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

I present 19 government responses to committee reports as listed in today's Order of Business, including one from 2002. In accordance with the usual practice, I seek leave to have the documents incorporated in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The documents read as follows—

Australian Government response to the Report of the Select Committee for an inquiry into a certain maritime incident

March 2026

Introduction

The Select Committee for an inquiry into a certain maritime incident concluded its inquiry when it tabled its report on 23 October 2002. The then Howard government did not provide a response within the mandated timeframe.

Government Response to Committeee Recommendations

Minority/dissenting recommendations

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Australian Government response to the Senate Select Committee on Adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) report:

Final Report and Interim Report

MARCH 2026

Overview

The Australian Government thanks the Senate Select Committee for its inquiry into adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Government thanks all individuals and organisations who contributed submissions or appeared at hearings.

AI is a powerful general-purpose technology. Similarly to other general-purpose technologies, like electricity and the internet, it can reshape productivity, business models and public services. The Australian Government is focussed on ensuring that Australia's AI transition creates a fairer, stronger Australia where every person benefits. This means using AI to help close service gaps in health, disability and aged care, improve education and employment outcomes, and create secure, well-paid jobs in future industries.

The Australian Government is shaping the conditions under which AI is deployed and ensuring that adoption leads to shared prosperity. Realising the benefits these technologies bring requires deliberate policy choices and ongoing engagement with industry, workers, unions and society.

On 2 December 2025, the Australian Government released its National AI Plan (the Plan). The Plan sets out the Government's ambition for AI and how it will position Australia as a leader in responsible, inclusive and innovative AI development and adoption. The Plan has Australians at its centre, with the aim that everyone in Australia benefits from the AI opportunity, across all regions, industries and communities.

It provides a coordinated, whole-of-system approach across government and industry to achieve our economic and social policy objectives.

The plan is anchored in 3 goals, with each supported by 3 pillars of action:

Capture the opportunity

The Government is fostering investment in world-class digital and physical infrastructure, supporting local capability, and attracting global partnerships. By expanding high-speed connectivity, attracting investment in advanced data centres, and backing our researchers and businesses, we aim to lead in AI innovation and application.

Spread the benefits

The Government's goal is to ensure that all Australians, regardless of background or location, can share in the advantages of AI. We are supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), regional communities, and groups at risk of digital exclusion to adopt AI. Building digital and AI skills, supporting workforce transitions, and improving public services are central to this effort.

Keep Australians safe

The Government is focussed on giving Australians the confidence to adopt AI responsibly while safeguarding people's rights and protecting them from harm. This includes through ongoing review and adaptation of laws, establishing the Australian AI Safety Institute, and engaging internationally.

AI cuts across all sectors and Government portfolios. Achieving Australia's goals in AI requires coordination across government, and with industry, unions and civil society to promote clarity, certainty and coherence.

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has coordinated this response in consultation with the following agencies:

The Coalition provided commentary on the 13 recommendations of the Final Report, and on Recommendation 5 of the Interim Report. The Coalition did not provide any alternate recommendations for government response.

Part 1: AI data centres and infrastructure

Supporting sustainable AI infrastructure that delivers for Australia

This part addresses the following recommendations: Final Report 13; Additional Comments Greens 1, 4

Smart infrastructure is essential for our local AI capability and to secure Australia's position in the region. Investments in data centres will drive innovation in AI and economic growth, ensuring we remain competitive on the global stage. The Australian Government is taking action to ensure Australia remains a leading destination for data centre investment in the region while ensuring growth is sustainable, secure and delivers local benefits.

Australia offers a stable operating environment, clear legal protections, abundant renewable energy potential, available land and proximity to growing economies.

Australia had the second highest capital investment in data centres globally in 2024, with $6.7 billion USD in investment. Having this infrastructure in Australia can help make sure that jobs, intellectual property, and innovation remain onshore. Australian data centres can also support the development of Australian AI models and applications for the public service and industry.

While data centres are an essential part of our digital infrastructure, they are substantial users of energy and can be large users of water. Data centres also need to integrate with telecommunications infrastructure, including international submarine cables, data transmission networks and internet exchange points.

As Australia's data centre industry grows, this will have implications for Australia's net zero ambitions. There are community expectations on industry to develop sustainable practices. The Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council are progressing actions to respond to the opportunities and challenges of data centre investment on the electricity grid, and the Water Ministerial Council is considering the broader implications of water management on increased data centre construction.

Many data centre operators are already demonstrating that they are interested in investing in Australia in ways that manage these impacts. For example, whilst conventional data centre cooling systems can consume tens of millions of litres annually, some Australian operators are adopting innovative solutions such as closed loop cooling to reduce water consumption, or alternate chip designs that are more efficient and only require air cooling. Many operators are looking for opportunities to support the deployment of renewable energy generation and storage, including signing onto long-term power purchase agreements with solar and wind developers.

Safe and secure data centre growth can support sustainability, strengthen energy security, and drive investment in clean technologies. To achieve this, the Australian Government is working with states and territories to develop voluntary principles to encourage investment in data centres which aligns with Australia's overall national interest. The Government is working with states and territories to explore opportunities to coordinate approvals for data centre projects where investments align with the data centre principles.

Part 2: AI capability and adoption

Growing Australia's AI ecosystem and supporting widespread responsible AI adoption

This part addresses the following recommendations: Final Report 4, 13; Interim Report 1, 5; Additional Comments Greens 1, 4

Australia has considerable strengths we can leverage to build AI capability. We have a strong local technology sector and a world-class research sector with leading capabilities in sectors including computer vision, multimodal AI, AI evaluation, smart sensors and field robotics. We have a competitive edge in developing niche, high-value AI applications for sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing. Australia has an opportunity to develop AI to leverage our nationally connected research infrastructure and capabilities in high-performance computing to further drive scientific discoveries.

As one of Australia's largest employers, the Australian Government is leveraging the Australian Public Service (APS) to lead in AI capability and responsible adoption.

