Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I present four government responses to committee reports as listed at item 17 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 Community Affairs Legislation Committee reports:

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024

APRIL 2026

Overview

The Australian Government welcomes the Community Affairs Legislation Committee (Committee) reports into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No.1) Bill 2024 (Bill).

The first Committee report delivered on 20 June 2024 made four recommendations and the subsequent report delivered on 9 August 2024 noted those recommendations had been addressed by Government amendments and recommended passage of the Bill.

The Australian Government is committed to working alongside the disability community to implement reforms enabled by the Bill which commenced on 3 October 2024.

Committee Recommendations (report delivered on 20 June 2024)

Recommendation 1

The committee recommends the bill include amendments so that First Ministers are also recognised as Ministers for the purposes of Category A rule-making .

Agreed.

Government amendments on sheet PA112 responded to this recommendation by amending section 9 of the National Disability Insurance Act 2013 (NDIS Act) to expand the definition of host jurisdiction Minister to include First Ministers of states and territories and allow First Ministers (in addition to Disability Ministers) to agree to NDIS rules.

Recommendation 2

The committee recommends that a consultation statement be tabled accompanying the legislative instrument that sets out consultations undertaken.

Agreed.

Government amendments on sheet PA112 responded to this recommendation and inserted a new section 211 to the NDIS Act, to prescribe that certain information about consultation must be included in explanatory statement to legislative instruments made under the NDIS Act.

The amendment clarifies and strengthens the existing requirement on the Minister under paragraph 15J(2)(d) of the Legislation Act 2003, to provide information about consultation undertaken on legislative instruments made under the NDIS Act.

The amendment requires the Minister to provide explanatory statements adhering to the following requirements for all legislative instruments made under the NDIS Act moving forward:

Recommendation 3

The committee recommends that the Australian Government further clarify the circumstances under which the additional powers granted to the National Disability Insurance Agency Chief Executive Officer will be used.

Agreed.

Government amendments on sheet PA112 responded to this recommendation and inserted new subsections 30(6A), 30A(7A) and 36(3A) of the NDIS Act, providing guidance that the CEO must consider the reasonableness for a person not to have complied with a request for information and have regard to the following matters:

Recommendation 4

Subject to the above recommendations, the committee recommends that the bill be passed.

Agreed.

Committee Recommendations (report delivered on 9 August 2024)

Recommendation 1

The committee recommends that the bill be passed as soon as practicable.

Agreed.

The Bill was passed by both houses on 22 August 2024 and came into effect on 3 October 2024.

Dissenting Report—Australian Greens

Recommendation 1

Australian Greens Senators recommend that the Bill not be supported.

Noted.

Recommendation 2

Australian Greens Senators recommend that the government ensure foundational supports be comprehensively defined and implemented in states and territories

Noted.

Since the passage of the Bill in October 2024, Governments have committed to jointly contribute $4 billion over 5 years to implement the first phase of Foundational Supports, known as 'Thriving Kids'.

The National Agreement on Foundational Supports 2026-31 commenced on 2 February 2026 and is available at National Agreement on Foundational Supports | Federal Financial Relations.

Recommendation 3

Australian Greens Senators recommend that the Government deliver a formal response to the NDIS Review.

Once these actions have been undertaken, the Government can return to the question of amending the NDIS Act but with a commitment to true, authentic co-design with disabled people to achieve change that will meaningfully improve the lives of the many people who rely on the NDIS.

Noted.

In December 2023 National Cabinet acknowledged the need for reforms to secure the future of the NDIS, ensuring it can continue to provide life-changing support to future generations of Australians with a disability.

Governments noted the release of the final report of the Independent NDIS Review, co-led by Professor Bruce Bonyhady AM and Ms Lisa Paul AO PSM.

National Cabinet agreed to work together to implement legislative and other changes to the NDIS to improve the experience of participants and restore the original intent of the Scheme to support people with permanent and significant disability, within a broader ecosystem of supports.

The Australia Government remains committed to working alongside people with disability on NDIS reforms.

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Australian Government response to the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade first report on the Inquiry into Australia's aid program in the Indo-Pacific

MAY 2026

Recommendations made in the report

Inquiry into Australia's aid program in the Indo-Pacific Committee Recommendations

Recommendation 1-22 of the committee report recommendations listed below response.

