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

Report 3/2026 – Referrals made in November 2025 considers the following four proposed works:

• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority—Great Barrier Reef Aquarium Redevelopment project for a total estimated cost of $161.1 million (excluding GST);
• Department of Defence—9 Molonglo Drive, Brindabella Park, Australian Capital Territory for a total estimated cost of 103.9 million (excluding GST);
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade —Australian High Commission Staff Residential Compound Refurbishment, Konedobu, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea for a total estimated cost of $37.3 million (excluding GST);
• Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports and the Arts — Fit-out of New Leased Premises at One City Hill, Canberra City for a total estimated cost of $46.4 million (excluding GST).

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority proposes to deliver a major redevelopment of the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium (formerly Reef HQ Aquarium). The Aquarium has not been significantly upgraded since its opening in 1987 and has experienced structural degradation and corrosion, leaving some structures non-compliant with current building standards. The proposal includes major works on the ground, first and second floors, and works on the external façade and frontage and will be centred a new world-class Coral Reef Exhibit.

The Department of Defence has proposed office fit-out works in Brindabella Park to allow it to consolidate four existing leases in the same precinct into one. With the consolidation, Defence will reduce its total leased office space in the precinct while updating the fit-out to comply with modern building standards and Defence security requirements.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s proposed works at the High Commission complex in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, will see 39 staff residences undergo the first major upgrade since being established 30 years ago. The proposed works will address safety risks to staff and their families and rising costs associated with ongoing routine maintenance and extend the life of the facility by at least 20 years.

The proposed works by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports and the Arts are Stage 2 of the Department’s precinct model consolidation. Stage 1 of the project was examined by the committee last year and was approved by the House of Representatives in October 2025. The current proposed works will allow the Department to relocate from its current lease in the Nishi Building into new accommodation at One City Hill. The precinct model will enable the Department to reduce its Net Lettable Area in Canberra by 40%.

For the inquiries into these proposed works, the committee received submissions, held private briefings with relevant government officials and conducted public and private hearings. The committee also had the opportunity to travel to Townsville to visit the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium and see first-hand the conditions of the site and the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences to see some of the Aquarium’s marine life temporarily stored there.

The committee has recommended that the House of Representatives approves the proposed works.

Mr Zappia said, "In examining these works, the committee gave consideration to the purpose, need, value for money, and present and prospective public value of each of them, as is our obligation under the Public Works Committee Act 1969. The committee found that the proposed works have merit and should proceed."

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

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THE new Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence (PJCD) has started its work in examining Defence policy, capability development, and administration and expenditure, with an emphasis on long‑term effectiveness and strategic outcomes.

At its first meeting on May 12, the committee elected Senator Deborah O’Neill as Chair and Senator Dave Sharma as Deputy Chair.

Senator Deborah O’Neill said she was honoured to take on the role of Chair.

“Australia is contending with the most complex and demanding strategic environment that it has faced in decades,” Sen O'Neill said. “Every Australian has a stake in the success of our resilience, preparedness and capabilities.

“Parliament has chosen to give this committee stronger powers and a more robust structure to provide necessary bipartisan scrutiny of the agencies involved in our national defence. We will work to ensure Australians are informed about the work and impact of our investments in defence, and the skilled jobs and business growth opportunities that strengthening our sovereign capability and supply chain network provides.

"In addition, the committee's new capabilities to obtain private and secure briefings from relevant agencies will ensure proper parliamentary oversight of defence while not compromising national security.”

Deputy Chair, Sen. Sharma, said, “There is no more important role for the Parliament than protecting the security, interests and way of life of the Australian people, and defending Australia’s sovereignty and national freedoms. With the continued deterioration in Australia’s strategic environment, characterised by growing risk and uncertainty, this task is more vital than ever.

“I look forward to working closely with Chair Senator Deborah O’Neill to ensure the committee makes an enduring contribution to Australia’s national security and strengthens our national preparedness.”

The PJCD will oversee not only the Department of Defence but a number of other Australian defence agencies including the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Australian Submarine Agency.

The PJCD has welcomed the cooperation of Defence and its portfolio agencies as it embarks on its new oversight responsibilities and emphasised the Committee’s intention was to work constructively, rigorously and in the public interest.

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THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries will hold public hearings in Sydney and Dubbo as part of its inquiry into factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes for critical minerals projects across Australia.

On Monday, May 18,  the committee will hear from a range of stakeholders, including mining and mineral processing companies, local government, academics and unions about the economic potential and social licence requirements of critical minerals projects.

On Tuesday, May 19, the committee will meet with representatives of local government in western New South Wales to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing communities in the regions, as well as a leading proponent of critical minerals development.

Committee Chair, Meryl Swanson, said, "Effective engagement, economic participation, and socially and economically sustainable development are key factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes for critical minerals projects.

"The committee is keen to explore ways to ensure that socially acceptable and economically beneficial outcomes are achieved by the critical minerals sector, for the benefit of mining regions and the nation."

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

Public hearings

Date: Monday, 18 May 2026
Time: 9am – 3.20pm (AEST)
Location: Cliftons, Level 13, 60 Margeret Street, Sydney.

Date: Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Time: 9am – 11.30am (AEST)
Location: Jacaranda Room, Dubbo RSL, Corner of Brisbane and Wingewarra Streets, Dubbo.

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

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THE Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) has today presented its report on its Review of the listing of Hizb ut‑Tahrir as a prohibited hate group under the Criminal Code, backing the Federal Government's decision to list Hizb ut-Tahrir as a prohibited hate group.

The PJCIS found the organisation has advocated conduct constituting hate crimes against Australians.

Hizb ut-Tahrir was listed in March 2026 under the new prohibited hate group framework – the first listing under new laws enacted by the Parliament earlier this year to stop groups that spread hatred, radicalise our youth and threaten social cohesion in Australia.

The PJCIS conducted an independent review of the listing which found that Hizb ut-Tahrir met the criteria for listing and that the regulation under Part 5.3B of the Criminal Code Act 1995 was properly made. The committee supported the listing and found no reason to disallow the legislative instrument.

Committee Chair, Senator Raff Ciccone, said, “The PJCIS carefully examined the evidence before it, including stakeholder views. Based on the evidence, the committee is satisfied that Hizb ut-Tahrir has advocated conduct constituting hate crimes and that the listing is reasonably necessary to protect the Australian community from harm.

"For too long, organisations like Hizb ut-Tahrir have been able to spread hate and create a pathway for others to engage in violence," Sen. Ciccone said.

“Australia will not tolerate groups that promote hatred, normalise extremist rhetoric and put the safety of Australians at risk.”

Under the listing, it is a criminal offence to be a member of, recruit for, provide training or funds to, or provide material support to Hizb ut-Tahrir.

Anyone who experiences or witnesses a hate crime is encouraged to report it to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.

The full report is available from the committee’s website.

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