For example, in July 2025 the Australian Government launched GovAI to empower public servants to develop AI skills safely. GovAI is a centralised AI hosting service, providing agencies with a secure, Australian-based platform for developing customised AI solutions at low cost. This approach ensures government departments can innovate responsibly while maintaining sovereignty, security, and cost-efficiency in deploying AI technologies. On 12 November 2025, the Australian Government released an AI Plan for the Australian Public Service to use AI to better serve Australians. It sets out a vision for improving government service delivery, efficiency, and productivity, by increasing the use of AI in government. The AI Plan for the APS expands the GovAI platform and establishes Gov AI Chat, a secure, government-controlled generative AI tool developed specifically for the APS.

SMEs are the backbone of Australia's economy—supporting innovation, creating jobs, and economic growth. Supporting SMEs to adopt AI is essential to ensure they remain competitive, efficient, and well-positioned to seize emerging market opportunities in an increasingly digital landscape. Many Australian consumers and businesses are early adopters of new AI technologies. Forty per cent of SMEs have adopted AI and Australia ranks highly in AI use by consumers.

To accelerate development and commercialisation of AI by businesses across Australia, in December 2025 the Government announced it would launch an 'AI Accelerator' funding round of the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) program. The Accelerator will be in two stages—first as a CRC Projects round in 2026 and then as a CRC round in 2027. The Accelerator will incentivise partnerships between businesses and research organisations. It will connect talented researchers with real-world challenges faced by industry, helping Australian ideas to scale and compete on the global stage.

Data is a strategic national asset and critical driver of modern economies. Both governments and the private sector hold high value data sets which can be used to support a globally competitive Australian AI sector. In the Australian Government's Data and Digital Government Strategy (DDGS), the Government commits to adopting emerging technologies and AI in safe, ethical and responsible ways. As part of this, and through the National AI Plan, the Government is exploring opportunities to unlock high value datasets for pilot AI use cases. This will support the development and training of locally relevant AI applications and models. This work complements and builds on the work under the DDGS on consistent data standards and metadata, building trusted and secure approaches to data sharing, and identifying high value, non-sensitive datasets.

The National AI Centre (NAIC) is Australia's leading government body supporting industry to unlock the economic benefits of AI. It aims to help Australia become a global leader in developing and adopting trusted, secure and responsible AI. The NAIC provides tailored guidance and direct engagement to help SMEs, not-for-profits, social enterprises and First Nations businesses adopt AI responsibly, including:

This work builds on existing government support and investments into Australia's AI ecosystem, including:

Part 3: AI safety and regulation

Preventing and mitigating AI harms to build confidence in AI and keep Australians safe

This part addresses the following recommendations: Final Report 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 12; Interim Report 2, 3, 4; Additional Comments Pocock 1, 3

The Australian Government recognises that preventing and mitigating the harms of AI is essential to maintaining public trust and confidence in AI applications and upholding Australians' rights.

AI technologies are already embedded across the economy, and a comprehensive regulatory approach is essential to protect Australians from AI-enabled harms. Australia has strong protections in place to address many risks, but the technology is fast-moving and regulation must keep pace. The Government's regulatory approach to AI will continue to build on Australia's robust existing legal and regulatory frameworks, ensuring that established laws remain the foundation for addressing and mitigating

AI-related risks. These include economy-wide laws on privacy, administrative law, online safety, corporations' law, intellectual property, workplace laws including work health and safety (WHS), workplace relations, competition and consumer protections, and anti-discrimination.

To support this approach, the Australian Government provided $29.8 million over 4 years from 2025-26 (and $7.9 million per year ongoing from 2029-2030) to establish the

Australian AI Safety Institute. The role of the AI Safety Institute will be to assist Ministers, agencies, and regulators to ensure Australia's laws keep pace with AI developments to protect people and businesses. The AI Safety Institute will not be a regulator.

The AI Safety Institute's activities will include:

The Government is actively monitoring emerging risks and considering where further action will be needed to ensure safety and accountability as new frontier AI capabilities emerge. For example:

Online Safety Act 2021

Criminal Code Act 1995,

Privacy Act 1988

These efforts are supported by the Government's international engagements on AI governance. Australia's international engagement aims to ensure Australia's values, including safety, transparency, and inclusion are embedded in international AI norms and standards. The Government's ambition is to align international frameworks with domestic approaches and to reduce regulatory friction and support innovation. This will further cement Australia as a trusted partner in global supply chains and a leader in secure, responsible AI adoption of trusted technologies across the region.

The Australian Government recognises that strengthening our scientific understanding of AI is essential to manage risks, drive responsible adoption, and expand access to the benefits of AI. We are actively participating in international scientific collaboration and policy coordination on AI safety as a founding member of the International Network for Advanced AI Measurement, Evaluation and Science, and through our contributions to the International AI Safety Report. Through the Australian AI Safety Institute, Australia will continue progressing the science of AI safety by leveraging international research partnerships, including through joint testing exercises and setting research priorities to understand and prevent AI-enabled harms.

Part 4: Support and training for Australian workers

Building a workforce ready for an AI-enabled future

This part addresses the following recommendations: Final Report 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10; Additional Comments Greens 1, 2

The rapid advancement and adoption of AI is transforming workplaces across Australia. As adoption of AI reshapes job roles, skills requirements and employment structures, it is essential that these changes are managed in ways that support safe, secure and fairly paid jobs across workplaces. Proactive planning and collaboration between government, industry, workers and unions is vital to ensuring that Australian workers not only have the skills and supports to adapt to, but can thrive in, an AI-enabled future.

Analysis by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) in 2025, as part of the Generative-AI Capacity Study, found that in the near-term AI is more likely to augment rather than replace most work, with only 4% of Australia's workforce in occupations with high automation exposure. JSA's analysis, based on the capabilities of GPT-4 in late 2025, indicated that large-scale job displacement is not occurring in Australia and the most significant employment effects are not expected for at least a decade. However, the Government recognises that there is uncertainty around the direct effects of AI on the labour market, and there are community concerns.