Response:

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

The Government notes that the development budget has been steadily rebuilt since 2022, subsequent to the largest cuts in Australia's history. At a time of global uncertainty, the Government remains committed to a strategic, sustainable and effective development program to support the security, stability and prosperity of our shared region.

Recommendation 1

3.75 The Committee strongly recommends that the Australian Government change the name of the 'Aid' program to 'Development Partnerships' (or a similar name such as 'Development Co-operation' or 'Australian Partnerships'), which emphasises the mutual two-way benefits to Australia and recipient nations of our aid program (in terms of social development, trade, defence, security, strategic influence, health, biosecurity, and more), reflects a view of co-operation and partnership instead of a perceived or implied one-way 'paternalism' or 'charity', and would likely encourage greater public support for the program.

Recommendation 2

3.77 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government provide additional funding to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for activities to raise awareness of the benefits of Australian Development Partnerships (aid), in particular via a national and ongoing advertising campaign on television, in newspapers/magazines, online and on social media that sets out:

Recommendation 3

4.93 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government, within a year, commit to a set timeframe of no more than five years for increasing Australia's funding for Development Partnerships (aid) to at least 0.5 per cent of gross national income, and to a second set timeframe of no more than 10 years for increasing Australia's funding for Development Partnerships (aid) to at least 0.7 per cent of gross national income.

Recommendation 4

4.95 The Committee recommends that the Australian Parliament, within a year, introduce a legislated floor of 0.5 per cent of gross national income funding for Development Partnerships (aid), to come into effect immediately upon conclusion of the set timeframe of no more than five years, as recommended in Recommendation 3 when 0.5 per cent is reached. In addition, the Committee recommends that the Australian Parliament subsequently introduce a legislated floor of 0.7 per cent of gross national income at the time Development Partnerships (aid) funding reaches this target under the proposed second set timeframe of no more than 10 years. 0.7 per cent should then remain the legislated floor after this period of time.

Recommendation 5

4.97 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government, in working to reach 0.5 per cent, and then 0.7 per cent, of gross national income for Development Partnerships (aid), supplement the core Development Partnerships funding managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio with funding set aside from other portfolios such as Defence, Health, Education and Agriculture (for example, funding for conflict resolution and governance Development Partnerships programs under the Defence budget, which in turn may prevent future Defence expenditure). In doing so, consideration should be given to setting up Development Partnerships units within (or from) each contributing Department, which would then be managed under the core Development Partnerships structure headquartered under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Recommendation 6

4.99 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government implement further measures to improve geographic targeting of aid at the national and sub-national level of recipient countries.

Recommendation 7

5.116 The Committee recommends that the strategic target for aid for trade investments remain at its current level of 20 per cent of Australia's aid budget for now, while the aid budget remains at current funding levels (so as not to take away from other non-aid for trade programs). However, the Committee recommends that with a timeframe set to increase Development Partnerships funding to 0.5 per cent of gross national income (as per Recommendation 3), the aid for trade program target should concurrently gradually increase to 25 per cent of the Development Partnerships budget (but such that non-aid for trade program funding is not impacted). Concurrently, aid for trade investments should be more explicitly linked to the objective of reducing poverty.

Recommendation 8

5.122 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government urgently implement the recommendations of Chapter 8 of the Committee's Final Report for the Inquiry into Modern Slavery, issued December 2017, noting the potential for misuse of aid, Australian donations, and Australian volunteerism, plus the potential negative impact on the effectiveness of Australian's aid program, if action is not taken to limit Australian donations and volunteerism to only legitimate orphanages and residential institutions for children.

Recommendation 9

5.123 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government should implement Recommendation 28 of the Committee's Final Report for the Inquiry into Modern Slavery, issued December 2017, to fund through its Development Partnerships (aid) program further measures to better address the drivers of modern slavery.

Recommendation 10

5.127 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government enhance and develop clearer local procurement guidelines and reporting mechanisms—that prioritise purchase of goods and/or services within, in or within the region of, Development Partnerships (aid) recipient countries where possible—for use by entities including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, other Departments working in the Development Partnerships space, recipients of Development Partnerships funding (including contractors), and businesses, contractors, or individuals employed or engaged by Development Partnerships recipients to assist them in the provision of goods and/or services.

