliver a nationwide consumer behaviour change campaign aimed at reducing household food waste. The campaign, titled The Great Unwaste, was launched on 29 September 2024 and is designed to complement and amplify existing initiatives led by state, territory and local governments, industry, and non-government organisations.

In addition, the Government has invested $37 million through the Food Waste for Healthy Soils Fund to support new and upgraded organics recycling infrastructure across multiple jurisdictions, including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and Tasmania. This investment has leveraged more than $239 million in further funding from state and territory governments and the private sector. Once complete, the infrastructure projects will increase Australia's capacity to recycle an additional 1.1 million tonnes per year of food and organic waste.

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Australian Government response to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee report:

Treasury Laws Amendment (2023 Measures No. 1) Bill 2023 [Provisions]

March 2026

Introduction

The Australian Government welcomes the opportunity to respond to the recommendations of the Senate Economics Legislation Committee in its Report on the Treasury Laws Amendment (2023 Measures No. 1) Bill 2023 (the Bill).

The Government acknowledges the genuine concerns that have informed the development of this bill and recognises the valuable contributions of individuals and organisations who participated in the committee's inquiry.

The Bill was first introduced to the House of Representatives in February 2023, before being introduced to the Senate in March 2023. The Senate Economics Legislation Committee published its report in June 2023. The Bill was passed on 16 November 2023 and received royal assent on 27 November 2023.

Response to the recommendations

Recommendation 2

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government consider opportunities to clarify Schedule 5 of the bill to ensure it appropriately targets the identified behaviour and addresses feedback provided to the committee.

Australian Government response

The Government notes this recommendation.

In response to the committee's recommendation and stakeholder feedback, the Government amended Schedule 5 to ensure that legitimate capital raising arrangements are out of scope, and to lessen the potential for unintended consequences. The amendments clarify that schedule 5 applies prospectively and that only the relevant portion of a distribution may be affected. They also ensure that equity raisings or distributions undertaken in response to regulatory requirements are outside the scope of the measure.

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Australian Government response to the Environment and Communications References Committee report:

Middle Arm Industrial Precinct

March 2026

The Australian Government notes the report by the Environment and Communications References Committee (the Committee) into the Middle Arm Industrial Precinct, tabled in the Senate on 21 August 2024.

The Committee was not able to reach agreement on a unanimous set of recommendations, and presented a total of 31 individual recommendations from Committee members. With the exception of recommendations related to matters that are the responsibility of the Northern Territory (NT) Government, the Australian Government's response to recommendations raised by Senators is contained below.

The Committee's report reflects that planning for the project by the NT Government remains at an early stage. A range of the matters raised by the Committee will be considered through ongoing regulatory and assurance processes by respective governments.

The Australian Government remains committed to its $1.5 billion planned equity investment to support the development of common user infrastructure at the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct (Middle Arm) in the NT. A final investment decision by the Australian Government will be made in due course, in accordance with the requirements of the Commonwealth Investment Framework, and informed by Infrastructure Australia's evaluation of the business case.

The project is subject to the outcomes of Strategic Environmental Assessments being undertaken under the Environmental Protection Act 2019 (NT) (EP Act) and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth) (EPBC Act).

Middle Arm is expected to deliver transformational impacts for Darwin, the NT and Australia.

The Australian Government's investment will pave the way for Middle Arm to be a globally competitive, sustainable precinct, that takes advantage of new economic opportunities and delivers sustainable jobs for the future. Our funding will underpin infrastructure that supports industries critical to meet our commitment to Net Zero -including hydrogen and the manufacture and export of lithium batteries, and the project will be enabled by a growing renewable energy industry.

The Middle Arm Precinct is an investment in economic infrastructure that will also generate income for the NT Government, to support its ability to be self-sustaining, and the Australian Government through taxation revenues.

The Australian Government will continue to work with the NT Government to deliver the best possible outcomes for communities, industries and the environment.

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Australian Government Response to the Inquiry into Australia's Tourism and International Education Sectors final report:

'Are we there yet?': From recovery to resilience—opportunities and challenges for Australia's tourism sector'

Overview

On 20 October 2022, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, asked the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, through its Trade Subcommittee (the Committee), to inquire into Australia's tourism and international education sectors. The Inquiry explored the challenges and opportunities presented to both sectors since the reopening of Australia's borders in February 2022.

The Committee has tabled two reports that will receive separate responses from the Australian Government:

This response focuses on the final report, which addresses the recommendations made in relation to tourism.

As the Committee indicates, tourism is a rich and complex ecosystem. The government, through Austrade and Tourism Australia, engages with State and Territory Organisations (STOs), Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs), local government bodies and industry bodies on relevant tourism policies and programs.

At the Australian Government level, Austrade is established by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission Act 1985, which outlines its role to develop and administer tourism policy, including domestic tourism. Tourism Research Australia is a branch within Austrade, providing quality tourism intelligence across both international and domestic markets and producing Australia's official tourism statistics.

Tourism Australia was established, and its role set, by the Tourism Australia Act 2004. Tourism Australia is the Australian Government agency responsible for international tourism marketing to influence people to travel to and throughout Australia for holidays and business events, increase the economic benefits to Australia from tourism and help foster a sustainable tourism industry in Australia.

THRIVE 2030 is Australia's national strategy for the long-term sustainable growth of the visitor economy. Under the first action plan, we met the interim target of returning visitor spend (for tourism and long-stay international students) to pre-COVID levels of $166 billion, with annual visitor spend reaching $214 billion in the 12 months to December 2024. Approximately $80 billion of this was spent in regional Australia, against a target of $70 billion.

In line with the Committee's emphasis on emerging opportunities, the Australian Government is focused on supporting the visitor economy to expand international markets, grow visitation to our regions, build industry capability and address workforce challenges. Appropriately embedding Australia's First Nations cultural heritage in Australia's visitor economy provides an opportunity for improved economic opportunities and outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

Recommendations and Response

Recommendation 1

The Committee recommends the Australian Government establishes a national First Nations tourism body to represent the interests of First Nations businesses and communities in visitor economy policy and program development.

The Committee recommends the terms of reference of the new body are informed by the strategies and successful activities of the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC), particularly WAITOC's approach to community engagement, business capability development, and fostering employment opportunities for First Nations people.

The Government agrees in part with this Recommendation.

Since the Committee's report was tabled, a national First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership (FNVEP) has been established, comprised of First Nations tourism industry representatives from every state and territory. This was the result of an 18-month co-design process involving First Nations tourism industry representatives and Australian and state and territory governments. Funding for the two-year establishment phase of the FNVEP was announced on 30 October 2024. The Chief Executive Officer of WAITOC was a member of the FNVEP co-design group and is now Chair of the FNVEP. While the FNVEP differs from WAITOC's structure and remit, this initiative's terms of reference has benefited from WAITOC's expertise and experience.

The FNVEP will provide leadership and guidance on respectfully embedding Australia's rich cultural heritage in our tourism offerings and be a national consultation mechanism for government, while investigating the establishment of a national First Nations tourism body.

Recommendation 2

The Committee recommends that once the First Nations tourism body referred to in Recommendation 1 is established, it should consider:

The Government agrees in principle with this Recommendation.

As outlined in the response to recommendation 1, the FNVEP was established in October 2024. The Australian Government has provided this recommendation to the FNVEP for its consideration.

Since the Committee's report was tabled, the Australian Government provided a $8 million grant to ATIC's Quality Tourism Framework (QTF) to develop a number of initiatives, including a "Connecting to Culture Toolkit" that educates non-First Nations tourism operators on how to build and foster meaningful and collaborative connections with First Nations people and communities. Launched in March 2025, the toolkit was developed through ATIC's First Nations Reference Group, comprised of First Nations representatives from across Australia, to ensure it provides an accurate reflection of First Nations people and culture.

Recommendation 3

The Committee recommends the Australian Government continues to implement grant programs that support First Nations tourism businesses to design and deliver authentic, culturally appropriate experiences including in ethical partnerships with established operators. In implementing these programs, the Government should engage with the new national First Nations tourism body proposed in Recommendation 1.

The Government agrees in principle with this Recommendation.

The Australian Government continues to implement the Strategic Indigenous Tourism Program, which commits up to $17.0 million to 30 June 2026 to co-invest with states and territories on strategic First Nations tourism initiatives, including grants.

The Australian Government also supports First Nations enterprises through programs such as Indigenous Business Australia's Business Solutions Program, which provides tailored business support and access to capital for small-to-medium First Nations enterprises looking to commence a business or scale-up operations and grow their business.

The Australian Government will explore opportunities to engage with FNVEP in designing and implementing any future First Nations grant programs.

Recommendation 4

The Committee recommends the membership of Tourism Australia's board should include at least one or more First Nations people.

The Government agrees with this Recommendation.

The Australian Government will seek to maintain Indigenous representation on the Tourism Australia Board.

Minister Farrell appointed Luritja woman, Ms Georgina Richters, to the Tourism Australia Board in August 2023. Ms Richters brings a valuable Indigenous perspective to the Tourism Australia Board.

Recommendation 5

The Committee recommends the Board of Tourism Australia establishes a First Nations advisory panel under section 28(1) of the Tourism Australia Act 2004 (Cth). The purpose of the panel would be to advise Tourism Australia on appropriate representation of First Nations in marketing strategies and campaigns. The membership of the panel should comprise a majority of First Nations peoples.

The Government notes this Recommendation.

The Australian Government is not considering establishing a First Nations advisory panel as it considers existing Tourism Australia activities fulfil the intent of this recommendation.

Tourism Australia appointed a Head of Indigenous Affairs in 2020 who works closely with Indigenous communities across Australia to ensure their cultures and stories are represented appropriately to international audiences.

Tourism Australia will continue to seek First Nations' advice in relation to the appropriate representation of First Nations in marketing strategies and campaigns and ensure First Nations representation is prioritised in all marketing activities. Tourism Australia convenes a regular forum of representatives from STOs to share best practice on destination marketing of Indigenous tourism and in 2024, as part of its tender for creative services, appointed Indigenous consulting firm YarnUp to provide advice and guidance on future marketing campaigns.

Recommendation 6

The Committee recommends relevant Australian Government agencies work with the tourism industry and First Nations representatives to develop partnerships and implement a robust accreditation scheme that supports and promotes the integrity and authenticity of First Nations tourism products, experiences and partnerships.

The Government agrees with this Recommendation.