As AI reshapes how Australians work and working conditions, continuing a tripartite dialogue with business, unions and experts to agree on a shared approach to the opportunities and challenges of AI is vital. Consultation and codesign between employers and employees can assist in capturing the benefits of AI in safe, fair and cooperative workplaces. As part of the National AI Plan, the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations has committed to continuing tripartite arrangements with respect to AI's impact on the labour market. This work brings together key stakeholders across the labour market to work collaboratively towards Australia's AI objectives including addressing skills, training, worker and workforce transitions and strengthening workplace relations settings. This work is particularly important for groups at higher risk of disruption, including women, First Nations people, career starters, mature-aged workers, people with disability, and those in regional areas.

AI must be used as a tool for inclusive growth, whereby workers share in governance and in gains, through wages, equity, skills and security. To achieve this, the Australian Government is taking early action to support workers through this transition, with initiatives underway to boost digital skills, expand training access, and grow an inclusive pipeline of AI-ready workers. For example:

In addition to ensuring workers are positioned to capture the opportunities of AI through skills and training programs, the Australian Government is focussed on ensuring our laws are equipped to manage the risk while recognising the opportunity in new technologies. This includes:

Fair Work Act 2009

Part 5: Copyright and creative sector impacts

Supporting our creative sector in the age of AI

This part addresses the following recommendations: Final Report 8, 9, 10; Additional Comments Greens 2; Additional Comments Pocock 4

The Australian Government is invested in the success of Australia's creative and media industries. It is important that the development and adoption of AI technologies is done in a way that builds trust and confidence in their use. Having provided certainty to

Australian creators by announcing that the Government is not considering a text and data mining exception in Australian copyright law, the Government is working with stakeholders to find solutions to encourage innovation while protecting and supporting Australian creators.

AGD is engaging with these stakeholders, including representatives of the creative, media, and technology sectors, primarily through the Copyright and AI Reference Group (CAIRG). AGD has recently consulted with the CAIRG on 3 priority areas:

The Government is currently considering feedback received from CAIRG participants on these issues. Other issues related to copyright and AI may be the subject of future Government consultations. The Government commits, in its National Cultural Policy—Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place, to maintaining a strong copyright framework that works in concert with other legal and policy mechanisms to ensure reasonable and equitable use of copyright material. Consultations on the next National Cultural Policy will commence in 2026 and be led by the Office for the Arts. The use and impacts of AI on Australia's cultural and creative sector will be considered as part of these consultations.

Part 6: Automated decision-making

Government will use automated decision-making transparently to improve public services

This part addresses the following recommendations: Final Report 11, 12; Additional Comments Greens 3

Automated decision-making (ADM) has many benefits, including improved customer service, but it is important to ensure ADM is used fairly, transparently and lawfully to benefit the Australian community.

AGD is developing a consistent legislative framework for the use of ADM in the delivery of government services, as part of the Government's response to recommendations 17.1 and 17.2 of the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme's final report. The Government accepted recommendations 17.1 and 17.2.

The framework is intended to provide an enabling environment to support the safe and responsible use of ADM in government and promote consistency in key legislative provisions, including safeguards and transparency requirements. Policy development for the ADM framework has been informed by extensive stakeholder consultation, including public submissions and an online survey, roundtables, bilateral meetings, and consultations with Commonwealth agencies. Key themes emerging from this consultation included transparency, fairness and accountability and consistency across government in the use of ADM.

The framework will be technology-neutral to enable it to apply to emerging technologies, including ADM systems enabled by AI. AGD is continuing to work across government on the development of the framework to ensure consistency with existing regulatory frameworks and legislation, including reforms on AI and privacy.

AGD's 2022 Privacy Act Review Report proposed providing individuals with a right to request meaningful information about how substantially automated decisions involving personal information are made. The Government is considering this proposal in the context of its work to develop a consistent framework for the use of ADM in government services.

In its first term, the Government delivered a first tranche of privacy reform through the Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Cth). From 10 December 2026, the Privacy Act will require regulated entities to include information in their privacy policies about how personal information is used in substantially automated decisions which affect individuals' rights or interests. This includes the kinds of decisions that are substantially automated and the kinds of personal information used in these decisions.

Part 7: AI in electoral contexts

Government is expanding digital literacy to safeguard Australian elections

This part addresses the following recommendations: Interim Report 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; Additional Comments Pocock 2

The rapid evolution, competency and widespread nature of AI technologies means that bad faith actors have a greater array of tools at their disposal. These tools pose direct challenges and risks to the health of Australian elections. AI generated disinformation can be deployed to influence the outcome of political debates or contests, as well as create public uncertainty leading to reduced trust in the electoral process and engagement with politics more generally.

To address risks related to electoral integrity, the Government introduced the Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Communications) Bill in 2024 to prohibit the authorisation of electoral and referendum communications that are inaccurate and misleading, and to require materials modified using digital technology (including AI)

to carry a statement indicating such modification.

As is customary after each federal election, the Government has established a Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (JSCEM). JSCEM is a multi-partisan committee and is currently holding public hearings and receiving submissions for its inquiry for the 2025 federal election. The JSCEM provides a multi-partisan forum to consider emerging risks to our electoral system. The Government will consider any changes to electoral laws following the JSCEM inquiry.

The AEC also expanded its Stop and Consider campaign for the 2025 federal election. Digital and social media advertisements directed voters to a Stop and Consider hub on the AEC website, including a suite of new information tools with information and tips on how to detect false or misleading information about the electoral process. The AEC also provided this information through social media channels, community education and public relations activities. The AEC also publishes an AI Transparency Statement that explains where AI is used and where it is not used in election delivery.

The Electoral Integrity Assurance Taskforce assessed after the 2025 federal election that the use of AI did not interfere with election delivery nor was it likely to have impacted

Australians' trust in the results.

The Australian Government has also committed to delivering a National Media Literacy Strategy to set out a clear and coordinated national approach and help Australians build the skills needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital world.

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Australian Government response to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee report:

Inquiry into the extent and nature of poverty in Australia

April 2026

Introduction

On 7 September 2022, the Senate referred an inquiry into the extent and poverty in Australia to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee (the Committee) for inquiry and report.