Recommendation 11

5.128 The Committee recommends that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade introduce to their procurement processes, tenders, and contracts, a requirement for recipients/contractors in receipt of Development Partnerships funding to first prioritise procuring locally in the recipient country, where possible (where the goods or services can be provided locally, can be provided at a sufficient quality standard locally, are not excessively more expensive than via procurement elsewhere and/or can be provided within the required project timeframes locally).

Recommendation 12

5.129 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government eliminate any remaining forms of tied aid, and informal aid tying, where there are conditions that some or all purchases are made from, or from entities from, the donor country (Australia). Goods or services supplied to and/or in recipient countries should only be supplied from Australia or non-regional entities where the goods or services cannot be provided locally, cannot be provided at a sufficient quality standard locally, are being offered at an excessive cost locally to what can be procured elsewhere and/or cannot be provided within the required project timeframes locally.

Recommendation 13

5.130 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government use recipient country procurement systems as the default option, where possible, and invest Development Partnerships funding to support recipient countries to improve their procurement systems and accountability safeguards.

Recommendation 14

5.132 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government introduce a Digital Economy Aid Investment Strategy, as recommended by Prospr and Save the Children (noting that local procurement should remain the first priority under this recommendation, as per Recommendations 10-12).

Recommendation 15

5.134 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government increase funding both in real terms and as a proportion of an increased Development Partnerships (aid) budget to agricultural, food, agribusiness and food security initiatives, including through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), particularly targeted at better enabling private sector partnership opportunities through the Development Partnerships program. In doing so, the Australian Government should look to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Model for private partnerships to assist in creating better and more private sector partnership opportunities, as well as other successful models internationally.

Recommendation 16

6.51 The Committee recommends that, within the aid for trade program (noting Recommendation 7) and other Development Partnerships (aid) investments, the Australian Government better prioritise seeking to improve market access for poor and marginalised groups in recipient countries, in particular women and girls, adults and children living with a disability, and disabled women and girls. As noted in Recommendation 7, aid for trade investments should be more explicitly linked to the objective of reducing poverty, in particular for women and girls, those living with a disability and/or other marginalised groups.

Recommendation 17

6.52 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government provide more funding for local-led water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives to communities most at need, particularly given the impact of a lack of safe drinking water, wash facilities, rest rooms, and sewerage disposal on the advancement and safety of women and girls in particular.

Recommendation 18

6.53 The Committee recommends that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade work through the Development Partnerships (aid) program to further develop, prioritise and fund community-led localised initiatives proposed and developed by women and girls, women and girls with a disability, people with a disability, and other disadvantaged or marginalised groups within localised areas within each recipient country.

Recommendation 19

6.54 The Committee recommends that the Australian Government provide greater assistance and funding for holistic menstrual health programs, holistic breastfeeding programs, micro-nutrient investments, and nutrition initiatives before, during, and after pregnancy within an increased Development Partnerships (aid) budget, including through the provision of more funding for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives to communities most at need (see Recommendation 17).

Recommendation 20

6.57 With respect to use of Development Partnerships (aid) to assist people living with a disability in recipient countries, in particular women and girls, the Committee recommends that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade:

Recommendation 21

6.59 The Committee recommends that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in the context of increasing Development Partnerships funding (as per Recommendations 3-5):

Recommendation 22

6.60 The Committee recommends that this inquiry be continued in the next Parliament.

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Australian Government response to the Senate References Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade interim and final reports: Australia's engagement in Afghanistan

May 2026

Recommendations made in the report Australia's engagement in Afghanistan

Committee Recommendations

Final (Recommendation 1-6) and Interim (Recommendation 1-8) committee report recommendations listed below response.

Response:

The Government notes the recommendations of the committee reports. However, given the passage of time since the reports were tabled, a substantive Government response is no longer appropriate.

Australia values its longstanding connection to the people of Afghanistan and the contributions of the growing Australia Afghanistan community. We recognise this is a challenging time for many in the community given the deeply concerning situation in Afghanistan.