The Australian Government has committed to introducing legislation to protect First Nations knowledge and cultural expressions, addressing the harm caused by fake art and merchandise. This is an action in Australia's National Cultural Policy—Revive: A place for every story, a story for every place. Consultation on the legislation with First Nations communities is underway to inform the process.

This initiative will build on existing measures that support authenticity including:

Recommendation 7

The Committee recommends that Austrade develops, in consultation with Tourism Australia, State Tourism Organisations and Regional Tourism Organisations, a Regional Dispersal Strategy to drive greater domestic and international visitation into more of Australia's regions.

The Government agrees with this Recommendation.

There are a range of factors impacting dispersal of domestic and international visits to Australia's regions. To understand this better, Austrade, in partnership with Tourism Australia, will conduct analysis to understand the factors that can increase greater domestic and international visitation into regional Australia.

Austrade and Tourism Australia will also continue existing collaboration with STOs to increase regional dispersal. Regular activities include dialogue through the Tourism Ministers' Meetings and STO CEO forums to ensure Tourism Australia's marketing campaigns, such as the Come and Say G'Day campaign, is consistent and representative of STO's regional campaigns.

Recommendation 8

The Committee recommends that tourism training providers make training more accessible for regional tourism operators, particularly through culturally appropriate partnership with First Nations businesses, in order to support innovation.

The Government agrees in principle with this Recommendation.

The Australian Government will continue to deliver on training outcomes for regional tourism operators through VET, higher education, and industry-led programs, with shared state and territory and industry responsibility.

Key region-specific initiatives include:

Since the Committee report was tabled, Australian Government grant funding of $8 million to the ATIC has been used to develop a range of training programs as part of the QTF platform which are available to tourism businesses, including regional tourism operators.

As noted in response to recommendation 2, ATIC used this grant funding to develop the Connecting to Culture Toolkit to support non-First Nations-owned tourism businesses foster meaningful connections with First Nations people and communities, guided by a newly established ATIC First Nations Reference Group. Training is available to all tourism operators who take part in the QTF.

Through Yamagigi Consulting Pty Ltd, the Australian Government delivered the First Nations Tourism Mentoring Program (FNTMP), a free mentoring program for First Nations tourism businesses across Australia. The FNTMP supported businesses to grow and achieve their goals by connecting them with skilled, experienced and culturally respectful tourism industry specialists who have made one- on-one guidance, advice and support available to all eligible First Nations tourism businesses.

Initiatives to increase access to training for regional tourism operators beyond these programs would require further funding and resources for Austrade and partner agencies to deliver.

Recommendation 9

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government supports the sustainability of the tourism sector in regional communities, and the development of both accommodation and attractions in regional areas.

Where appropriate, the Australian Government should consider incentives to promote development, co-investment in tourism stock and other mechanisms to promote development in regional areas.

The Government agrees with this Recommendation.

Programs delivered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (DITRDCSA) and Austrade contribute to the achievement of this recommendation.

Tourism capital works and infrastructure projects qualify for funding through Australian Government regional development programs, including the Growing Regions Program, which allocated $55 million to tourism projects in its first round, and the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program which has allocated more than $13 million to project delivery and planning. These programs invest in capital works and infrastructure across Australia's regional, rural and remote areas.

The Australian Government has committed $10 million to support students across Australia to visit the Great Barrier Reef and to support tourism operators to become 'student ready' and accommodate increased numbers of students. The Government is also providing $8.5 million to reinvigorate Central Australia's tourism industry to develop new experiences and attract visitors.

The Government will consider further investments as permitted within the Government's fiscal constraints.

Recommendation 10

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government, in the context of implementing the Aviation White Paper, prioritises policies that will achieve more accessible and affordable regional air access for travellers across Australia.

The Government agrees with this Recommendation.

The Australian Government recognises the ongoing impact of airline market concentration and of Australian airports as natural monopolies on the accessibility and affordability of domestic aviation services across the Australian sector. The Aviation White Paper includes a range of policy initiatives to drive a more competitive domestic aviation sector including: reforms to Sydney Airport slot management arrangements, consultations on Aeronautical Pricing Principles (APPs), tasking the next Productivity Commission inquiry into the economic regulation of airports and Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) monitoring of domestic airline pricing and performance.

The Government has committed $90 million (over three years from 2024-25) to regional and remote airports through the Regional Airports Program ($40 million) and Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program ($50 million), recognising their vital role in supporting tourism accessibility and safety.

Recommendation 11

The Committee recommends that in developing its International Diversification Strategy, Austrade includes actions that build industry capability to meet the needs of visitors coming from the new markets identified in the Strategy.

The Government agrees with this Recommendation.

Austrade will continue to identify opportunities to help tourism businesses engage with emerging markets. Since the Committee's report was tabled, the Australian Government has funded an expansion of Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) Host programs to cover Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand to educate operators about these markets. Tourism Australia has also expanded its Aussie Specialist Program to attract buyers from emerging markets to trade events.

Recommendation 12

The Committee recommends Austrade supports industry to develop and implement national standards and certification systems to promote best practice and deliver quality service outcomes for identified sectors. These standards should be aligned with global standards where applicable. The Committee recommends that Austrade and industry consider the following sectors as priorities for standards development:

The Government notes this Recommendation.

The Australian Government acknowledges that Australia has a lot to gain from being seen as a sustainable destination and notes that significant progress has already been made.

There are existing industry-led accreditation programs for sustainability and business development, such as EcoTourism Australia and EarthCheck, which provide sustainability certification.

The Australian Government, via Austrade, is also supporting industry to develop and implement national standards and certification systems to promote best practice through an $8 million grant for ATIC's QTF to enhance SME capabilities.

The Government is committed to reforming Australia's national environmental law—the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

The Government also notes that productivity can be enhanced via deregulation and considers the current certification systems are sufficient.

Recommendation 13

The Committee recommends the Australian Government prioritise the development of policies which improve regional transport and infrastructure, in coordination with state and local governments.

The Government agrees in principle with this Recommendation.

The Australian Government delivers regional transport and infrastructure through multiple mechanisms, aligned with state and territory priorities. Programs delivered by the DITRDCSA contribute to the achievement of this recommendation. This includes the Government's community infrastructure funding programs; the Infrastructure Investment Program, which includes a range of sub programs that contribute to investment to improve regional transport infrastructure; and the Regional Airports Program and Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program. (See also responses to Recommendations 9 and 10). DITRDCSA's Regional Investment Framework developed in July 2023 provides guiding principles for a consistent approach for Australian Government investments that impact on regional Australia. The Framework describes how the Australian Government delivers regional investment—valuing local voices and priorities, being informed by and building the evidence, operating with flexibility, integrity and transparency, and coordinating across governments to make investments work better for regions.

Recommendation 14

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government considers the expansion of first- point-of-entry status for ports, in order to promote access to regional tourism.

The Government notes this Recommendation.

The DITRDCSA administers the New and Redeveloping International Ports Framework (the Framework) in consultation with border agencies. Port operators proposing new or expanded international services must apply through the Framework, which evaluates national interest considerations including the availability of border services (biosecurity, immigration and customs control).

The Government notes legislation covering international arrivals to Australian ports is intended to ensure that the entry of vessels and goods into Australia does not come at the expense of national security and biosecurity requirements. To balance the facilitation of passenger entry to regional ports against national and biosecurity considerations, permanent, compliant infrastructure and adequate border agency staff would be essential for efficient inbound and outbound border clearance services. Establishing and maintaining these facilities—especially in remote ports—often involves long lead times and sustainability challenges.

Recommendation 15

The Committee recommends the Australian Government engage with the government of New Zealand and the governments of other neighbouring countries to develop and implement innovative initiatives and opportunities to encourage tourists to visit multiple countries in the region; for example, joint visa offerings.

The Government notes this Recommendation.

Joint visa programs between Australia, New Zealand and neighbouring countries are currently not feasible due to differences in visa requirements and data-sharing protocols. However, Australia and New Zealand are advancing simplified travel through the Trans-Tasman Seamless Travel Group, endorsed by both Prime Ministers in August 2024, to enhance border security and ease travel. The two nations continue regular discussions on tourism growth and mutual priorities.

The Australian Government also provides support for tourism in the context of its engagement supporting a strong and unified Pacific family. Key tourism-related partnerships and initiatives include:

Austrade has initiated early engagement to support Timor Leste's tourism sector, facilitating knowledge-sharing between Northern Territory Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism operators and Timor Leste. Future expansion through webinars and in person activities is possible with additional funding.

Tourism Australia is the Australian Government agency responsible for international tourism marketing. The Tourism Australia Act 2004 sets out the agency's functions, which relate to influencing travel and economic benefits to Australia from tourism. Without legislative change, Tourism Australia is unlikely to be able to promote destinations other than Australia.

Recommendation 16

The Committee recommends that the Australian Government works with states and territories to support the promotion of regional tourism initiatives through effective marketing, improving transport linkages, streamlining regional development and providing incentives for investment.

This should be informed by enhanced destination management plans developed by state and territory governments in collaboration with regional tourism operators.

The Government agrees with this Recommendation.

Tourism Australia will continue to work with the states and territories to support the promotion of regional Australia in its marketing. Tourism Australia convenes a regular forum with STOs to ensure its marketing is representative of all states and territories. Tourism Australia also works closely with the STOs on international distribution, for example in holding the Australian Tourism Exchange each year with a different state or territory. The Come and Say G'Day campaign featured regional destinations across all states and territories, with the development of this campaign informed by discussions with the STOs.

Tourism Australia's consumer website also features product and itineraries in regional Australia, and the agency highlights regional destinations on its social media channels, which it does in consultation with the states and territories. Tourism Australia also conducts trade and media familiarisation trips to regional areas in conjunction with STOs.

Australian Government work to build aviation linkages and support investment in regional Australia is outlined in responses to Recommendations 9 and 10.

Recommendation 17

The Committee recommends the Australian Government seeks opportunities to promote nature- based tourism and agritourism in combination with developing policies directed at enhancing international tourism to regional areas, including through streamlining approval processes with state and national parks and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth).

The Government agrees with this Recommendation.

The Australian Government will continue to seek opportunities to promote nature-based tourism and agritourism. Tourism Australia's research highlights wildlife, beaches, and natural environments as top draws for international visitors, driving its focus on nature-based tourism. Tourism Australia is developing marketing strategies to further promote regional agritourism experiences.

The Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant has allocated $60 million to support wineries and promote agritourism, encouraging visitors to wine regions via their cellar door operations. On 1 September 2025 the Government extended this grant program, announcing a further $30 million over three years. Grants of up to $100,000 are available through the program.

States, territories and regional tourism bodies are similarly prioritising nature-based and agritourism initiatives, to meet growing demand.

The Australian Government has announced plans to strengthen and streamline Australia's national environmental law, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Recommendation 18

The Committee recommends the Australian Government works with State and Regional Tourism Organisations to promote the inclusion of people with a disability in the tourism sector, including through inclusion on national and state tourism organisation boards.

The Government agrees with this Recommendation.

The Australian Government will actively work towards increasing the representation of people with disability in the tourism sector, including organisation boards in line with our commitment under Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-2031. We note that STO board appointments are ultimately the responsibility of states and territories.

The Government supports the commitment to "nothing about us, without us" which ensures the voices of people with disability are embedded in the design and delivery of policy, programs and services.

Since the Committee's report was tabled, the National Accessible Tourism Working Group (NATWG) has been established, comprising representatives from state and territory governments, Austrade and Tourism Australia to collaborate and share information on accessible tourism initiatives.

Tourism Australia partners with the Dylan Alcott Foundation's Shift 20 Initiative launched in 2023 to increase disability representation and accessibility in Australian advertising. In July 2025, Austrade's Tourism Research Australia published a comprehensive report quantifying the market of travellers with accessibility needs, helping identify opportunities to better support travellers with disability.

Through the Aviation White Paper, the Government committed to creating a more accessible aviation sector that protects the rights of people with disability and improves their air travel experiences. Recent reforms to the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards) also aim to remove discrimination by improving accessibility requirements for public transport operators.

Recommendation 19

The Committee recommends that the Minister for Tourism issue a new Statement of Expectation to Tourism Australia reinforcing its primary focus on marketing to drive demand from international visitors.

The Government agrees with this Recommendation.

The Minister for Tourism intends to issue a new Statement of Expectations to Tourism Australia. In line with standard practice, the new Statement of Expectations, and the Board's Statement of Intent, will be published on Tourism Australia's website.

Recommendation 20

The Committee recommends increased communication and flexibility among agencies in the tourism sector on both state and federal levels to improve integration and cooperation.

The Government agrees with this Recommendation.

The Australian Government agrees there should be an ongoing focus on collaboration between agencies in the tourism sector at all levels of government.

Collaboration is a core theme in THRIVE 2030, the national visitor economy strategy, supported by a framework for coordination across government and industry. Key mechanisms include:

Recommendation 21

The Committee recommends that Austrade, in collaboration with Tourism Australia, State Tourism Organisations and Regional Tourism Organisations, collectively develop a charter that explains and delineates the responsibilities each level has in the tourism sector to improve clarity, communication and accountability between the agencies.

This charter should be promoted and communicated effectively to ensure it is easily understood by new and established stakeholders across the sector. Organisations should take active steps to ensure that stakeholders understand the charter and have easy pathways to ask for clarification if necessary.

The Government agrees with this Recommendation.

Since the Committee's report was tabled, Austrade and Tourism Australia have updated their websites to ensure that the roles and responsibilities for tourism of the various levels of government in Australia are more clearly outlined. This information is provided regularly in public presentations and other communications to enhance understanding of their respective roles. The THRIVE 2030—Action Plan to 2030, which was released on 12 February 2026, has assigned responsibility for key actions to provide further clarity of roles and responsibilities.

Recommendation 22

The Committee recommends more effective communication and regular interaction with local and Regional Tourism Organisations to foster effective knowledge sharing and to enable productivity gains. Austrade, Tourism Australia and State Tourism Organisations are recommended to implement a new engagement mechanism to achieve more effective communication with Regional Tourism Organisations and Local Government Authorities regarding government policies and programs. This will also improve the capacity for federal, state and territory governments to understand the needs and concerns of regions and regional tourism businesses.

This mechanism, in conjunction with the charter developed in Recommendation 21, will foster a 'no wrong door' environment for tourism operators seeking assistance or advice.

The Government agrees in principle with this Recommendation.

The Australian Government, through Austrade and Tourism Australia, will continue to work with states and territories, which lead engagement with their Regional Tourism Organisations and local government authorities.

Tourism Australia convenes an annual forum of Regional Tourism Organisations to share knowledge and promote coordination, where Austrade is invited to present every year. Tourism Australia meets with over 1,000 tourism businesses across Australia each year, helping those businesses understand how they can work with Tourism Australia, how to access international markets, and collecting industry's insights so this feedback can be incorporated into marketing activity and policy.

Recommendation 23

The Committee recommends that Austrade, in consultation with Tourism Australia and State Tourism Organisations, undertakes surveys of tourism businesses every three years to understand their data and research needs, including how data and research should be presented and accessed.

The Government notes this Recommendation.

Austrade's Tourism Research Australia and Tourism Australia regularly engage with industry on their data and insights. Austrade has a Service Level Agreement with STOs that outlines the joint data and research to be undertaken. This agreement is reviewed annually, and this recommendation will be considered in that context. Without additional resourcing, it may not be feasible to deliver this recommendation.

The Government acknowledges the importance of understanding the data and research needs of tourism businesses. Since the Committee report was tabled, the Government has made significant progress in improving tourism data and insights through the rollout of Domestic Tourism Statistics, which commenced in June 2025. The Domestic Tourism Statistics combined mobile phone data with survey information to provide a world-leading approach to measuring tourism. The Domestic Tourism Statistics are available on the Austrade website.

Recommendation 24

The Committee recommends the Australian Government, through the Aviation White Paper, prioritise implementation of policies to increase the competitiveness, accessibility and environmental friendliness of air travel into and around Australia, and continues to pursue increased capacity on international routes, including consideration of further 'open skies' agreements, consistent with our national interests.

The Government agrees with this Recommendation.

Through the Aviation White Paper, which was released in August 2024, the Government is addressing and prioritising implementation of policies to increase competitiveness, accessibility and environmental friendliness of air travel into and around Australia. This includes measures to increase competitiveness through prioritising the following initiatives:

Further competitiveness measures by the Australian Government include:

On accessibility, the Aviation White Paper commits the Government to an accessible aviation sector that protects the rights of people with disability. The Government is co-designing, with people with disability, new aviation-specific disability standards, as a schedule to the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002.

Finally, in support of net zero, the Aviation While Paper will fast-track support for a domestic low carbon liquid fuel (LCLF) industry. As part of the Future Made in Australia initiative, the Government is investing $250 million to develop innovation in LCLF and has undertaken targeted consultation to identify options for production incentives and other measures to support the establishment of a made in Australia LCLF industry. The Government will also extend the Guarantee of Origin Scheme to include sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This verification and certification scheme will allow Australian SAF producers to make credible low emissions claims about their products, and ensure uptake of SAF is leading to genuine emissions abatement. It will also underpin the Government's support measures to decarbonise transport through low carbon liquid fuels.

Recommendation 25

The Committee recommends that Treasury engages with Austrade and the tourism sector to improve access and affordability of insurance for tourism businesses.

The Government agrees with this Recommendation.

The Australian Government acknowledges that insurance access and affordability affects all parts of the economy and is not unique to tourism. Noting insurance access and affordability is a difficult issue to solve, under the THRIVE 2030 strategy the Treasury is monitoring insurance affordability, in consultation with Austrade. The Treasury has so far supported Austrade in addressing public liability insurance concerns through workshops and engagement with states, territories and industry stakeholders. The Treasury and Austrade will continue to consult industry and explore viable responses.

Recommendation 26

The Committee recommends that Austrade work with the tourism sector, in particular Regional

Tourism Organisations, to develop resilience plans to make them less susceptible to 'shocks'.

The Government notes this Recommendation.

Austrade promotes resilience planning and connects businesses with government and industry resources. The Australian Government, with state and territory support, developed resources to assist tourism businesses with disaster prevention, response and recovery. These include the Don't Risk It guide to assist tourism businesses with disaster prevention, response and recovery. Other organisations that we fund also support tourism business resilience, including resilience and recovery grants to tourism businesses in Central Australia.

The Government notes state and territory tourism organisations work directly with regional tourism organisations on resilience planning and also have a role in advancing this recommendation.

Recommendation 27

The Committee urges the Australian Government to consider the recommendations from the Committee's Interim Report on the international education sector, with a particular emphasis on implementing policies and actions that support regional education providers.

The Australian Government agrees with this Recommendation.

The Australian Government has considered all the recommendations made in the Committee's Interim Report. Please refer to the Australian Government Response to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade report: 'Quality and Integrity—the Quest for Sustainable Growth': Interim Report into International Education.

Recommendation 28

The Committee recommends the Australian Government promotes the accessibility and affordability of appropriate housing in regional areas and supports policies which will increase housing stock more broadly to improve the availability of housing for international students and workers in the tourism sector.

The Government agrees with this Recommendation.

The Australian Government meets this recommendation through existing measures and has committed $43 billion to the Homes for Australia plan to increase housing supply and improve accessibility and affordability across the country, including in regional areas.

As part of the National Housing Accord, the Government is working directly with states and territories towards a target of 1.2 million new, well-located homes over five years to July 2029.

To achieve this objective, the Government has committed $3 billion for performance-based funding through the New Homes Bonus which aims to incentivise states and territories to undertake the necessary reforms to meet their share of homes under the National Housing Accord.

The Government has also delivered the $1.5 billion Housing Support Program (HSP) which will help achieve the Accord target by providing funding for enabling infrastructure, community amenity projects, and improvements in planning capability. Of the $500 million available for planning reform and enabling infrastructure projects through the HSP's two competitive streams, approximately $373 million was awarded to 73 projects in regional Australia.

The Government has made clear to publicly funded universities that increasing the provision of safe and secure student accommodation for both domestic and international students is a priority. This priority is reflected in policy settings for managed growth of international education in Australia announced in August 2025.

Appendix—Acronyms

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Australian Government Response to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade report:

'Quality and Integrity—the Quest for Sustainable Growth': Interim Report into International Education

MARCH 2026

Overview

On 20 October 2022 Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, asked the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT), through its Trade Subcommittee (the Committee), to inquire into Australia's tourism and international education sectors (the Inquiry).

The Inquiry explored the challenges and opportunities presented to both sectors since the reopening of Australia's borders in February 2022.