The Australian Government (the government) thanks the then Chair, Deputy Chair and Members for conducting the Inquiry and welcomes the Committee's reports.

The government also thanks those individuals and organisations who contributed their views to the Committee through public hearings or via the 253 submissions received by the Committee.

Committee Inquiry reports and government response

The Committee tabled an interim report on 4 May 2023, with one recommendation (Recommendation 1), which the government supports. Also:

The Committee tabled the final report on 28 February 2024, making 14 recommendations. The government supports four (Recommendations 1, 12, 13 and 14), supports four in principle (2, 5, 6 and 9), and notes six (Recommendations 3, 4, 7, 8, 10 and 11). Also:

The government is committed to addressing poverty and disadvantage and providing opportunities for all Australians to fully participate in society. This includes providing a strong safety net through the social security system as well as investing in a range of areas such as health, education, employment, housing, front line services and communities to support vulnerable Australians at risk of poverty and disadvantage.

Addressing the cost of living

The government is committed to providing responsible and targeted cost-of-living relief to ease pressures

on households, while making critical investments to grow the economy's future productive capacity.

In the 2024-25 Budget, the government provided more support for those Australians relying on the social security safety net, including:

This builds upon the government's 2023-24 Budget measures which resulted in around 1.1 million recipients of JobSeeker Payment and other working age and student payments receiving at least a $40 increase each fortnight and increased the maximum rates of CRA by 15%. In addition, the government has expanded access to Parenting Payment (Single).

Across the 2023-24 and 2024-25 Budgets, the government has provided an additional $11.5 billion from 2022-23 to 2027-28 in the social security system.

The basic rate of JobSeeker Payment increases biannually in March and September due to indexation. On 20 March 2026, the typical rate of JobSeeker Payment for a single recipient without dependent children increases to $817.50 per fortnight.

This means that since the government was elected, the rate of JobSeeker Payment for a single recipient without dependent children will have increased by $166.00 a fortnight, or 25%, providing over $4,300 in additional support each year.

The government is providing an additional $114.8 million to strengthen support for Australians experiencing financial hardship. The additional, ongoing funding, provided through Financial Wellbeing and Capability grant programs, will help address demand for critical frontline services over the next five years, and ensure certainty and stability for a number of organisations including those delivering emergency relief and financial counselling. It will help more Australian households to pay and manage unexpected bills or expenses such as high electricity bills, rent, fuel and medicines.

The government has legislated tax cuts for every Australian taxpayer from 1 July 2026, adding to the first round of tax cuts that commenced on 1 July 2024. Every Australian taxpayer will receive an extra tax cut of up to $268 from 1 July 2026 and up to $536 every year from 1 July 2027, compared to 2024-25 tax settings. Combined with the first round of tax cuts, the average annual tax cut is expected to be $2,548 in 2027-28, around $50 per week, compared to 2023-24 tax settings. The tax cuts will improve incentives to work, especially for low-income and part-time workers who are predominately women.

In its submission to the Fair Work Commission's 2024-25 Annual Wage Review, the government recommended that the Commission award an economically sustainable real wage increase to Australia's award workers. Relative to all employees, award reliant employees are more likely to be women, work part-time, be under the age of 35 years and employed on a casual basis. On 3 June 2025, the Fair Work Commission subsequently announced a 3.5% increase to all modern award minimum wage rates. Increases to the minimum and award wages are an important tool to help address cost-of-living pressures, particularly for the most vulnerable workers.

The government's $4.7 billion Cheaper Child Care package announced in the October 2022-23 Budget made child care more affordable for Australian families.

On 8 August 2024, the government committed to support a wage increase for the early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce through a Worker Retention Payment. The government is delivering a 15% wage increase over two years: a 10% increase on top of the current national award rate in the first year from December 2024, and a further 5% in the second year from December 2025. This will support retention of early childhood educators and teachers and attract new employees to the sector and recognises the essential role this majority female workforce plays in our economy and society (approximately 96% of the workforce are women). The funding is tied to a commitment from ECEC providers to limit fee increases to 4.4% over the 12 months from 8 August 2025. This is an important condition that will keep downward pressure on child care fees for families.

On 11 December 2024, the government announced next steps to building a universal early education and care system through:

These reforms have been informed by the Productivity Commission and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's work on early education.

The government's $3 billion Energy Bill Relief Fund in 2022 provided electricity bill rebates to eligible households, with $1.5 billion provided by the Commonwealth and matched by states and territories. The Commonwealth has committed an additional $5.3 billion from 1 July 2024 for households to receive up to $300 in electricity rebates and $325 to eligible businesses in 2024-25, and up to an additional $150 in 2025-26.

In the 2025-26 Budget, the government announced an investment of $7.9 billion to introduce the new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program and expand eligibility for bulk billing incentives to all Australians, enabling more people to access GP services at no cost. This is an expansion of the 2023 initiative that tripled bulk billing incentives for Commonwealth concession card holders and individuals under 16 years. Over nine out of ten GP visits for these cohorts are now bulk billed, reflecting the success of the measure.

The government has delivered cheaper medicines through reforms to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). From 1 January 2026, the maximum general co-payment will decrease from $31.60 to $25.00 per script. This reduction is expected to result in more than five million Australians saving over $200 million each year in out-of-pocket costs. This is in addition to the almost 300 medicines now available at part of the government's expansion of maximum dispensing quantities through 60-day prescriptions. The maximum co-payment will remain frozen at $7.70 for pensioners and other concession holders.

Cost of living pressures are exacerbated for First Nations people living in remote communities, where low incomes and the high cost of food and other essentials, such as household goods and fuel, are major drivers of food insecurity. To support cost of living and food security in remote First Nations communities, the government has committed $131.5 million to implement the National Strategy for Food Security in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.

A key initiative is the Low-cost Essentials Subsidy Scheme, which is helping to ease cost of living pressure facing many families in remote communities by subsidising the cost of 30 essential product lines in eligible remote stores. The Scheme is resulting in savings of up to 50% for the subsidised items, with prices comparable to urban supermarkets, in more than 113 stores to date.