The Government stands with the people of Afghanistan. Australia does not regard the Taliban as the legitimate representatives of the Afghan people and strongly condemns the Taliban's pervasive disregard for the human rights of the people of Afghanistan—particularly women and girls, and voices of dissent.

The Government remains actively engaged on Afghanistan issues and focused on addressing the dire humanitarian and human rights situation in Afghanistan.

The people of Afghanistan continue to suffer one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with the United Nations estimating almost 22 million Afghan people are in need of humanitarian support in 2026.

Since 2021, Australia has committed over $310 million the humanitarian and basic needs assistance to the people of Afghanistan, with a strong focus on women and girls.

Australia supports UN partners to deliver priority assistance, including food security and nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter, health and protection. We have also provided funding to support disaster response, including to earthquakes in Afghanistan in 20221, 2023, and 2025.

Australia works with established partners, such as UN agencies, to ensure our support helps those in need, not the Taliban.

The Government is taking strong and coordinated action to hold the Taliban to account for its treatment of the Afghan people, particularly the sustained and systematic erasure of women from public life.

In December 2025, the Government established a world first autonomous sanctions framework for Afghanistan. The new framework enables Australia to directly impose its own sanctions and travel bans to increase pressure on the Taliban, targeting the oppression of the Afghan people, particularly women and girls, as well as actions that undermine the rule of law and good governance in Afghanistan.

On establishing the autonomous sanctions framework for Afghanistan, the Government listed four senior Taliban members for their involvement in the oppression of women and girls and in undermining good governance or the rule of law. This builds on the 140 individuals and entities Australia currently sanctions under the United Nations Security Council's Taliban framework.

In September 2024, Australia commenced legal action, together with Canada, Germany and the Netherlands, to hold Afghanistan to account for violations of the human rights of women and girls as enshrined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Australia consistently raises concerns regarding the situation in Afghanistan in national statements delivered at the United Nations Human Rights Council and the United Nations General Assembly.

Final report

Recommendation 1

7.29 The committee recognises the tragic situation facing the people of Afghanistan and as the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan continues to worsen, the committee recommends that the Australian Government continue to provide ongoing targeted multi-year funding, including through the United Nation's Humanitarian Response Plan for Afghanistan, which may need to increase in response to the scale of increased need.

Recommendation 2

7.30 Given the severity of the crises facing the people of Afghanistan, the committee recommends that the Australian Government utilise the most effective channels for aid funding and distribution, which may include United Nations, World Food Programme and non-government organisation (NGO) channels.

Recommendation 3

7.37 The committee recommends that the Australian Government continue to liaise with its key allies and United Nations contacts and work together to develop solutions to the ongoing liquidity crisis. Mechanisms should be multi-faceted and flexible and must provide confidence for donors and the financial sector. However, importantly, any approach taken must also emphasise the clear international expectation that the Taliban do not interfere with the provision of aid to the people of Afghanistan.

Recommendation 4

7.67 The committee recommends that the Department of Home Affairs urgently improve its processes and communication in relation to Afghan visa applicants, including by:

Recommendation 5

7.78 The committee recommends that the Australian Government conduct a review of the Humanitarian Settlement Program's (HSP) structure and funding arrangements to provide greater operational stability for HSP providers and greater flexibility in the way services can be delivered during a crisis or emergency.

Recommendation 6

7.82 The committee recommends that the Australian Government enhances comprehensive settlement planning for the ongoing intake of Afghan refugees, in conjunction with the settlement services sector, relevant community groups, and state, territory and local governments.

Interim Report

Recommendation 1

9.13 The committee recommends that an assessment of Australia's whole-of-government mission in Afghanistan be commissioned and conducted by an appropriate entity, which follows an initial report on the 2001-2014 period which was released in November 2016.

Recommendation 2

9.24 The committee recommends that the Australian Government publish, where there are no national security implications, a breakdown of the total cost of Australia's engagement in Afghanistan across each year of its engagement, as well as a breakdown of costs across departments. These figures should also include the costs incurred and estimated ongoing costs associated with services provided by the Department of Veterans' Affairs supporting veterans who served in Afghanistan.