The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Inquiry were focussed on capturing the challenges in international education associated with recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and future opportunities to support innovation, a positive student experience for international students, and strategic and foreign policy objectives. The TOR in full is available on the Inquiry's home page).

The Committee tabled its interim report on 19 October 2023. The report includes 29 recommendations for the international education sector, addressing issues raised through the hearings. Key themes include education and migration agents, skilled-work pathways, new and expanding markets and market development, regulation and accreditation bodies, data and reporting, transparency, and communication with students. The majority of recommendations focus on the integrity of the sector.

Government response

The Australian Government welcomes the interim report titled 'Quality and Integrity—the Quest for Sustainable Growth': Interim Report into International Education'. The Government notes the recommendations broadly align with its priorities and recent reforms to strengthen the quality and integrity of the international education sector.

International education is a great Australian success story. It is Australia's fourth largest export sector, behind coal, iron ore and natural gas[]. International students bring significant value to our communities, classrooms and campuses. Our international education system must have the right settings to provide the highest quality experience for all students and maintain Australia's world-class reputation for delivering education.

The Australian Government released the Draft International Education and Skills Strategic Framework (draft Framework) on 11 May 2024. Under the draft Framework, the Government committed to implementing a managed system for international education, to support sustainable growth and ensure that Australia remains a prestige, high-quality, high-integrity provider of international education. Government remains committed to finalising the Framework in cooperation with the international education sector.

On 18 December 2024, the Government introduced Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111)- Order for considering and disposing of offshore Subclass 500 (Student) visa applications. MD111 supported a more sustainable international education sector through changes to the prioritisation of resources for student visa processing under the 2025 National Planning level (NPL) of 270,000 New Overseas Student Commencements (NOSCs).

On 14 November 2025, MD111 was replaced with Ministerial Direction 115 (MD115)—Order for considering and disposing of offshore Subclass 500 (Student) visa applications to guide student visa processing priorities for 2026, in line with indicative NOSC allocations.

The Hon Julian Hill MP was appointed as Assistant Minister for International Education in May 2025, in recognition of the important role international education plays for Australia. In August 2025, Government announced policy settings for a managed international education system, underpinned by an NPL of 295,000 NOSCs for 2026 and incentives for providers who make a genuine effort toward greater diversification and improved student wellbeing, including through the provision of adequate student accommodation.

In November 2025, the Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025 (the ELA Bill) was passed by Parliament, improving protection for genuine international students who have chosen to study in Australia and securing the sector's reputation both domestically and overseas. The ELA Bill reintroduced integrity amendments from the Government's lapsed Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024. It also introduced new measures that will enhance the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency's (TEQSA) oversight of offshore course delivery by registered Australian higher education providers.

In the interim report the Committee recognised the need for determined and focused actions against unscrupulous providers to combat the systemic exploitation of Australia's education and migration systems and better regulate education agents, ensuring Australia remains a place where the best and brightest students can come and get the best education in the world. Government will continue to act to prevent the exploitation of students and protect Australia's reputation as a high-quality international education provider. This Australian Government Response outlines several key reforms which address issues raised in the interim report.

Recommendations and Responses

Recommendation 1

The Committee recommends the Government lead a 'Team Australia' program to build a stronger national international education brand and platform and agree on a five-year prioritised Market Diversification Plan. An enhanced Team Australia approach will:

Team Australia should prioritise the development of a five-year Market Diversification Plan into new and emerging geographic markets. The five-year plan should have shared governance and be resourced across the sector including federal, state and territory contributions. The plan should:

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

Team Australia

The Government is committed to a 'Team Australia' approach, encompassing Commonwealth departments and agencies, states and territories, peak bodies, and education providers.

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is the Australian Government agency with responsibility for promoting Australian education globally. Austrade is the custodian of Australia's Nation Brand and uses this branding when promoting Australia's education sector internationally, as Study Australia, including through supported use of the Study Australia Marketing (and Brand) Toolkit. Austrade also aggregates and disseminates whole-of-government information to global audiences via the Study Australia website, digital, and social channels. Additionally, Austrade is the policy, program, and official statistics lead for tourism, which incorporates international education as a significant source of travellers.

Austrade's work in international education is complemented by close engagement with the Australian Government Department of Education, including leveraging the department's role in driving policy development with priority partner countries to support qualifications and course recognition, greater systems alignment, and addressing barriers to growth. Austrade works closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), including on the implementation of education and skills sector recommendations in Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040; recent collaborative activities include Southeast Asia Business Exchange (SEABX) business missions focused on education, skills, and transnational education.

Austrade also works with states and territories through the Study Australia Partnership—a formal collaboration between Austrade and all state and territory study destination agencies, to co-design and execute projects that support and promote Australia's international education sector.

Diversification

The Government recognises the critical importance of market diversification to the sustainability of Australia's international education sector. Engagement with Southeast Asia is an Australian Government priority and policy settings in the managed growth approach incentivise international education providers to increasingly diversify to this region.

Diversification of international education markets also supports the visiting friends and relatives' (VFR) segment of Australia's visitor economy. As noted in the International Diversification Strategy for the Visitor Economy Discussion Paper and related industry consultations, a proposed focus on growing VFR travel from the new and emerging markets of India and Southeast Asia would have strong synergies with international education diversification.

In line with the Government's Southeast Asia 2040 strategy, Austrade is supporting engagement with Southeast Asia through SEABX, with regional trade missions involving 72 Australian education and skills providers to date.

International education sector diversification extends beyond student source countries, encompassing learner types, courses and fields of study, modes and models of delivery, and locations of study within Australia and internationally (for example, transnational education or building on the collaborative foundations of the Study Australia Partnership).

The Government will continue to work closely with the regulators, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), to guide education and training providers expanding and diversifying their operations through offshore (in-country) delivery. The Government will also continue to support the sector to engage with international governments on accessing opportunities through qualifications recognition and in-country delivery provisions enabled by bilateral trade agreements and cooperation.

Diversification opportunities will also be considered in the context of the Australian Government's International Education and Skills Strategic Framework, once finalised.

Recommendation 2

The Committee recommends the Government work with the sector to develop a more systemic approach to tracking and supporting alumni networks, including graduates of Australian education scholarships and programs, with the explicit aim of fostering enduring connections to Australia, with a focus on priority countries and strengthening Australia's international research networks and partnerships.

The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation.

The Government is committed to working with the sector (with its buy-in being essential) on improving approaches to alumni networks, in line with recommendations outlined in Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 and the Australian Universities Accord Final Report.

The Government recognises the value in enhancing personal and professional relationships forged between international scholars and the Australian community. It will continue to build on the success of alumni networks such as the Australia Awards alumni, New Colombo Plan (NCP), and other programs to identify more systematic and engaging ways to work with scholarship and self-funded alumni to deepen engagement in the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

The recent reforms to the NCP will deepen the program's business engagement and provide more ways to foster scholar and alumni engagement through relationship building with the private sector and business stakeholders. NCP initiatives, including the Alumni Representative Program and Alumni Consultative Group, provide support to engaged NCP alumni to promote the program and foster networks across the Indo-Pacific.

Work is ongoing to consolidate existing IT systems into a single solution or to strengthen existing systems to better support current needs.

DFAT has established an 'Australia Awards Global Support Mechanism' to deliver a coherent suite of Australia Awards services, including dedicated long term advisory support to bolster alumni engagement across the network of overseas posts. In addition to supporting the development of consistent and measurable alumni strategies at posts across Southeast Asia, the Government will further explore 'opt-in' approaches to tracking and convening alumni.

Recommendation 3

The Committee recommends the Government examine opportunities to expand programs that deliver development support to Australia's near neighbours and contribute to Australian skills needs through practical on and offshore education and training 'International traineeships', with an initial focus on aged care and allied health in regional Australia. International Traineeships should be limited to Technical and Further Education providers (TAFEs) and approved Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and companies to maintain integrity.

The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation.

The Government will examine opportunities to expand skills-related support through international traineeships where critical skills shortages exist in the region. Skills and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) are integral to economic success and improved development outcomes. In March 2023, the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers agreed that developing skills pathways is a collective priority for the region.

The Government supports this priority in the Pacific. DFAT's pilot of on-the-job training of Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers in the aged care sector in the Northern Territory and Queensland, informed the expansion of training through the PALM scheme. In April 2025, DFAT's Office of the Pacific introduced a new, regional skills program, Pacific Australian Skills, continuing Australia's longstanding support for skills and training in the region, following the conclusion of the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC, 2008—2025). Pacific Australia Skills builds on the strong legacy of APTC, focusing on skills for employment and links with industry.

The Government's development partnerships in Southeast Asia include a strong focus on education and skills in Official Development Assistance (ODA) eligible countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and throughout ASEAN. These partnerships build links with Australian institutions through the International Development Policy framework and programs such as Australia Awards scholarships, fellowships and short courses, and the New Colombo Plan. The Policy guides investment in partner-led initiatives that improve schooling, vocational training, and employment services. This will help build regional capacity, develop future leaders and leverage Australia's education institutions to further connect the region to Australia.

The Government is also establishing a new specialised scholarship program complementing Australia Awards, as well as expanding Australia Award Scholarships to Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Additionally, a new Placements and Internships Pilot Program for Young Professionals (an initial $6 million over four years) to help build enduring links between Australian and Southeast Asian businesses.

Under a system of managed growth, universities will be able to grow their student allocation where they demonstrate continued investment in Southeast Asia through their education offerings, partnerships, campuses, alumni and scholarships. This will help drive Australia's economic, people-to-people links and two-way cultural exchange.

The Government exempts students from the Pacific and Timor-Leste from the prioritisation of offshore Subclass 500 (student) visa applications under Ministerial Direction 115, in recognition of Australia's commitment to strengthening education and employment pathways with the region. This exemption extends to other visa applications, including those students with an Australian Government sponsored scholarship and key foreign partner government scholarship holders, and students studying at an Australian education provider delivering education services internationally under a transnational education agreement.

Recommendation 4

The Committee recommends the Government engage with the international education sector and industry bodies to develop and implement targeted campaigns to educate employers on the opportunities to hire international student graduates in sectors with high skilled job vacancies. Campaigns must combat employer confusion and misinformation about graduate work rights, visa conditions and pathways to permanent residency (where available). The first campaign focus should be for engineering, information technology and health industries, followed by other skilled occupations identified in high demand.

The Australian Government agrees in-principle with this recommendation.

The Government notes the proposal for further information strategies and campaigns as outlined in this recommendation, as well as Recommendation 20.

The Government currently engages with the international education sector, industry bodies and employers to support awareness of rights and opportunities in the sector. The Government recognises there is value in improving employers' understanding of the benefits that international graduates can provide, including through addressing confusion or misinformation about graduate work rights, visa conditions and pathways to permanent residency.

The Government supports improving clarity around rights, obligations, and employment opportunities for the international education sector, and will continue to consult with the sector to develop information products in line with recommendations outlined in the Migration Strategy,Working Future: The Australian Government's White Paper on Jobs and Opportunities (Employment White Paper), and the International Students Pathways and Outcomes Study by Jobs and Skills Australia.

Recommendation 5

The Committee recommends the Government establish a national work-integrated learning framework to oversight work-integrated learning placements. The work-integrated learning framework and any accompanying system changes should be developed in consultation with the international education sector, industry peak bodies and accreditation bodies and the work-integrated learning peak body, taking into consideration Fair Work Requirements and ensuring robust oversight of providers and businesses to prevent student exploitation and integrity loopholes.

The work-integrated learning accreditation system should support the integration of accreditation placements into the work-integrated learning program, where appropriate. Further sandwich courses, higher education apprenticeships and other paid work and learn integrated models of study are increasingly common in jurisdictions with whom Australia competes for international students. These models offer better integration between industry and educational entities, and should be given immediate consideration by a taskforce established by the Government.

The Australian Government agrees withthis recommendation.

The Government recognises the importance of work integrated learning to support international students to enhance their workplace and employability skills and graduate employment outcomes, while also ensuring that there is appropriate oversight of providers and businesses to comply with workplace relations laws including the Fair Work Act 2009, and to prevent, detect and remedy the exploitation of students.

The benefits for international students of work experience and volunteering during their studies is well documented. Through these experiences, international students build networks, develop their English language skills, and build the skills and attributes necessary to find work in their field of study.

This recommendation aligns with the 2022 Post Study Work Rights Working Group Report to the Ministers for Education and Home Affairs which notes that "additional work experience during their studies can also assist graduates to be more work ready upon graduation".

The Government agrees to establish a work integrated learning working group to consider this recommendation in the context of other key government reforms, including the Employment White Paper, the Australian Universities Accord Final Report, the Migration Strategy, Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, and the International Students Pathways and Outcomes Study by Jobs and Skills Australia. The Government has also committed to deepen engagement in Southeast Asia through Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 including encouraging universities and vocational education providers to offer work-integrated learning internships as part of course offerings to Southeast Asian students.

Recommendation 6

The Committee recommends the Government take a pro-active, interventionist approach in reviewing unreasonable barriers to qualified international student graduates filling skills shortage roles that are imposed by professional accreditation bodies, to identify opportunities to streamline and remove unnecessary requirements while preserving quality assurance. The Committee recommends these reviews target and assess, as a matter of priority, accreditation barriers and issues encountered by qualified international graduates in health and allied health professional fields. There should be a specific focus on accreditation issues in nursing, midwifery, and psychology, then professional trades and other critical skills shortage areas, as they emerge.

Consideration should be given to improving pathways to apprenticeships and work placements for both vocational education and training and university degrees for international students where skills shortages cannot be met domestically.

The Australian Government agrees in-principle with this recommendation.

The Government notes this recommendation aligns with work undertaken by DFAT on Mutual Recognition Agreements for Professional Qualifications. The Government will further consider matters relating to priority skills areas in line with the Migration Strategy, Australian Universities Accord Final Report,the Employment White Paper, and the International Students Pathways and Outcomes Study by Jobs and Skills Australia.

The Government recognises that occupations are generally subject to state and territory licensing and regulatory oversight, with health and allied health professions being nationally regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

The Government recently released the Guiding Principles and Standards for Skilled Migration Assessing Authorities (the Guide) (effective 1 October 2025) to improve the approach to skills assessments for migration purposes. The Guide will be supported by new legislative powers to impose conditions on assessing authorities. The completion of this work represents a significant milestone in the journey towards greater integrity and assurance measures in skills assessments. The Government will continue to work closely with industry, migrant representatives, assessing authorities and other stakeholders to understand the opportunities for systemic changes to lift the sector and strengthen its role within the broader skills, employment and migration system.

As noted in the response to Recommendation 5, the Government recognises that work placements more broadly are critical to post-study employment outcomes, and will consider opportunities to further improve access to placements for international students, including in the context of other key government reforms.

Recommendation 7

The Committee recommends, in light of the highly dynamic nature of the international education sector and global markets and the continuously evolving policy and regulatory frameworks, an appropriate Parliamentary Committee hold a regular annual or biennial 'check-in' inquiry, either stand-alone or as part of a routine annual report inquiry by the Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade.

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

Recommendation 8

The Committee recommends the Government develop an International Education Compact for the endorsement of National Cabinet, to clarify the roles and responsibilities of respective levels of government regarding the quality and integrity standards of Australia's international education system and to improve international student experience. Such responsibilities, for example, may confirm:

The Australian Government agrees in-principle withthis recommendation.

The Government works closely with states and territories through the Study Australia partnerships and regular meetings of the Commonwealth States and Territories International Education Stakeholder Forum to ensure a quality student experience for international students and enhanced community engagement. States and territories also celebrate the contribution that international students make to Australian society through annual international student award ceremonies. The Government notes the utility in confirming the roles and responsibilities of different levels of government.

The Government recognises the importance of a sustainable and representative student voice in policy development and implementation as well as within individual institutions.

Recommendation 9

The Committee recommends the Government use its convening power to encourage state and territory governments, local government authorities and universities to develop appropriate local accommodation models including home stay in their respective jurisdictions to help alleviate pressing student accommodation issues and deepen connections between international students and Australian society, highlighting the tax advantages for Australians who host up to two international students.

Best Practice Home Stay models should be informed by the Gold Coast Council's 'Host for Coast' program and developed in consultation with established reputable homestay organisations such as the Australian Homestay Network and international education peak bodies and include:

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Government is working with state and territory, local governments and education providers to develop accommodation models to increase the provision of student accommodation, to ensure both domestic and international students have access to safe and secure housing.

Recommendation 10

The Committee recommends the Government urgently work to foster the expansion of the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector including:

The Australian Government agrees in-principle with this recommendation.

The Government recognises the critical role of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) to alleviate accommodation shortages, particularly in the student market. There is a growing pipeline of additional PBSA, with more than 11,000 beds under construction, more than 15,000 with development approvals in place and over 12,000 in the planning process.

The Government has made clear to publicly funded universities that increasing the provision of safe and secure student accommodation for both domestic and international students, including through PBSA, is a priority. This priority is reflected in policy settings for a managed system of international education in Australia. In its settings for 2026, the Government established an application process for universities through which they can apply for an increase in their New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) allocation, with student accommodation as one of the key factors against which applications are assessed.

The Government will further consider this recommendation in line with other Government reforms, including the Housing Australia Future Fund, the measures from the National Housing Accord, the Australian Universities Accord Final Report, as well as guidance from the recently established National Housing Supply and Affordability Council.

Recommendation 11

The Committee recommends the Government review and consider the desirability of the widespread practice in the university sector whereby universities establish Central Business District (CBD) campuses largely comprising international students and sub-contract the teaching to private institutions. This could be considered as part of the University Accord process and may warrant adjustments to funding formulas to ensure genuine regional universities in particular are adequately funded and not forced in effect to chase revenue in this manner.

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Government is committed to supporting regional universities, ensuring they are adequately funded and that the students receive a quality education.

The Government will further consider how to support regional universities to thrive in line with other Government reforms, including implementation of recommendations in the Australian Universities Accord Final Report with demand-driven Needs-based Funding for students studying at regional campuses commencing from 2026. Measures to guide the international education sector towards greater sustainability will continue through a managed growth approach, which is currently being implemented through changes to the prioritisation of resources for offshore student visa processing under a National Planning Level.

Where a provider delivers a course with a third party, the Higher Education Standards (HES) Framework requires higher education providers to remain responsible and accountable in all aspects of course delivery and support. TEQSA may apply a greater focus in ensuring compliance is effectively implemented by the higher education provider. TEQSA also expects students have equivalent opportunity to successfully transition into and through their course of study irrespective of educational background, mode, delivery arrangement or place of study.

Recommendation 12

The Committee recommends the Government significantly improve data sharing between agencies to address serious integrity concerns, including formal information and sharing agreements and platforms between the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Education, Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), and where appropriate, the Commonwealth Ombudsman, Austrade and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

Government should form or utilise an existing cross agency expert group to oversee the development of these platforms to ensure:

The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation.

The Government is exploring further reforms around data expansion as outlined in Recommendations 12, 13, 18, 23, and 26, and notes the actions in this recommendation are being progressed.

The Government is committed to enhancing data sharing capability between regulatory agencies, in alignment with the Government's response to the Nixon Review.

Broader data sharing detailed in this recommendation will be investigated over the longer term in line with the strategic priorities of Government and areas of responsibility for relevant agencies.

The Government regards agencies working together to share intelligence, identifying areas for regulatory action and treating shared risks in international education, as a critical component to ensuring integrity in the sector. Government has established a cross-agency committee consisting of ESOS agencies and Commonwealth departments, with a focus on information sharing on integrity risks to the sector.

Recommendation 13

The Committee recommends the Government use whatever means at its disposal to compel education providers to develop information channels across sectors to share credible information and concerns regarding education agents, entities and student movements to inform and support integrity in student recruitment and delivery of international education and to disrupt non-genuine students and other entities seeking to exploit the international education sector, the student visa system, and international students.

The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation.

The Government has positive working relationships with the sector and will continue to build conduits to share information related to risks to the integrity of Australia's international education system. The Government remains committed to ensuring the quality, integrity and sustainable growth of Australia's international education sector and working with the sector to achieve this goal.

The ELA Act contains robust elements to increase information sharing on education agents to support providers to choose ethical, high performing agents. Integrity reforms in the Act complement the changes to the Student Visa Program through strengthening regulations for education providers and disrupting and deterring non-genuine education providers and students.

Recommendation 14

The Committee recommends the Government take firm action to address persistent and deep-seated integrity issues in the private Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, understanding this will be a difficult and long-term reform program. Actions may require legislative changes to strengthen regulatory oversight and tough decisions and could include:

The Australian Government agrees in-principle with this recommendation.

The Government is committed to ensuring integrity and quality in Australia's international and domestic VET sector. These issues are complex and require a coordinated approach across government agencies.

The ELA Bill passed by Parliament on 28 November 2025 included a range of integrity measures to strengthen the international education regulatory framework by amending the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (the ESOS Act).

These measures directly address the recommendation, including by:

In the 2023-24 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO), the Government announced a package of $37.8 million for measures to improve integrity in the VET system and protections for students. The measures have supported the national VET regulator, ASQA, to strengthen its regulatory activities by:

The Government has also taken swift action to strengthen the Fit and Proper Person Requirements under the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 (NVETR Act). These changes provided ASQA with increased powers to scrutinise those who are in the business of managing or operating Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

The Government is also lifting the quality and integrity of training within the VET sector through the release of revised Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 with 2025 Standards for Registered Training Organisations (2025 Standards). The 2025 Standards for RTOs came into effect on 1 July 2025 and strengthen the focus on quality outcomes for learners and employers, provide greater clarity around expectations, and allow for more flexibility and innovation in training delivery across the sector.

The Government made amendments to the NVETR Act in early 2024 to ensure ASQA has the necessary regulatory tools to take swift action to address integrity risks posed by non-genuine or unscrupulous RTOs and lift quality across the VET sector.

In the 2024-25 MYEFO, the Government committed $7.7 million over four years from 2024-25 (and $0.4 million per year ongoing) to enable ASQA to deliver additional integrity activities for Australia's international vocational education and training sector, working closely with sector regulators.

Additionally, in the 2025-26 Budget, the government committed $4.7 million in surge funding for ASQA. This funding will enable ASQA to immediately respond to fraud in the VET sector, particularly where providers are issuing fraudulent qualifications.

The Government is committed to ensuring Australia's VET system delivers world-class training while protecting students and quality providers. Government will continue to investigate further improvements to the regulatory framework and enhance quality requirements for VET delivery. Implementation of improvements would require careful consideration to ensure intended outcomes are achieved.

Recommendation 15

The Committee recommends the Government implement or at least trial major reforms to how international student learning is assessed, and education quality assured for high-risk Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers and courses by working with the States and Territories to consider the following options:

All of the above initiatives would be provider funded on a cost-recovery basis.

The Australian Government agrees in-principle withthis recommendation.

The Government is strongly committed to ensuring a high-quality vocational education and training (VET) sector with oversight by the national VET regulator, ASQA, delivering a risk-based approach to regulation.

ASQA manages the registration of all providers based on risk and has an ongoing risk focus on CRICOS providers. ASQA's measures to support greater integrity in the international education system, supported by a significant uplift in its digital and data systems continues to build ASQA's compliance, investigative and enforcement capabilities. The most effective approach is to engage with those providers on whether they meet the threshold for registration—at any stage in their registration cycle.

As outlined in Recommendation 14, Government is lifting the quality and integrity of training within the VET sector through the release of revised Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). The 2025 revised Standards for RTOs will strengthen the focus on quality outcomes for learners and employers, provide greater clarity around expectations, and allow for more flexibility and innovation in training delivery across the sector.

In line with a focus on quality outcomes, the 2025 Standards for RTOs support a more flexible approach to delivery and regulation and complement ASQA's risk-based approach. A significant and ongoing program of engagement has been undertaken to facilitate the transition to the 2025 Standards, including to build RTO understanding and capability for operating under the 2025 Standards. Commencing in October 2024, this program of engagement included the development of educative and supporting resources, policy guidance, and a significant program of face-to-face and virtual workshops conducted by ASQA with providers across the country.

The Government remains committed to managing the sector at sustainable levels, creating a better and fairer system, and addressing integrity issues in international education. Measures included in the ELA Act strengthen integrity and support quality in the sector.

Recommendation 16

The Committee recommends the Government consider differentiating visa applications for international students who choose to study at Technical and Further Education providers (TAFEs). Further considerations to support TAFEs should include:

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Government will further consider this recommendation, in line with its response to the Nixon Review, which advocates for several reforms to protect students from unscrupulous private VET providers.

Recommendation 17

The Committee recommends the Government review international education regulatory bodies to ensure the settings and frameworks empower proactive risk analysis, on-the-ground quality assurance practices and that individual complaints, especially complaints by students, are investigated within an efficient timeframe. The review should consider how:

The Australian Government agrees withthis recommendation.

The Government notes that the actions responding to this recommendation are covered by its response to the Nixon Review. In its response, Government has undertaken significant uplifts of regulatory capacity.

In the 2023-24 MYEFO, the Government announced a package of $37.8 million for measures to improve integrity in the VET system and protections for students. The measures have supported the national VET regulator, ASQA, to strengthen its regulatory activities by:

The Government is continuing cross agency work to support ESOS agencies to share and integrate data holdings and to support ongoing development of evidence-based risk indicators to inform compliance actions by the education regulators.

Recommendation 18

The Committee recommends the Government amend Quality Indicators for Teaching and Learning (QILT) Surveys to include questions about education agents and equivalents that would provide more detailed information of the agent student interactions.

The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation.

The Government has worked with the QILT contractor to include questions about education agents and equivalents for the 2025 Student Experience Survey.

Recommendation 19

The Committee recommends the Government:

The Australian Government agrees in-principle withthis recommendation.

The Government has zero tolerance for exploitation of migrant workers, including international students.

In July 2024, the Government implemented a pilot to strengthen reporting protections for a range of temporary visa holders, including international students. This pilot was co-designed with a targeted group of unions and civil society organisations with expertise in workplace relations. The design recognised that without appropriate protections for both their current and any future visa, some temporary migrants have been too afraid to try to resolve workplace exploitation, or to support investigations or pursue litigation against dishonest employers. This is a key element of the package of reforms to address migrant worker exploitation announced by Government in June 2023, in line with commitments made at the 2022 Jobs and Skills Summit.

The Government has driven broader legislative reform to deter the misclassification of employees as independent contractors through its Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Act 2024. The Act changes the defence to misrepresenting employment as an independent contractor arrangement (i.e. 'sham contracting') from a test of 'recklessness' to one of 'reasonableness'. The effect of this change is to impose a more objective test. This means that an employer's ignorance or unreasonable mistake will no longer allow them to make out the defence and avoid liability for sham contracting. The Act also substantially increases the maximum penalties for bodies corporate that are not small business employers that are found to have engaged in sham contracting in the Fair Work Act 2009.

For the purposes of examining the scale and use of ABNs, the Australian Business Registrar currently shares ABN non-public information with eligible government agencies. The Government will consider a scheme of endorsement of ABN requests by international students overseen by education institutions. The recommendation to have ABN requests to be overseen by educational institutions raises several policy and legal issues, including considering how such a scheme would fit with the existing ABN obligations, and whether it would achieve the desired outcome. The recommendation would also require policy and law change.

Consistent with the direction in the Migration Strategy and the development of a public register for employer sponsors in the temporary skilled program, Government will in future consider if this register can extend to businesses that employ other temporary migrants where workers are particularly susceptible to exploitation.

Recommendation 20

The Committee recommends cross government agencies and the sector intensify efforts in implementing a targeted communication strategy to educate:

The Australian Government agrees in-principle withthis recommendation.

The Study Australia website and social channels are official Australian Government sources of information and referral for international students, agents, parents, school counsellors and other stakeholders.

Study Australia channels aggregate and disseminate whole-of-government information to a global audience. Austrade works closely with Commonwealth agencies, as well as Australian state and territory study destination agencies, to ensure the provision of accurate and up-to-date information, including on rights and obligations, and relevant tools and directions to providers, students and other stakeholders. Austrade also actively engages with global education agents via the Study Australia Agent Hub, a dedicated resource for education agents.

Education providers are required under the ESOS Actand the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 to provide information on student rights and responsibilities, as learners and as employees in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs, as the responsible agency, disseminates information relating to student's visas and conditions for employment, while the Fair Work Ombudsman offers free advice and education, including a range of in-language resources, to all employees and employers.

Collectively, these whole-of-government activities provide current and prospective students with information about their protections and rights under the Education Services for Overseas Students Framework, assist education providers and their contracted agents to understand their responsibilities, and educate employers and industry on the benefits and processes associated with engaging international students and graduates.

Greater cross-government collaboration will be developed and delivered in the context of the International Education and Skills Strategic Framework, once finalised. Implementation will include additional targeted communication strategies to better inform and educate providers on their obligations, under both the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 and 2025 Standards for RTOs, along with further efforts to educate international students, education agents, and employers.

Recommendation 21

The Committee recommends the Government:

The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation.

The Government has removed the concurrent study functionality from the Provider Registration and International Student Management System (PRISMS), in line with   .Standard 7 of the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 which restricts student transfers in the first 6 months of their primary course of study.

The government announced its intention to introduce new legislation to ban agent commissions for onshore transfers in October 2023 and remains committed to implementing this measure. The ban seeks to disrupt unscrupulous agents from facilitating non-genuine student transfers, including in the first 6 months of study.

The Department of Home Affairs will work with the Department of Education to identify and inform policy changes and risk settings for students changing education providers. Government will consider student wellbeing to ensure that students with legitimate reasons for requesting a transfer within the first 6 months of study are not disadvantaged.

The Government will further consider regulatory enforcement in line with this recommendation, including how non-compliance would be identified and enforced.

Recommendation 22

The Committee recommends the Government amend Education Services and Overseas Students regulations to provide that any medical letter or certification for consideration of early release can only be issued by a medical professional who is approved under the students' Overseas Student Health Cover.

The Australian Government agrees in-principle with this recommendation.

The Government will consider this recommendation in the context of work underway to increase integrity in Australia's international education sector.

Recommendation 23

The Committee recommends the Government tighten regulations to:

The Australian Government agrees in-principle with this recommendation.

The Government supports increasing the transparency of education agent data to providers. The collection of information on education agent commissions will enable Government to share more information with providers on the education agents they engage. These changes are outlined in measures under the ELA Act passed by Parliament in November 2025, supported by complementary changes to the Education Services for Overseas Students Regulations 2019. The Government also supports increasing requirements for providers to actively monitor education agents including requiring providers to have written agreements with the agents from when they receive international students and will consider these measures in more detail in consultation with the sector.

The Government notes the part of the recommendation to implement mandatory requirements to report misconduct involving suspected trafficking and will consider this in the context of the work underway, in line with its response to the Nixon Review and commitments detailed in the Migration Strategy.

Recommendation 24

The Committee recommends the Government in consultation with the education sector and agent peak bodies develop model clauses for providers to use in their written agreements with education agents to improve integrity, consumer protection and enable more transparency of payments.

The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation.

The Government will consider how implementation of the recommendation on model clauses could align with its broader reform work on the Education Services for Overseas Students Framework.

Recommendation 25

The Committee recommends the Government use whatever regulatory levers necessary to mandate certain minimum requirements be included in all written agreements between providers and students to increase transparency and consumer protection including:

The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation.

The Government recognises the importance of embedding transparency and consumer protection in written agreements between providers and students.

The Government will work with the sector to consider requirements to be included.

Recommendation 26

The Committee recommends an expansion of the current Education Agents Dashboard on Provider Registration and International Student Management System (PRISMS) to allow provider access to all education agents' information. Such an expansion should enable providers to consider an agent's performance before entering contractual arrangements and to be able to compare agent performance or integrity concerns about individual agents across the sector.

The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation.

Improving providers' access to education agent performance data will assist providers in choosing quality education agents to support their student recruitment activities.

The Department of Education has already made enhancements to PRISMS that align with this recommendation. In July 2024, the Department of Education expanded functions in PRISMS, allowing education providers to search for any education agent and view information related to the education agent, including the other education providers they work with as well as the incompletion rates and visa refusal rates associated with that education agent.

As noted in the response to Recommendations 13 and 23, measures under the ELA Act give providers greater access to the performance data of all education agents, not just those agents with whom they have agreements. Improving providers' access to education agent performance data will assist providers in choosing quality education agents to support their student recruitment activities.

Recommendation 27

The Committee recommends, in implementing the decision to ban the payment of commissions by providers to education agents, migration agents or equivalent entities for all onshore international student transfers, the Government ensure this captures 'marketing' or equivalent payments to related entities and persons however they are characterised.

The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation.

As noted in recommendation 21, the Government is committed to implementing the ban on agent commissions for onshore transfers and will ensure that all relevant persons, entities and payment types are captured by the change.

The ELA Act includes a new definition of 'education agent' in the ESOS Act as well as complementary changes to the Education Services for Overseas Students Regulations 2019. These provide an activity-based approach to persons or entities considered to be education agents, in order to capture persons or entities who may not have formal agreements or relationships to providers.

Similarly, the new definition of 'education agent commission' includes both monetary and non-monetary considerations or benefits given by a provider to an education agent or associate in connection with the recruitment of overseas students or any other activity involved in being an education agent under the new definition.

These changes ensure that, in implementing the banning of agent commission payments for onshore transfers, all relevant persons, entities and payments are captured.

Recommendation 28

The Committee recommends the Government accept that regulation of education agents is essential and long overdue, and that a model must be determined and implemented. Government should consider the most effective way of ensuring scrutiny of education agents given their key role in providing temporary migration advice and dealing with often vulnerable consumers. Any model will need to ensure compliance with a single Code of Ethical Practice for Education Agents setting expected standards for all education agents who work with Australian education providers. Any scheme should be industry funded through cost recovery mechanisms and have adequate resourcing for compliance and enforcement.

The Australian Government agrees in-principle with this recommendation.

The Government is currently undertaking work to bring effect to this recommendation in line with previous recommendations from the Nixon Review and theMigration Strategy,and may consider further measures should this be required.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring Australian immigration advice is provided by lawful providers of immigration assistance.

Recommendation 29

The Committee recommends the Department of Education and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations are each empowered to take a lead approach as policy owners for International Education with respect to their relevant policy portfolios. The Minister for Education and the Minister for Skills and Training, and relevant departments, should ensure the ongoing coordination of policy development and implementation. The Departments should also ensure that appropriate and holistic measures are included in their annual performance statements.

The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation.

The Department of Education, the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, and other relevant agencies continue to build strong working relationships to coordinate policy development and implementation with meetings at the working and executive level. The departments also work closely with the sector to ensure providers comply with the requirements of the ESOS Act.

The Council for International Education which includes as its members the Minister for Education, the Minister for Trade and Tourism, the Minister for Skills and Training, the Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Assistant Minister for International Education and the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, provides the framework to ensure whole-of- government strategic thinking, informed by input from the Expert Members of the Council.

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Dear President

I present to you the Government's response to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security's Advisory Report on the Royal Commissions Legislation Amendment (Protections for Providing Information) Bill 2026. This response was provided during debate in the Senate on 12 March 2026.

I have enclosed a Hansard extract containing the Government response. On page 38 of the Hansard, the Government agreed to the committee's recommendation. Of the additional recommendations made by Coalition Members and Senators of the committee, the Government agreed in principle to Recommendation 1 and noted Recommendations 2 and 3.

In the event this letter is received when the Senate is not sitting, I note the presentation of this document is pursuant to Senate Standing Order 166.

Yours sincerely

Michelle Rowland MP

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Australian Government response to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee report:

Right Wing Extremist Movements in Australia

March 2026

Introduction

The Government thanks the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for its review into right wing extremist movements in Australia.

Australia's security environment is degrading. On 5 August 2024, the National Terrorism Threat Level was raised from POSSIBLE to PROBABLE—and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation assesses there is a greater than 50 per cent chance of an onshore attack or attack planning in the next 12 months. More Australians are being radicalised, and radicalised quickly, embracing an increasingly diverse range of extreme ideologies and willing to use violence to advance their cause. This was demonstrated by the horrific antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025. The Government's thoughts remain with the families and friends of the 15 people who lost their lives. The alleged attempted bombing of a First Nations rally in Perth on 26 January further highlights the threats facing Australians.

The Australian Government is committed to countering violent extremism in all its forms. We have developed deep relationships with state and territory partners, international partners, academia and industry to prevent and respond to violent extremism and ensure a safer Australia. This commitment and the importance of wide-ranging partnerships is reflected in A Safer Australia -Australia's Counter-Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy 2025, which was released on 17 January 2025.

A key focus of the Government's effort is building resilience within our communities to guard against violent extremism and providing early support services to those who are at risk. This requires our law enforcement and security agencies to work hand in hand with health, social and community services.

Recommendations

Recommendation 1: The committee recommends that the Australian Government undertake periodic evaluation of Australian de-radicalisation and countering violent extremism programs. That evaluation should involve experts engaged in those programs, law enforcement and intelligence agencies, and organisations that research countering violent extremism and de-radicalisation. Any such periodic review should draw upon the experience both in Australia and overseas in other liberal democracies.

Response: The Australian Government agrees to this recommendation.

The Australian Government has established a nationally coordinated expert evaluation capability that will measure the effectiveness of countering violent extremism (CVE) intervention programs delivered in all states and territories. This national evaluation is underway and will ensure intervention programs are continually reviewed and refined, in light of the changing environment, developments in research and internationally recognised best practice.

Recommendation 2: The committee recommends that the Australian government develops a national framework for engaging with young people to deter them from radical extremism. That framework should provide best practice guidance to the states and territories and the broader civic community on how to engage with young people to:

Response: The Australian Government agrees to this recommendation.

A Safer Australia—Australia's Counter-Terrorism and Violent Extremism Strategy 2025 sets out the Australian Government's plans to engage young people, and youth experts, in its efforts to address youth radicalisation. This takes a whole-of-sector approach, drawing together education, social services, law enforcement and other key bodies across the country.

The Australian Government has established the Youth Advisory Council for A Safer Australia (YACSA) to incorporate youth perspectives into policies and programs which aim to disengage young people from violent extremism. The YACSA was appointed on 16 July 2025 and is made up of 15 young people aged 16-24. The YACSA will provide feedback on materials, initiatives, and resources that support youth prevention efforts, ensuring they reach and resonate with young people.

The YACSA will work closely with the Youth and Mental Health Advisory Group, an existing group of youth experts in CVE, mental health and education, to provide advice to the Government on how to improve policy responses to issues related to violent extremism. This includes providing advice on the whole system, from identifying early signs and risk factors to becoming radicalised to violence to providing support to a community after a violent extremist event. The Youth and Mental Health Advisory Group will also continue to be a community of practice by sharing case studies, assessing capabilities and gaps in programs, consolidating evidence on best practice, and uplifting capabilities to engage with youth clients and clients with mental health and neurodivergence.

Recommendation 3: The committee recommends that the Australian government conducts research into violent extremism in the online environment, including on:

That research should examine how those platforms may be used by extremist actors to spread propaganda and recruit members, particularly in relation to young people.

Response: The Australian Government agrees to this recommendation.

The Australian Government will continue reviewing existing research into violent extremism in the online environment to identify any gaps and inform future research priorities.

The Australian Government's commissioned research program includes analysis of violent extremism networks and behaviours in the online environment, the impacts of artificial intelligence amplified misinformation, and policy responses to youth vulnerabilities and interventions.

Recommendation 4: The committee recommends that the Office of the eSafety Commissioner engages with stakeholders in relation to the development of best practice guidelines in relation to transparent and independent assurance measures to verify that social media platforms are enforcing terms of service to exclude harmful extremist content.

Response: The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

Under the Online Safety Act and subordinate legislation and codes, there are a number of expectations or obligations on social media services, as well as other services, to enforce their terms of service, including in relation to harmful extremist content.

The Government's Basic Online Safety Expectations establish expectations that providers of certain services—including social media services—take reasonable steps to ensure that end-users are able to use the service in a safe manner, minimise material that depicts abhorrent violent conduct, ensure that penalties for breaches of their terms of use are enforced against all accounts held by those end-users and ensure they have terms of use, policies and procedures in relation to the safety of end-users as well as procedures for reports and complaints. These are supported by mechanisms for the eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) to require information from service providers to promote transparency and accountability, with reports published on the eSafety website. eSafety published a transparency report focusing on terrorism and violent extremism in March 2025.

The Online Safety Act also provides for the development of mandatory industry codes and standards for illegal and restricted content. The Unlawful Materials codes and standards have been developed and are in force. The codes and standards establish obligations relating to Class 1A and Class 1B material (which includes pro-terror material and extreme crime and violence material). The relevant codes and standards include requirements to enforce their terms of service in relation to Class 1A and 1B material. The maximum civil penalty for not complying with the codes and standards is $49.5 million. Certain social media services are required to provide annual compliance reports to eSafety on their compliance with the code, and eSafety has a range of other information-gathering and investigations powers across the codes and standards to investigate potential non-compliance.

eSafety also routinely engages with stakeholders in relation to the development of good practice guidance, particularly to promote the Safety-by-Design initiative. This initiative was created based on extensive stakeholder consultation and provides industry with a set of principles and guidance to incorporate, assess and enhance user safety. To support implementation of the Safety-by-Design principles, eSafety developed assessment tools for enterprise and start-up tech companies. The tools act as a safety 'health check' and learning resources and include good practice examples.

Recommendation 5: The committee recommends the Australian government considers introducing legislation that would enable Australian law enforcement and intelligence agencies to access encrypted communications if there is a well-founded threat to national security and a warrant has been issued by a judicial officer to access those communications.

Response: The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act 1979 provides agencies with powers to lawfully access communications in limited situations, under warrant and the Telecommunications Act 1997 provides a framework for agencies to seek assistance from industry.

The Australian Government continues to engage collaboratively with technology companies to safeguard privacy, strengthen cybersecurity and protect users against technology-enabled crime. The Government is committed to ensuring user and public safety while maintaining privacy and cyber security—including through the use of strong encryption and other innovative technology.

The Australian Government will also continue to work in partnership with technology companies to maintain tightly controlled lawful access to communications, under warrant, which is vital to the investigation and prosecution of serious crimes including terrorism, hate crimes and other violent extremist offending, and protecting the safety of our citizens.

Recommendation 6: The committee recommends the Australian government adopts a nationally consistent definition of what constitutes a hate crime and consider establishing a national hate crimes database.

Response: The Australian Government agrees-in-principle to this recommendation.

On 23 December 2025, the Australian Government launched the first phase of the National Hate Crimes and Incidents Database, which provides national information on individuals charged with offences under hate crimes legislation in all Australian jurisdictions.

On 18 December 2025, the Australian Government published the 'Eliminating Antisemitism' response to the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism's 'Plan to Combat Antisemitism' and committed to providing states and territories resources to accelerate the development of the National Hate Crimes and Incidents Database.

The Commonwealth is leading a working group with state and territory representatives to accelerate the database. Through this work the Government will consider a nationally consistent definition of what constitutes a hate crime.

The Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Act 2026 passed the Parliament on 20 January 2026. The Act established a new regime to list groups that advocate for, or engage in, conduct constituting a hate crime, with offences for individuals participating in certain activities with these prohibited hate groups. For the purpose of this framework, 'hate crime' is defined in s 114A.3 of the Criminal Code to include a specific set of Commonwealth, state and territory offences.

Greens additional recommendations

Recommendation 1: That responses to right wing extremism and white supremacy be intersectional, explicitly anti-racist and shaped by targeted communities.

Response: The Australian Government agrees to this recommendation.

The Australian Government is committed to addressing ideologically motivated violent extremism in a way that reflects the diversity of Australian communities and builds community cohesion. This means including diverse perspectives in the development and implementation of CVE programs and maintaining a community-centred approach to addressing radicalisation to violent extremism.

Recommendation 2: That the Australian Government publicly commit to implementing the recommendations of the Christchurch Call.

Response: The Australian Government notes the recommendation, as this has already occurred.

The Australian Government joined the Christchurch Call to Action on 15 May 2019, the same day it was founded by the Governments of France and New Zealand. Joining the Call included public commitment to the 25 commitments of the Call, of which five pertain to governments and 13 are collective commitments. The seven commitments for online service providers are not for the Australian Government to implement.

Then, as now, the Australian Government remains committed to the Call's aims to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online and establishing a free, open and secure internet. The Australian Government has taken action on all government commitments and collective commitments. The Australian Government's commitment to the Christchurch Call has continued through its restructure to a non-governmental organisation in July 2024.

Recommendation 3: That anti-racism training be mandated for all MPs and their staff.

Response: The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Act 2023 gives the Parliamentary Workplace Support Service a function to provide education on, and to inform parliamentarians and their staff about, matters relating to the employment of staff under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 and maintaining safe and respectful workplaces.

The Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Chief Executive Officer may, by legislative instrument, determine a specified education or training program for parliamentarians and their staff is mandatory where certain conditions set out in the legislation are met.

Recommendation 4: That guidelines are developed for media that are grounded in an anti-racist approach to reporting and to minimise harm from sensationalist reporting.

Response: The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

A balanced, robust and independent news media sector is critical to Australian society and the operation of our democratic systems and institutions. Reflecting the importance of a free media, our regulatory arrangements enable industry to take the lead in developing and overseeing content standards that reflect community standards.

Australia's print and online news media operates under a self-regulatory framework. Industry bodies, such as the Australian Press Council (APC), are responsible for assessing complaints regarding its members. Several media organisations have their own internal complaints handling processes. The APC has developed Advisory Guidelines on particular issues. These Advisory Guidelines provide additional information and resources on best practice reporting, including in relation to the reporting of religion, ethnicity and race.

In addition, news content that is provided via broadcasting services in Australia is regulated under a co-regulatory framework. This framework is premised on industry codes of practice that are developed by relevant industry sectors and registered by the Australian Communications and Media Authority under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992. These codes of practice include procedures for dealing with complaints.

Recommendation 5: That the Australian Government commit to fully funding and implementing the National Anti-Racism Framework.

Response: The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Government believes that there is no place in Australia for racism or discrimination of any kind.

The Government is taking a number of actions as part of its multifaceted approach to addressing complex experiences of racism in the community, with initiatives already underway across a range of portfolios that align with the National Anti-Racism Framework's recommendations. This includes appointing the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism and Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia. The Government has adopted the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism's Plan to Combat Antisemitism and will continue to work through the implementation of the 13 recommendations in consultation with the Australian Jewish community and the Special Envoy. The Government is also carefully considering the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia's report.

The Government has also passed legislation to strengthen offences for urging force or violence against groups or members of groups and creating new offences for threatening force or violence against groups or members of groups.

In response to the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, the Parliament passed the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Act 2026 on 20 January 2026. The Act increased penalties for hate crime offences, created aggravated sentencing factors for hate-motivated conduct, and introduced new aggravated offences targeting leaders who promote violence and adults who radicalise children. The Act also established a new regime to list groups that advocate for, or engage in, conduct constituting a hate crime, with offences for individuals participating in certain activities with these prohibited hate groups. In addition, the Act included reforms to Australia's migration laws to improve community safety by enabling the Minister for Home Affairs to refuse to grant, or to cancel a visa, on the basis of hate motivated conduct and offences relating to the spread of hatred and extremism.

Recommendation 6: That the Australian Government establish a standalone anti-racism portfolio.

Response: The Australian Government does not agree to this recommendation.

The Government believes that racism and discrimination are unacceptable. All parts of Government have an important role in tackling racism to ensure that everyone can participate in Australia's democratic, social and economic life. The Government considers it important that all public servants foster an understanding and appreciation of the human rights implications of policy and service delivery across government.

Current approaches, where portfolios collaborate across government while developing their own specific expertise, are intended to embed practices that ensure the equity and dignity of all Australians are considered at all stages of decision-making.

Recommendation 7: That Parliament conduct a public inquiry to review standing orders and any changes to their language and interpretation in order to eliminate racist, exclusionary and discriminatory behaviour.

Response: The Australian Government notes this recommendation as it is a matter for the Parliament.

Recommendation 8: That technology companies be held accountable for the proliferation of hate on their platforms through:

Response: The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Government has committed to amend the Online Safety Act 2021 to introduce a statutory duty of care on digital platforms, placing the onus on them to better prevent online harms. Moving towards broader systems-based regulation that ensures digital platforms take responsibility for minimising harm on their services is a key recommendation of the independent statutory review of the Online Safety Act undertaken in 2024 by Ms Delia Rickard PSM.

The review of the Online Safety Act recommended that, under a duty of care, digital platforms be required to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harms on their platforms and services, including the proliferation of hate. These requirements to prevent foreseeable harms would extend to digital platforms' systems and processes, including the algorithms for social media services that determine which content is displayed and how it is displayed. It is also recommended that such requirements be underpinned by risk assessment and risk mitigation, and informed by safety-by-design principles.

In addition, the Government has committed to updating the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) for the digital age. The Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 included a requirement for the Information Commissioner to develop a Children's Online Privacy Code, and work is underway towards a second tranche of reform. While the second tranche of reform is yet to be finalised, relevant measures may include a proposal from the Privacy Act Review to prohibit entities from targeting and direct marketing to children (unless it is in the best interests of the child) and prohibit entities from trading in the personal information of children.

Recommendation 9: That developing strategies to make social media safer for young people must genuinely engage and involve young people themselves.

Response: The Australian Government agrees to this recommendation.

Engagement with young people who use social media is essential to developing strategies which are practical and effective, and the Government is committed to providing young people with the opportunity to inform regulations and policies that affect them.

Notably, the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act2024 passed Parliament on 29 November 2024. It introduces a minimum age of 16 years to have an account on age-restricted social media platforms, protecting young Australians at a critical stage of their development. The Government consulted widely with young people, parents and carers, experts and community groups and used these insights to inform the legislation. Consultation included three roundtables dedicated to directly engaging young people and seeking their input and feedback on the issue of a social media minimum age.

In addition, the eSafety Commissioner administers the eSafety Youth Council (the Council). The Council gives young people, aged 13 to 24 years, an avenue to influence issues that matter most to them, by engaging in meaningful discussion and sharing their knowledge and experiences of online safety with eSafety. The Council was established in 2022 and offers an opportunity to share insights for policy and program design on online safety issues now and into the future. The Council is made up of young people who have a range of lived experiences, come from various places across Australia and represent different gender identities and cultures. eSafety seeks new members for the Council every two years.

As mentioned above, the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 legislates a requirement for the Information Commissioner to develop and register a Children's Online Privacy Code that would apply to social media and other internet services likely to be accessed by children. The Information Commissioner is developing the Code and has already undertaken extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders, including children, young people, parents, child development experts, child welfare advocates, industry and the eSafety Commissioner.

These measures align with key national strategies such as Safe and Supported: the National Framework for Protecting Australia's Children 2021-2023, which emphasises embedding the voices and lived experience of children in program and policy design.

In addition, the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Act 2026 created a new aggravated offence for adults who radicalise children. Imposing higher penalties on those who target children reflects the gravity of this conduct and sends a clear message that targeting children for violent extremism attracts serious criminal penalties.