Additionally, the Stores Efficiency and Resilience Grants Package is improving the reliability and affordability of food and essential items by mitigating against price increases over the high-risk weather season and increasing store capacity to bulk purchase goods, driving costs down.

Targeting entrenched disadvantage

The government has also provided over $230 million to target entrenched disadvantage as a package with eight integrated initiatives. The package included funding for place-based partnerships to drive better outcomes in education, employment, child and maternal health, youth justice and participation.

It also included a government commitment of $100 million for an Outcomes Fund to deliver projects in partnerships with states and territories and service providers, using outcomes-based contracting and aligning stakeholder efforts, to focus on improving outcomes for children and families, helping those experiencing barriers to employment and supporting people facing homelessness through improved access to services.

Wages and full employment

In Working Future: The Australian Government's White Paper on Jobs and Opportunities(Working Future), the government outlined its objective for sustained and inclusive full employment. Working Future provides a roadmap for a dynamic and inclusive labour market, including investment in education and training, reforms to the migration system and better incentivising and expanding opportunities to work.

Since 2022, the government has delivered a range of workplace relations reforms designed to promote job security and gender equality, boost wages, and address systematic loopholes. The government is providing $94.6 million over four years from 2023-24 to improve the workplace relations framework and close the loopholes that have been used to undercut fairness, pay and conditions and job security in the Australian labour market.

Further, the government is committed to reforming employment services to better meet the needs of individuals, employers and the economy.

In remote communities, where employment outcomes are disproportionately worse, the government has committed approximately $2.6 billion to reform remote employment through the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program and the Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES).

The RJED program is creating 6,000 jobs, with proper wages and conditions, with 1,700 new jobs already rolled out. Remote job seekers are also able to access the new RAES program, replacing the previous Community Development Program, supporting around 40,000 job seekers across 1,200 remote communities to build their skills and address the barriers faced with remote employment.

The government has also committed to delivering 500,000 Fee-Free TAFE places from 2023 to 2026. Enrolments have been prioritised for groups excluded or under-represented in the labour market including people with disability. The government has also legislated to make Free TAFE permanent, supporting 100,000 Free TAFE places per year from 1 January 2027.

Social and affordable housing

The government is making significant new investments to increase the supply of social and affordable homes and is working with state, territory and local governments to improve housing outcomes.

This consists of a number of important initiatives, including the establishment of the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) to support 30,000 new social and affordable rental homes, as well as a range of acute housing needs, including repair and maintenance in remote Indigenous communities, crisis and transitional accommodation for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence and older women at risk of homelessness, and housing support for Veterans who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

A total of $600 million has already been committed for a dedicated First Nations funding stream, with specific support provided to First Nations providers through the application and delivery process. There is also a 10 per cent First Nations tenancy target across all social housing delivered through HAFF.

In the Northern Territory, the Australian and Northern Territory Governments have jointly committed $4 billion over 10 years to halve overcrowding by delivering up to 2,700 new houses and improve housing quality through the delivery of property, tenancy, and management services. This funding is guided by an overarching Partnership Agreement between the Australian and Northern Territory Governments, Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory, and each Northern Territory Land Council, embedding shared decision making so First Nations people can have a seat at the table on decisions about delivering this significant investment.

Additionally, the government invested a further $1 billion under the National Housing Infrastructure Fund (NHIF) for crisis and transitional accommodation for women and children experiencing family violence and youth experiencing, or at particular risk of, homelessness (NHIF CT). This is in addition to the $1 billion already available under the NHIF for housing-enabling critical infrastructure (NHIF CI) and for social and affordable housing (NHIF SAF).

Further, the government provides funding to state and territory governments through the five-year, $9.3 billion National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness to support the effective operation of Australia's social housing and homelessness services sectors.

The government is also contributing $800 million to the $1.1 billion Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI). In partnership with the states and territories, SHEPI is supporting social housing tenants in more than 100,000 dwellings to benefit from home energy performance upgrades. Upgrades include solar systems, batteries, efficient electric appliances and insulation. The SHEPI is benefitting tenants through sustained savings on energy bills, and improvements to tenant comfort and health.

Acknowledging the gendered and diverse experiences of poverty

The government acknowledges that some groups of people are more at risk of poverty than others. Factors such as age, gender, family relationships, ability to participate in paid work, sources of income, disability and other characteristics can all have an impact. Gender-based violence, including financial abuse, can also exacerbate experiences of poverty.

Working for women: A Strategy for Gender Equality acknowledges that gender equality cannot be achieved while there is still a high gender pay gap and while women experience higher levels of poverty than men. It notes that women are more likely to live in poverty than men and experience poverty differently and that the gender pay gap can be wider for women who experience other forms of discrimination, such as First Nations women. New government reforms and programs are required to account for these differences through mechanisms such as gender-responsive budgeting, which weaves consideration of gender impact through the budget process and is a keyway the government can identify and fund measures that close gender gaps.

Economic Inclusion

Poverty is a complex issue, and the government is focused on addressing the complicated mix of factors that can push people into disadvantage. This is not something that will be comprehensively solved with quick fixes, but through persistent, whole of government, long-term approaches.

The government uses a range of metrics, measures and mechanisms to monitor the wellbeing of people and communities, including the Measuring What Matters wellbeing framework.

The government has established the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee to provide advice ahead of every Budget on economic inclusion, including policy settings, systems and structures, and the adequacy, effectiveness and sustainability of income support payments.

The government has also established the First Nations Economic Partnership, a mechanism for First Nations people to share in decision making about reforms to economic policy in order to advance the economic empowerment and lasting economic security for First Nations people, communities and organisations.