Recommendation 3

9.56 The committee recommends that the Australian Government commission an independent review into the operation of the Afghanistan evacuation effort to ensure that departmental practices and coordination are improved in future. This review should include consideration of:

Recommendation 4

9.63 The committee recommends that the Australian Government develop and implement more accurate measures and methodologies for assessing and keeping track of the number of Australian citizens, permanent residents, visa holders and visa applicants at risk during crisis situations overseas.

Recommendation 5

9.89 The committee recommends that the Australian Government extend all available effort to finalising certifications and visa applications for Afghan Locally Engaged Employees (LEE) and their families as quickly as possible, and extending assistance to those still eligible in Afghanistan to make their way to Australia.

9.90 The committee further recommends that the Australian Government commission a full and thorough review of the operation of the Afghan LEE program to analyse and appropriately address concerns raised in evidence to the committee and ensure that programs of this nature are improved.

Recommendation 6

9.102 The committee recommends that the Australian Government work with coalition partners and international organisations to support the resettlement of Afghan nationals globally, with Australia making a contribution of places within the humanitarian, family, skilled and other permanent visa categories to help resettle those Afghan nationals displaced by the crisis.

Recommendation 7

9.106 The committee recommends that, in light of the changed security circumstances in Afghanistan, the Australian Government review its policies for pathways to permanent protection visas for Afghan asylum seekers and refugees currently in Australia, and prioritise family reunification when processing humanitarian visa claims from Afghan nationals.

Recommendation 8

9.120 The committee recommends that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other Australian agencies providing development assistance foster further engagement with local NGOs and diaspora groups which can assist with the provision of aid to the local level and most vulnerable.

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Australian Government response to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works report:

National Capital Authority—Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, Canberra, ACT, Renewal Project

April 2026

Overview

The Australian Government notes the report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works (the Committee) into National Capital Authority—Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, Canberra, ACT, Renewal Project (Report 7/2023).

The Committee presented a total of three recommendations and the Australian Government's response to them is detailed below.

The Australian Government is committed to delivery of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project. Due to its remarkable engineering design, it has not undergone any significant upgrades for sixty years. However, the time for these upgrades has come. Once work is complete the bridge will be strengthened to respond to the growing population, increased traffic and new vehicles and provide better access for active travellers across, to and from the bridge.

The Australian Government will continue to work closely with the ACT Government to coordinate construction programs, disruptions and communication activities wherever possible across the many projects underway in and around the city area. The Australian Government recognises these works are going to be disruptive for the community and visitors to the National Capital and are committed to completing works as efficiently and safely as possible.

Australian Government response

The Australian Government's response to National Capital Authority—Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, Canberra, ACT, Renewal Project (Report 7/2023) is set out in detail below.

Recommendation 1:

2.39 The Committee recommends that the National Capital Authority contact Local and Federal Members of Parliament of the Australian Capital Territory that may be affected by the proposed works to offer a project briefing and report on their progress to the Committee.

The Government supports this recommendation.

In the lead-up to construction commencing, briefings were offered to all ACT Federal Members of Parliament and ACT Government Ministers and MLAs including Chief Minister Andrew Barr, Minister for Transport Chris Steel, then ACT Liberal leader Leanne Castley, ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury, and Independent MLAs Thomas Emerson and Fiona Carrick.

Briefings were accepted and held with all with exception to ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury.

Recommendation 2:

2.40 The Committee recommends that the National Capital Authority report back to the Public Works Committee with six monthly written updates until the completion of the works.

The Government supports this recommendation.

The latest six monthly written update was provided following the commencement of construction and was tabled with the Committee at their meeting on 5 February 2026. The next report will be provided in August 2026 and will continue being provided until the completion of the works.

Recommendation 3:

2.42 The Committee recommends that the House of Representatives resolve, pursuant to section 18(7) of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, that it is expedient to carry out the following proposed works: National Capital Authority—Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project.

The Government supports this recommendation.

Dr Andrew Leigh, Member for Fenner, spoke in the House of Representatives on 15 November 2023 following the publication of the Committee's report and moved:

"That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works and on which the committee has duly reported to Parliament: National Capital AuthorityCommonwealth Avenue Bridge, Canberra, ACT, Renewal Project."

House of Representatives Hansard, 15 November 2023, Public Works Joint Committee—Approval of Work, Dr Andrew Leigh MP, "National Capital Authority—Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, Canberra, ACT, Renewal Project".

This was agreed to.