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Australian Government response to the Finance and Public Administration Reference Committee report:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experience of law enforcement and justice services

April 2026

OVERVIEW

On 4 March 2015, the Senate referred the following matter to the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and report: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experience of law enforcement and justice services, with particular reference to:

the extent to which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have access to legal assistance services;

the adequacy of resources provided to Aboriginal legal assistance services by state, territory and Commonwealth governments;

the benefits provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by Family Violence Prevention Legal Services;

the consequences of mandatory sentencing regimes on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander incarceration rates;

the reasons for the high incarceration rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women and juveniles;

the adequacy of statistical and other information currently collected and made available by state, territory and Commonwealth governments regarding issues in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice;

the cost, availability and effectiveness of alternatives to imprisonment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, including prevention, early intervention, diversionary and rehabilitation measures;

the benefits of, and challenges to, implementing a system of 'justice targets';

and any other relevant matters.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

The Government notes the recommendations. Given the passage of time since this report was tabled, the Government provides the following update:

The Government is delivering First Nations-led justice reinvestment initiatives nationally and establishing an independent national Justice Reinvestment Unit to support up to 30 community-led justice reinvestment initiatives. The Government also supports the Justice Policy Partnership, which brings together First Nations’ peak bodies and experts and Commonwealth and state and territory Governments.

Through the National Access to Justice Partnership, the largest investment in legal assistance in over 20 years, the Government is improving access to justice for people experiencing vulnerability and financial disadvantage.

Dear President

I am writing to advise you that the Australian Government responded and implemented the recommendations of Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee's report on the Education Legislation Amendment (Startup Year and Other Measures) Bill 2023 [Provisions] through debate in the Senate on 19 June 2023.

I have enclosed the relevant extract of the Hansard from 19 June 2023.

I have copied this letter to Senator Marielle Smith, Chair, Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee.

Yours sincerely

Jason Clare

26/3/2026

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Dear President

I am writing to advise you that the Australian Government responded and implemented the recommendations of Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee's report on the Education Legislation Amendment (Startup Year and Other Measures) Bill 2023 [Provisions] through debate in the Senate on 19 June 2023.

I have enclosed the relevant extract of the Hansard from 19 June 2023.

I have copied this letter to Senator Marielle Smith, Chair, Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee.

Yours sincerely

Jason Clare

26/3/2026

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Dear President

I am writing to advise you that the Australian Government responded to and implemented the recommendations of the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee's report on the Family Assistance Legislation Amendment (Cheaper Child Care) Bill 2022 [Provisions] through debate in the Senate on 21 November 2022.

I have enclosed the relevant extract of the Hansard from 21 November 2022.

I have copied this letter to Senator Marielle Smith, Chair, Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee.

Yours sincerely

Jason Clare

26/3/2026

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

Win-win under our oceans: Climate-related marine invasive species

April 2026

Introduction

On 5 September 2022, the Senate referred an inquiry into the spread of climate-related marine invasive species to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report, with the following terms of reference:

The spread of climate-related marine invasive species, particularly long-spined sea urchins (Centrostephanus rodgersii) along the Great Southern Reef, with particular reference to:

a) the existing body of research and knowledge on the risks for and damage to marine biodiversity, habitat and fisheries caused by the proliferation and range shifting of non-endemic long spined sea urchins;

b) management options, challenges and opportunities to better mitigate or adapt to these threats, and governance measures that are inclusive of First Nations communities;

c) funding requirements, responsibility, and pathways to better manage and co-ordinate stopping the spread of climate-related marine invasive species;

d) the importance of tackling the spread of invasive urchin 'barrens' to help facilitate marine ecosystem restoration efforts (such as for Tasmanian Giant Kelp Macrocystis pyrifera); and

e) any other related matters.

In November 2023, the committee released its report, Win-win under our oceans: climate-related marine invasive species. The Australian Government thanks the committee members for their work in delivering the report and associated recommendations.

The committee's report recognises that climate change is one of the greatest threats to the ocean. This is supported by the National Climate Risk Assessment which recognises risks to the natural environment system as a nationally significant climate risk. The Australian Government has a strong climate response and recognises that climate change is affecting ocean health in multiple ways such as through marine heatwaves, ocean acidification and warming of ocean waters. The warming waters in turn are causing a poleward range shift of marine species, both introduced and native, as they follow their preferred temperatures. This creates new challenges for marine ecosystem and fisheries management.

The Australian Government response to the committees' report focuses on fisheries and marine ecosystem investment, development, management and monitoring related to spread of climate-related marine invasive species, particularly the long-spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus rodgersii, or 'Centro') along the Great Southern Reef.

The Australian Government notes that the climate-driven range expansion of Centro occurs alongside other emerging risks to temperate marine ecosystems, including the recent and ongoing harmful algal bloom (HAB) event observed in South Australia. While HABs are not directly addressed through this inquiry, they illustrate the increasing complexity of climate-related marine impacts on temperate marine environments.

Response

Recommendation 1

The committee recommends that the government consider working closely with relevant state governments to capture and harness the benefits offered by an emerging fishery for long-spined sea urchins, including:

Response

The Australian Government supports this recommendation.

Developing a new fishery for Centro, while supporting existing fisheries for rock lobster and abalone; and Maximising employment opportunities in harvesting and processing for urchin products

The Australian Government recognises the commercial opportunities presented by the climate-driven range extension of Centro and is engaged in activities that will continue to support the economic development of these fisheries, such as through participation in the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF).

In addition to a commercial fishery in New South Wales, which has been operating for more than 50 years, fisheries are now developing in Victoria and Tasmania. While the total annual catch was low for the first 10 years of the Tasmanian fishery, which began in 2009, it increased fivefold in the five years to 2023/24. The Tasmanian commercial fishery now exports nationally and internationally. Development of these fisheries would create associated employment opportunities.

Coordinating research and policy across jurisdictions to encourage an economically and ecologically self-sustaining Centro fishery

In support of this recommendation, the Australian Government is best placed to operate in a research coordination role. The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and CSIRO are the key research organisations coordinating work on Centro for the Australian Government.

As discussed in the committee's report, these organisations and several universities have been working directly with the New South Wales, Tasmanian and Victorian governments as part of the Centro Task Force, which has investigated options to collaboratively address the challenges and harness the benefits of Centro range expansion. Examples of other FRDC-funded research projects relevant to the control and harvesting of Centro are detailed in the Australian Government's response to Recommendation 2 of the Committee's report.

DAFF ensures the Australian Government engages on the issue as appropriate, including through the AFMF. This forum comprises heads of fisheries management agencies from each Australian jurisdiction, and considers high-level, national fisheries issues and how collaboration can be enhanced to achieve shared goals in fisheries management and policy.

Fostering programs to protect and restore kelp and reef ecologies and the species that depend upon them, including innovative cross-sectoral work with industry, environmental organisations and communities

The Australian Government recognises the importance of Australia's kelp forests in supporting diverse ecosystems and is committed to their protection. In 2012, the 'Giant Kelp Marine Forests of South East Australia' ecological community (Giant Kelp Ecological Community) was listed as Endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This listing protects the Giant Kelp Ecological Community under national environmental law and a Conservation Advice is in effect to guide conservation and recovery action.

The Giant Kelp Ecological Community is listed as a priority place in the Australian Government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032. The Threatened Species Action Plan maps a pathway to protect, manage and restore Australia's priority threatened species and important natural places. In May 2025, the Australian Government convened an expert workshop to identify current research and management needs for the Giant Kelp Ecological Community.

The Australian Government has invested over $12 million towards a suite of projects aimed at supporting temperate marine ecosystems, including monitoring and kelp forest restoration and resilience. Of this, $3.5 million was allocated to the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies project to improve ecological conditions for the Giant Kelp Forests of Tasmania. The project, funded through the Saving Native Species program, is removing overgrazing Centro in their expanded range from priority kelp habitat, replanting juvenile giant kelp and stocking sites with lobsters that eat urchins. Over 5 hectares of rocky reef was replanted in 2024 and 2025, including propagation of over one million juvenile giant kelps, removal of 10,000 invasive sea urchins and translocation of 50,000 undersized lobsters to the restoration sites

Involving local, regional and First Nations communities in these opportunities

The Australian Government acknowledges First Nations people's connection to Country and Traditional Knowledge of sea Country is based as it is on millennia of connection and care, is a key input to understanding, protecting and managing the ocean.

Involving First Nations communities in opportunities with range-expanding species provides valuable knowledge to improve environmental outcomes and build partnerships, and supports Closing the Gap, including strengthening cultural connections to Country and providing employment opportunities and supporting intergenerational benefits.

Assisting to grow overseas and domestic markets for urchin products

Australian seafood exporters already have access to a substantial range of export markets for sea urchins and sea urchin products. Exporters can consult the Manual of Importing Country Requirements (MICoR) website to identify markets where access for sea urchins and sea urchin products already exists.

Where no trade agreement exists, or where improvements are needed to address technical market access issues, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), in collaboration with the seafood export industry, supports exporters through the Seafood Market Access Working Group and the associated Seafood Market Access Prioritisation Tool.

Recommendation 2

The committee recommends that the government consider making an immediate national investment into Centro control, guided by the Centro Task Force Plan's action areas and goals.

Response

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Australian Government has invested significantly in research and business initiatives related to controlling long-spined sea urchins, protecting and repairing kelp ecosystems and growing an urchin fishery.

The FRDC, a party to the National Centro Task Force, funds fisheries research, development and extension activities that support economic, social, and environmental benefits for fisheries, aquaculture and the wider community. Examples of recent projects that have been funded through the FRDC that relate to the sea urchin issue include:

The Australian Government's NESP funds multidisciplinary, applied research that supports decision-makers to better understand, manage and conserve Australia's environment.

Previous projects that have been funded through NESP that relate to temperate reefs, including the Great Southern Reef and giant kelp, include:

NESP also provided funding of $4,829,464 from 1 January 2017 to 31 March 2021 for the NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub's project 'Implementing monitoring of Australian Marine Parks and the status of marine biodiversity assets on the continental shelf'. One component of this funding was to investigate the impacts of no-take reserves on urchin barrens including whether no-take reserves offer resilience against long-spined sea urchins around Governor Island Marine Reserve in Tasmania.

The Australian Government allocated up to $3.5 million in recovery actions for the Giant Kelp Ecological Community, including addressing threats such as overgrazing by Centro. This work commenced in 2024 and is supported under the Saving Native Species program.

Recommendation 3

The committee recommends that the government consider the continuation of the Centro Task Force to govern the national investment delivery, and drive coordination, implementation, and reporting.

Response

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Australian Government acknowledges the participation and contribution from the relevant state agencies to the Task Force. The Australian Government continues to engage through the AFMF as the most appropriate forum to coordinate and collaborate on cross-jurisdictional fisheries matters.

Recommendation 4

The committee recommends that the government consider the establishment of a Centro Advisory Group led by the Commonwealth, to include representatives from Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, industry, researchers, commercial dive, processing and the recreational dive sector, to provide guidance, co-design, coordination and delivery of actions at a state and regional level.

Response

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Australian Government is committed to leveraging existing forums, such as the National Centro Task Force and AFMF, to avoid duplication of efforts while enhancing coordination and delivery outcomes.

The Australian Government will continue to engage in National Centro workshops and work with relevant jurisdictions. Attendees to the workshops have included a diverse range of stakeholders including government regulators, leading researchers, cultural leaders of Sea Country, commercial industry members from the diving, processing, and export sectors, as well as recreational fishers. Australian Government representatives have also participated in discussions and exercises at these workshops.

The Australian Government will continue to engage with the Task Force and relevant states and stakeholders to explore whether additional mechanisms or refinements are required to support its objectives.

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Australian Government response to the Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee report:

Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Amendment Bill 2021 [Provisions]

April 2026

OVERVIEW

On 26 August 2021, the Senate referred the provisions of the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Amendment Bill 2021 to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 14 October 2021. The bill was referred to investigate ‘the impact of the bill on the standards for ATSI Corporations’.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

The Government notes the recommendations. Given the passage of time since this report was tabled, the Government provides the following update:

The Government continues to support and work with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations to deliver good governance and accountability of registered corporations under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act).

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Australian Government response to theFinance and Public Administration Legislation (Senate) report:

Social Security Legislation Amendment (Remote Engagement Program) Bill 2021

April 2026

OVERVIEW

On 2 September 2021, the Senate referred the provisions of the Social Security Legislation Amendment (Remote Engagement Program) Bill 2021 to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 14 October 2021.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

The Government notes the recommendations. Given the passage of time since this report was tabled, the Government provides the following update:

On 1 November 2025, the Labor Government delivered on its commitment to replace the Community Development Program with the new Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES).

The Remote Jobs and Economic Development program (RJED) is underway, creating 6,000 jobs in remote communities across Australia.

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Australian Government response to the Finance and Public Administration Reference Committee report:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experience of law enforcement and justice services

April 2026

OVERVIEW

On 4 March 2015, the Senate referred the following matter to the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and report: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experience of law enforcement and justice services, with particular reference to:

the extent to which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have access to legal assistance services;

the adequacy of resources provided to Aboriginal legal assistance services by state, territory and Commonwealth governments;

the benefits provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by Family Violence Prevention Legal Services;

the consequences of mandatory sentencing regimes on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander incarceration rates;

the reasons for the high incarceration rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women and juveniles;

the adequacy of statistical and other information currently collected and made available by state, territory and Commonwealth governments regarding issues in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice;

the cost, availability and effectiveness of alternatives to imprisonment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, including prevention, early intervention, diversionary and rehabilitation measures;

the benefits of, and challenges to, implementing a system of 'justice targets';

and any other relevant matters.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

The Government notes the recommendations. Given the passage of time since this report was tabled, the Government provides the following update:

The Government is delivering First Nations-led justice reinvestment initiatives nationally and establishing an independent national Justice Reinvestment Unit to support up to 30 community-led justice reinvestment initiatives. The Government also supports the Justice Policy Partnership, which brings together First Nations’ peak bodies and experts and Commonwealth and state and territory Governments.

Through the National Access to Justice Partnership, the largest investment in legal assistance in over 20 years, the Government is improving access to justice for people experiencing vulnerability and financial disadvantage.

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Australian Government response to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee Report on Implications of climate change for Australia's national security

March 2026

Introduction

The Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee concluded its inquiry when it tabled its report on 17 May 2018. The then Morrison government did not provide a response within the mandated timeframe.

Government Response to Committeee Recommendations

Minority/dissenting recommendations

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Australian Government response to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee Report on

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

March 2026

Introduction

The Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee concluded its inquiry into United Nations Sustainable Development Goals when it tabled its report on 14 February 2019. The then Morrison government did not provide a response within the mandated timeframe.

Government Response to Committeee Recommendations

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Australian Government response to the Human Rights (Joint, Senate) report:

Eleventh report of 2013: Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Act 2012 and related legislation

April 2026

OVERVIEW

On 15 June 2012, the National Congress of Australia’s First People wrote to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights requesting consideration of the Stronger Futures legislation for examination for compatibility with human rights as defined in the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

The Government notes the report, which did not issue recommendations. Given the passage of time since this report was tabled, a substantive government response is no longer appropriate.

The Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Act 2012 (Cth) ceased on 17 July 2022, consistent with its legislative provisions.

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

Freedom of Speech Legislation Amendment (Censorship) Bill 2018, Freedom of Speech Legislation

APRIL 2026

OVERVIEW

On 16 August 2018, the Senate referred the following bills to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report:

Freedom of Speech Legislation Amendment (Censorship) Bill 2018 (The Censorship Bill).

Freedom of Speech Legislation Amendment (Insult And Offend) Bill 2018 (The Insult And Offend Bill).

Freedom of Speech Legislation Amendment (Security) Bill 2018 (The Security Bill).

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

The Government notes the recommendations. However, given the passage of time since this report was tabled, a substantive government response is no longer appropriate.

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

Immigration (Education) Amendment (Expanding Access to English Tuition) Bill 2020 [Provisions]

April 2026

OVERVIEW

On 12 November 2020, the Senate referred the provisions of the Immigration (Education) Amendment (Expanding Access to English Tuition) Bill 2020 to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 27 November 2020.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

The Government notes the recommendations. However, given the passage of time since this report was tabled, a substantive government response is no longer appropriate.

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

Allegations concerning the inappropriate exercise of ministerial powers, with respect to the visa status of au pairs, and related matters

March 2026

Introduction

The Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee concluded its inquiry into Allegations concerning the inappropriate exercise of ministerial powers, with respect to the visa status of au pairs, and related matters when it tabled its report on 19 September 2018. The then Morrison government did not provide a response within the mandated timeframe.

Government Response to Committee Recommendations

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Australian Government response to the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia report:

The engagement of traditional owners in the economic development of northern Australia

APRIL 2026

OVERVIEW

On 18 October 2018 and 1 August 2019, the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia wrote to the then Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Senator the Hon Matthew Canavan seeking endorsement to conduct an Inquiry into the Opportunities and Challenges of the Engagement of Traditional Owners in the Economic Development of Northern Australia.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

The Government notes the recommendations. Given the passage of time since this report was tabled, the Government provides the following update:

On 2 August 2025, the Prime Minister announced $75 million in additional funding to support native title holders. This will help build PBC capacity and ensure native title holders are well placed to support, engage in and benefit from a range of opportunities.

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Australian Government response to the Select Committee on

Regional and Remote Indigenous Communities

Final Report

April 2026

OVERVIEW

On 19 March 2008, the Senate resolved to appoint a Select Committee on Regional and Remote Indigenous Communities to inquire into and report on:

The effectiveness of Australian Government policies following the Northern Territory Emergency Response, specifically on the state of health, welfare, education and law and order in regional and remote Indigenous communities;

The impact of state and territory government policies on the wellbeing of regional and remote Indigenous communities.

The health, welfare, education and security of children in regional and remote Indigenous communities; and

The employment and enterprise opportunities in regional and remote Indigenous communities

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

The Government notes the recommendations, and provides the following update:

On 27 July 2022, the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs was appointed to inquire into and report on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs.