SenateJess Walsh · SenateTuesday 24 March 2026

COMMITTEES

Senator WALSH (Victoria—Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth) (18:53): I present eight government responses to committee reports as listed on today's Order of Business. I seek leave to incorporate the documents in Hansard. Leave granted.

The documents read as follows— Australian Government response to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services. Statutory inquiry into ASIC, the Takeovers Panel, and the corporations legislation: ASIC licence transfers March 2026 Response to the recommendations Recommendation 1 The committee recommends that ASIC include information in its annual report on the numbers of transfers or changes in control that occur each year for each type of ASIC licence, including: Australian Financial Service Licences; Australian credit licences; Australian auditor registrations; market licences; benchmark operator licences; and clearing and settlement licences.

Australian Government response The Government notes this recommendation, which is directed to ASIC. The Government expects ASIC to act transparently and to provide data, where appropriate, to support policy analysis. The Government supports ASIC's consideration of whether it can make available further data on licence transfers and, if so, what is the best medium for publishing that data and what additional context, if any, would be useful to publish alongside it.

Recommendation 2 The committee recommends that ASIC undertake and publish an audit to determine how many instances there are where an entity has acquired an ASIC licence through a transfer or a change in control, where the entity previously had the same licence type application/assessment refused, withdrawn, rejected, cancelled, or suspended. Australian Government response The Government notes this recommendation, which is directed to ASIC.

The Government supports ASIC in considering whether to undertake and publish an audit of the kind recommended by the Committee, noting that this would likely divert resources from other regulatory priorities. Recommendation 3 The committee recommends that ASIC examine the transfer or change in control of all high-risk licences including market licences, benchmark operator licences, clearing and settlement licences, and any financial service or credit licence transfers or changes in control that have high-risk features due to the scale or complexity of the service to be provided under the licence.

Australian Government response The Government notes this recommendation, which is directed to ASIC. ASIC already takes an appropriately risk-based approach to its regulatory responsibilities. It has a full suite of regulatory tools which it uses in a targeted and proportionate way, to identify and reduce the risk of misconduct in markets and sectors governed by the licensing regimes.

It focuses its action on areas of greatest harm, and takes an active and targeted approach to enforcement. The Government expects and supports ASIC to apply that risk-based approach to the exercise of its powers to examine changes to the control of licensees. Recommendation 4 The committee recommends that there be a review of the economic incentives for companies to acquire an ASIC licence through a transfer or change in control, rather than apply for that licence.

This review should include potential changes to the law that may reduce the time and costs of licence applications and transfers for ASIC and industry. Australian Government response The Government notes this recommendation. The Government understands that the Committee felt unable to analyse 'the reasons and economic incentives for companies to pursue license transfers rather than applying to ASIC for a licence'.

In the course of the Committee's inquiry it explored with ASIC the extent to which timeliness of ASIC licensing decisions could be a factor in a decision to acquire a licence. Other factors that might incentivise a firm to acquire a licence could include (but are unlikely to be limited to) the goodwill associated with a particular licence, its client list, its status as a going concern, its established trading history, or the opportunity to increase the firm's market share or diversify its operations.

The Committee's suggested line of enquiry for a review is 'to identify the shares of licence transfers that occur to acquire the licences, versus licence transfers that are incidental to changes in control that happened for other reasons'. This would likely be a resource-intensive process of attempting to impute reasons for arrangements that may not be apparent on the face of the commercial transactions involved.

While the Committee suggested that Treasury or the Financial Regulator Assessment Authority conduct such a review, the Government considers there are currently other priorities with a stronger claim on those institutions' resources. The Government will keep the Committee's interest in this matter in mind should additional review resources become available. Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy—Select Committee ______ Australian Government response to the Senate Economics References Committee report: Micro-competition opportunities in e-conveyancing March 2026 Introduction The Australian Government thanks the Senate Economic References Committee for its consideration of micro-competition opportunities in e-conveyancing.

The Government supports progress toward a more competitive, dynamic and resilient Electronic Conveyancing (eConveyancing) market that benefits consumers, practitioners, industry participants and the broader economy. The Government recognises that competition in eConveyancing is constrained by the existing market structure, and challenges to date in delivering a functional model for interoperability.

The Government considers that a more competitive market could support improved service quality, strengthen system resilience, and put downward pressure on costs and prices across the supply chain. Responsibility for regulating eConveyancing primarily rests with the states and territories. There is substantial work underway across jurisdictions, and significant resources expended to date, to develop a sustainable and competitive market structure for eConveyancing.

The Commonwealth supports these efforts and recognises that ongoing cooperation between governments is necessary to achieve the best outcomes for consumers, businesses, and the wider Australian public. At the same time, the Government acknowledges that significant challenges must be navigated to arrive at a more competitive market outcome. These include addressing regulatory gaps, resolving outstanding issues with interoperability models and viable alternatives, and ensuring appropriate governance and accountability arrangements across the sector.

These are complex issues that remain under active consideration by governments. The Government provides the following response to the Committee's recommendations. Response to the recommendations Recommendation 1 The Committee recommends that the Australian Registrars' National Electronic Conveyancing Council (ARNECC) invite the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to have a permanent presence on the Council and attend its meetings regularly.

Australian Government response The Government notes this recommendation. While it is a matter for ARNECC to invite participation from individuals and agencies as it sees fit, the Government does not consider that making the ACCC a permanent member would materially improve ARNECC's regulatory effectiveness or enhance the development of eConveyancing policy. The ACCC has no formal role in relation to Conveyancing beyond its normal functions administering the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (CCA).

The ACCC, alongside Council of Financial Regulators (CFR) member agencies, engages with ARNECC through regular cross-agency meetings, as well as through ad-hoc senior engagement. Through these engagement mechanisms, the ACCC can continue to provide advice to promote effective competition and regulation in eConveyancing, as appropriate, and consider potential breaches of the CCA.

Permanent ACCC membership within ARNECC would likely increase resourcing requirements for the ACCC without materially improving its ability to provide advice or undertake its statutory functions. Recommendation 2 The Committee recommends that following the release of the Australian Registrars' National Electronic Conveyancing Council reviews: the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission investigate the e-conveyancing market and report on its findings to both the Treasurer and the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury within six months as to whether further action is required in the e-conveyancing sector; and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission publish the report of its findings, to be tabled in the Senate within fifteen sitting days.

Australian Government response The Government does not support this recommendation. The Government recognises that section 95H of the CCA allows the relevant Minister to direct the ACCC to hold an inquiry into a specified matter or specified matters. The Government notes that substantial work is already underway to address competition and interoperability issues in eConveyancing.

ARNECC has recently finalised and published reports for two of its three strategic reviews on interoperability. ARNECC is also working to finalise its third review, which focuses on the eConveyancing regulatory framework. Relevant Commonwealth regulators are actively contributing to this work.

A NSW Select Committee inquiry into competition reforms in eConveyancing is currently examining many of the same issues. Collectively, these and other related processes have identified and explored the key competition and market structure concerns in the sector, and have provided a detailed and well-developed evidence base of where the major frictions arise. Considering the extensive work underway and already completed, the Government does not consider that directing the ACCC to undertake an inquiry at this time would materially advance understanding of the issues or deliver additional practical benefits.

It is not clear that a further inquiry would provide new insights beyond those already being examined through existing regulatory, policy and parliamentary processes. Recommendation 3 The Committee recommends that: the Australian Registrar's National Electronic Conveyancing Council make the Financial Requirements Review and the Cost Benefit Analysis publicly available; and if public release is not possible, then a summary of key findings and recommendations be provided to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Treasurer, the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury and tabled in the Senate fifteen sitting days from receipt.

Australian Government response The Government supports this recommendation. The Government notes ARNECC published these reports on 23 December 2025. Recommendation 4 The Committee recommends that, in the event that interoperability is not pursued after reviews by the Australian Registrars' National Electronic Conveyancing Council are completed, the Australian Government should review what other initiatives might be taken to ensure the reliability and resilience of the e-conveyancing sector.

Australian Government response The Government supports in principle this recommendation. The Government will continue to work with state and territory governments through ARNECC and relevant ministerial forums to support the development of regulatory and market models that address key risks and maximise net public benefits. This includes engaging with ARNECC as it progresses its current review and follow on actions, and considering how Commonwealth expertise, particularly in competition law and policy, payments regulation, financial services, and consumer protection can constructively complement state and territory regulatory responsibilities.

The findings of ARNECC's regulatory governance review, due later this year, will provide a clearer picture of the coverage and gaps in eConveyancing regulation. The Government remains open to considering appropriate regulatory and non-regulatory roles for the Commonwealth, where such involvement would be in the public interest and enhance system resilience, support effective competition, and address issues that states and territories cannot practically resolve alone.

ARNECC has an existing framework for overseeing the performance levels of Electronic Lodgment Network Operators (ELNO) under its Model Operating Requirements (MOR), which set minimum standards of service availability and reliability, system performance (including resilience) and incident management. State and territory registrars determine Operating Requirements for their respective jurisdiction based on the MOR developed by ARNECC.

ARNECC regularly monitors ELNOs' performance with these requirements. The Government supports ARNECC conducting a review of how it can uplift existing data and reporting practices through its MOR to improve transparency and thereby strengthen reliability and resilience of ELNO systems. Recommendation 5 The Committee recommends, regardless of the finding of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on whether any further action is required, that national competition policy (NCP) reforms by the Australian Government consider e-conveyancing in a future tranche.

Australian Government response The Government notes this recommendation. The Government works collaboratively with states and territories to scope and develop reform proposals that can progress under the NCP framework. Governments, via the Council on Federal Financial Relations (CFFR) agree to NCP reforms under a Federation Funding Agreement (FFA) Schedule.

NCP aims to progress reforms that reflect national priorities and will facilitate effective competition across Australia's economy to promote efficiency and productivity growth to sustainably improve living standards and opportunities for Australians. Reforms must align with one or more of the objectives outlined in the NCP FFA schedule, which include promoting a more dynamic business environment and leveraging the economic opportunities of data and digital technology.

The Government will work with state and territory Governments through the NCP governance framework to consider whether there are eConveyancing reforms suitable to progress through NCP. Recommendation 6 The Committee recommends that the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority prioritise the auditing of banking institutions compliance with Prudential Standard Cross-industry Prudential Standard 230 and to publish a report of its findings in an e-conveyancing context by 30 June 2026.

Australian Government response The Government notes this recommendation. The Government recognises the importance of operational resilience across the financial system. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's (APRA) mandate under the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority Act 1998 and the Banking Act 1959 is to promote the safety and stability of regulated entities through a risk-based, system-wide prudential framework.

APRA is an independent statutory authority. APRA's existing statement of expectations issued by Government also recognises APRA's regulatory independence. Consistent with its expectations of APRA's role, the Government will not seek to influence how APRA undertakes specific compliance activities within its area of regulatory responsibility.

APRA's standard requires that regulated entities are responsible for identifying and managing risks associated with any material service providers supporting their critical operations, including ensuring appropriate contractual and contingency arrangements are in place. Material service providers are those on which the entity relies to undertake a critical operation or that expose it to material operational risk.

APRA will continue to supervise CPS 230 compliance through its established supervision programme (2025—2028) and provide prudential insights to Government where appropriate. ______ Australian Government response to the Senate Economics References Committee report: Residential electrification MARCH 2026 Introduction On 14 June 2023, the Senate referred an inquiry into Australia's residential electrification efforts to the Senate Economics References Committee (committee).i The terms of reference were to inquire into Australia's residential electrification efforts, with particular reference to: a) the economic opportunities of household electrification, including but not limited to: i. long-term reduction of energy price inflation ii. long-term employment opportunities iii. the scaling up of domestic capacity a) the macro-barriers to increasing the uptake of home electrification b) the total upfront cost and longer-term benefits of household electrification and alternative models for funding and implementation c) the marginal cost of abatement for household electrification compared to alternative sectors and options to decarbonise the economy d) the optimal timeline for household electrification accounting for the likely timing of decarbonising electricity e) the impacts and opportunities of household electrification for domestic energy security, household energy independence and for balance of international trade f) the impacts of household electrification on reducing household energy spending and energy inflation as a component of the consumer price index g) solutions to the economic barriers to electrification for low-income households h) the effectiveness of existing Australian Federal, state and local government initiatives to promote and provide market incentives for household electrification i) Australia's current standing against international standards, particularly with respect to the uptake of rooftop solar, batteries and electric household appliances j) any other matters.

The committee published details of the inquiry and asked for submissions by 29 December 2023.ii The committee held 3 public hearings from 22 November 2023 to 22 March 2024 at Parliament House, Canberra. The inquiry report was tabled on 31 March 2025.iii The Australian Government supports residential electrification through a suite of policy initiatives and investments so communities can take advantage of cheaper, cleaner energy to reduce energy bills and reduce emissions.

Core recommendations of this inquiry are already underway, backed up by the Government's substantial progress towards 82% renewables in the electricity grid by 2030. Response Recommendation 1 The committee recommends that the Australian Government, in coordination with state and territory governments, should promote households to uptake consumer energy resources (CER), including rooftop solar, home batteries, bi-direction electric vehicle chargers and home energy management systems.

In conjunction with those efforts, households should be promoted to participate with aggregators which can operate distributed assets in a coordinated fashion in response to grid and market conditions. Response Agreed. The Australian Government promotes the uptake of consumer energy resources through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).

The SRES provides a financial incentive for households, small businesses and community groups to install eligible small-scale renewable energy systems such as rooftop solar. The Australian Government is expanding the SRES to provide incentives to households to install battery energy storage systems through the Cheaper Home Batteries program. The program offers a 30% discount on batteries for all households.

The Australian Government is providing a $1 billion equity injection to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) through the Household Energy Upgrades Fund (HEUF).[iv] This provides concessional finance for household energy upgrades, including solar panels and solar batteries. The total investment to date has been more than $800 million, including a $417 million commitment from the Australian Government.[v] It is anticipated the program will finance upgrades for over 110,000 households.

In 2025, Energy and Climate Change Ministers (ECMC) updated the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings and endorsed the Trajectory Implementation Plan 2026-27. The Trajectory Implementation Plan outlines collaborative work between state, territory, and commonwealth governments, including promoting efficient electrification as a priority. The Plan also identifies specific actions planned by some state and territory governments to support home electrification and the uptake of consumer energy resources.

The Australian Government is working with state and territory governments to unlock the full potential of CER through the CER Roadmap (the roadmap).[vi] The roadmap sets out an overarching vision and plan to unlock CER at scale across Australia. The roadmap will deliver equity in the transition and a coordinated vision for rooftop solar and batteries, virtual power plants and other forms of CER.

The roadmap outlines how governments will: work to enable CER's vast potential to lower bills improve reliability cut network costs by reducing the need for grid-scale investment. State and territory governments, and industry, are conducting programs involving virtual power plants (VPP) and implementing the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. For example: the South Australian government, in partnership with Tesla, is developing South Australia's Virtual Power Plant, a network of potentially 50,000 solar and Tesla Powerwall home battery systems statewide the Western Australian government has released a Statement on the Interoperability of Distributed Energy Resources, detailing how distributed energy resource communication and installation will be harmonised in the South West Interconnected System.

In addition, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and RACE for 2030 released the National Roadmap for Bidirectional EV Charging which directly contributes to the roadmap.[viii] It includes a number of recommendations involving industry and Australian, state and territory governments working together to integrate bidirectional EV charging into the roadmap.

Recommendation 2 The committee recommends that the Australian Government, in coordination with state and territory governments, should prioritise investment in technologies that extend and improve the system value of rooftop solar, such as home batteries and home energy management systems. Response Agreed. As noted in Recommendation 1, the Australian Government is working with state and territory governments to unlock the full potential of CER through the roadmap.

The Australian Government is working collaboratively with jurisdictions to deliver these reforms. The Australian Government also notes the other programs included in recommendation 1 such as the National Roadmap for Bidirectional EV Charging and Cheaper Home Batteries Program. Recommendation 3 The committee recommends that the Australian Government, in coordination with state and territory governments, should prioritise how community batteries can spread the benefits of rooftop solar to consumers who are unable to install their own systems, such as renters, apartment dwellers or low-income earners.

Response Agreed. Australia's rapid uptake of rooftop solar is reshaping daytime electricity demand and creating new opportunities to make better use of abundant renewable generation. The Solar Sharer Offer (SSO) builds on these opportunities by providing a regulated daily free power period— up to 24 kWh—for residential customers with smart meters.

This incentive rewards households for shifting their electricity use into periods of high solar output. By enabling more Australians to benefit from plentiful daytime renewable energy, the SSO aims to improve affordability, support a fairer distribution of solar benefits, and contribute to long term system efficiency. It forms part of the government's broader package of measures designed to give households more ways to reduce their electricity bills.

The Australian Government currently has two community energy programs that are providing the benefits of community batteries and solar energy to a range of consumers. These programs are:[ix] Community Batteries for Household Solar program—the Commonwealth is investing $200 million to deploy 400 batteries across Australia. This program will put downward pressure on household electricity costs, contribute towards lowering emissions, provide a benefit to the electricity network by relieving network constraints, store solar energy for later use, and support new solar installations.

Community Solar Banks program—the Commonwealth is funding programs administered by the States and Territories to support community-scale solar, rooftop solar and clean energy technology projects. The programs aim to share the benefits of solar with renters, apartments residents and those that cannot afford solar or are locked out of installing their own. Recommendation 4 The committee recommends that the Australian Government and state and territory governments consider cost-effective local tuition for apprentices, such as electrical apprentices.

Response Agreed. The Australian Government, in partnership with states and territories, is delivering $1.5 billion in joint funding for over 500,000 Fee-Free TAFE and vocational education and training (VET) places across Australia from 2023 to 2026. This includes Fee-Free Construction, with courses related to electrotechnology available in many jurisdictions.

Eligibility for Fee-Free TAFE for apprentices varies between jurisdictions. For most apprenticeship arrangements, employers are responsible for the training related costs, either paid directly by the employer or through a reimbursement to the apprentice. The Australian Government has also made Free TAFE an enduring feature of the national VET system.

This includes investing an additional $1.6 billion to 2034-35 to support at least 100,000 places annually from 2027, underpinned by the Free TAFE Act 2025.Free TAFE will be developed and delivered in partnership with states and territories, with eligibility requirements and courses subject to negotiations. The Australian Government is investing up to $12.6 billion over 5 years to 2028 under the National Skills Agreement.

The agreement will expand and transform access to the vocational education and training (VET) sector, support training providers to deliver quality education and training, and implement reforms to address critical skills needs. This investment is $3.7 billion above what was available under previous funding arrangements. It includes up to $11.3 billion in flexible funding to states and territories to support the delivery of VET and to address agreed national priorities, including supporting the net zero transformation and delivering housing supply.

States and territories can use this funding for a range of purposes, including VET programs that support employers to engage with VET by training their workforce and/or employing an apprentice or trainee. The Australian Government has several financial and non-financial programs in place that are available to support apprentices and employers training in high-priority occupations, such as clean energy and housing.

The Key Apprenticeship Program (KAP) commenced on 1 July 2025 and builds on the success of the New Energy Apprenticeships Program which commenced on 1 January 2023. The KAP aims to encourage the growth of the housing construction and clean energy workforce by expanding the pipeline of workers training towards critical occupations in these sectors. The KAP contains two streams: New Energy Apprenticeship (NEA) stream; and Housing Construction Apprenticeship (HCA) stream.

Eligible Australian Apprentices can claim up to $10,000 for a full-time apprenticeship and up to $5,000 for a part-time apprenticeship over the life of the Australian Apprenticeship journey. From 1 January 2026 eligible employers can claim up to $5,000 for a full-time apprenticeship and up to $2,500 for a part-time apprenticeship in the first year of an apprenticeship.

Response to Senator Pocock Recommendations Recommendation 1 Australian Government establish clear national targets for household electrification, including an initial goal of electrifying at least 5 million homes by 2035, aligned with Australia's commitment to reach 82% renewable energy by 2030. Response Noted. The Australian Government is committed to working constructively with states and territories—a number of which already have household electrification targets in place—to support the transition of our energy systems, while maintaining reliable and affordable energy for Australian households.

The Government has a range of programs that provide voluntary incentives for households who choose to electrify, as set out in response to Recommendation 2, below. The Government addresses the broader role of electrification in decarbonising the Australian economy in its Net Zero Plan and sector plans, released in 2025. Recommendation 2 Australian Government invest in an ambitious program of household electrification and energy efficiency upgrades consisting of $5 billion investment immediately and $50 billion over the coming 10 years.

Response Noted. The Australian Government has a range of programs that improve choice for household electrification and energy efficiency upgrades. The Australian Government is expanding the SRES to provide incentives to households to install battery energy storage systems through the Cheaper Home Batteries program.

The program offers a 30% discount on batteries for all households. The Household Energy Upgrades Fund (HEUF) is a $1 billion equity injection to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC). The fund provides concessional finance for household energy upgrades.[x] The Australian Government has committed $417 million under the HEUF to date.[xi] Co-financiers have contributed up to $428 million bringing total investment to more than $800 million to date.

It is anticipated the program will finance upgrades for over 110,000 households. The Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI), is providing $1.1 billion (including $800 million from the Australian Government) to reduce energy costs and consumption and improve thermal comfort for social housing tenants.[xii] The Australian Government is working in partnership with state and territory governments to deliver SHEPI., Energy performance upgrades being delivered include thermal shell upgrades, energy efficient appliances and solar systems.[xiii] The SHEPI is now expected to reach more than 100,000 social housing properties.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) provides energy ratings for homes. The Scheme is administered by the Australian Government on behalf of state and territory governments. It is used in over 90% of new homes to demonstrate compliance with the National Construction Code.

The Australian Government has expanded NatHERS to offer home energy ratings for existing homes, with the rollout commencing in July 2025.[xiv] These ratings will: Allow Australian households to better understand their home's energy performance and help identify the most cost effective upgrades, including electrification. Underpin home energy rating disclosure schemes at point of sale or lease (which are being considered by state and territory governments) and enable other standards that state and territory governments may adopt, such as minimum rental standards.

In addition, the Australian Government is continuing to work with state and territory governments to support a nationally consistent approach to disclosure of home energy ratings through implementation of the Home Energy Ratings Disclosure Framework. The Framework (version 2) was released by the Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council on 6 December 2024.[xv] Home energy ratings disclosure enables prospective buyers or renters to make more informed decisions when purchasing or leasing a property and makes energy efficiency features more visible and valued in the market, helping to drive retrofit of the existing housing stock over time.

Recommendation 3 That the investment in Recommendation 2 financial incentives, including rebates and low-interest financing, to reduce upfront costs associated with household electrification technologies Response Noted. See response to Recommendation 2. Recommendation 4 Australian Government develops policies to ensure that rental properties, multi-dwelling structures and low-income households have equal access to household electrification.

Response Noted. See response to Recommendation 2. Recommendation 5 Expand the SRES to include home battery systems, significantly reducing their installation cost and promoting widespread adoption Response Agreed.

As noted in response to the Inquiry Report's recommendation 1, the Australian Government has announced the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. This includes purchasing of SRES battery certificates to ensure no cost pass through to energy consumers. This will help Australian homes and small businesses invest in batteries to promote more widespread adoption.

Recommendation 6 Establish a workforce development program and enhance domestic supply chains for key electrification technologies Response Agreed. As noted in response to the Inquiry Report's recommendation 4, the Australian Government has a number of initiatives in place to develop a workforce for electrification. The National Renewable Energy Supply Chain Action Plan sets out the Government's approach to identifying and reducing risks in Australia's renewable energy supply chains, to help meet the 2030 renewables target.

The Australian Government is investing to enhance Australian manufacturing of key electrification technologies including through the $1 billion Solar Sunshot program to boost solar PV manufacturing in Australia by supporting innovation and scaling up domestic production of solar panels and their components, and through the $500 million Battery Breakthrough Initiative to enhance Australian battery manufacturing capabilities.

The Australian Government continues to develop work that supports increased transparency of future domestic componentry needs for critical renewable energy technologies. Additionally, the Commonwealth also has strategies in place to support the VET workforce specifically: Under the National Skills Agreement, the Australian Government is investing up to $100 million for initiatives to support the VET workforce, including responses to the VET Workforce Blueprint agreed by all Skills Ministers in 2024.

This includes $70 million for state and territory initiatives, with matched funding from states and territories, and $30 million for national action. To support the release of the Blueprint, a suite of Commonwealth-led national actions are being progressed to support a greater understanding of the VET workforce, and to inform further responses to grow and support this workforce.

This includes occupational mapping of the VET workforce, a VET workforce data strategy, an ongoing research program for VET workforce issues, and mapping and analysing compliance and administrative burden for the VET workforce. The Commonwealth is working closely with Jobs and Skills Australia and states and territories on these actions. The Australian Government is also taking further action to progress shared national priorities through targeting initiatives to support the First Nations VET workforce, and to boost the VET workforce in critical industries including construction and electrical, noting the importance these sectors play in driving Australia's productivity.

Australian Government funding to build and support the VET workforce is also being provided, with $12 million for Jobs and Skills Councils industry-led initiatives that respond to VET workforce challenges faced by their industries. In addition, $30 million is being provided to turbocharge the teacher, trainer and assessor workforce for clean energy, manufacturing and construction.

The latter measure will support an increase to the pipeline of teachers, trainers and assessors to deliver qualifications for these critical industries. The Australian Government is investing up to $325 million over five years under the NSA, with matched funding from states and territories, to establish nationally networked TAFE Centres of Excellence. These Centres will help provide nationally consistent, world-class teaching and learning, targeting critical and emerging industries, including the transformation to a net zero economy.

To date, 4 TAFE Centres of Excellence have been established in the renewable energy sector, with a focus on electricians and electrotechnology skills, including the: NSW Hunter Net Zero Manufacturing Centre of Excellence which is developing an associate degree in Electrotechnology and Renewable Technologies (higher apprenticeship). Queensland TAFE Centre of Excellence Clean Energy Batteries which is consulting on the development of higher-level apprenticeship and/or degree level apprenticeship pathways, including through the Certificate III Electrotechnology Electrician and the Bachelor of Engineering/Electrical Science.

Tasmanian Clean Energy Centre of Excellence which is developing General and Electrical (technical) Engineering Paraprofessional pilots. ACT Electric Vehicle TAFE Centre of Excellence which is developing a dual-qualified automotive trade apprentices' program, including light and heavy EV technician and automotive electrician. Recommendation 7 Commence a process to reform the design of the National Energy Market in accordance with my additional comments to the recent report from the Select Committee on Energy Planning and Regulation in Australia.

Response Noted. The Australian Government is considering its response on the December 2024 Senate Select Committee on Energy Planning and Regulation in Australia's report and will address this recommendation in that response. In November 2024, the Australian Government announced a review of the National Electricity Market (NEM) wholesale market settings by an independent expert panel.

The panel was supported by the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, state and territory governments and market bodies The NEM Review Final Report and supporting Implementation Roadmap were presented to Energy Ministers on 16 December 2025 and published. Energy Ministers, except for Queensland, agreed in-principle to the NEM Review's core recommendations.

These include establishing an Electricity Services Entry Mechanism, a Market Making Obligation, and measures to improve the visibility of Price Responsive Resources. The Australian Government is working closely with states and territories, industry and market bodies to progress detailed design of the core recommendations of the review, to allow further consideration of the proposed reforms by the Energy and Climate Change Ministers throughout 2026. [i] Senate Economic References Committee, Residential electrification, Report, 31 March 2025, accessed 7 April 2025. [ii] Senate Economic References Committee, Residential electrification, Report, 31 March 2025, accessed 7 April 2025, p. 2. [iii] Senate Economic References Committee, Residential electrification, Report, 31 March 2025, accessed 9 April 2025. [iv] CEFC, Household Energy Upgrades Fund—Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Website, accessed 19 May. [v] CEFC, Opening doors for sustainable Australian homes, Report, 11 February 2025, accessed 22 May 2025, p. 2. [vi] DCCEEW, Energy Ministers agree to the National Consumer Energy Resources (CER) Roadmap, Website, 19 July 2024, accessed 19 May 2025. [vii] DCCEEW, South Australia's Virtual Power Plant, Website, accessed 19 May 2025; and WA Government, Statement on Interoperability of Distributed Energy Resources, Announcement, 3 June 2025, accessed 6 June 2025 . [viii] ARENA, National Roadmap for Bidirectional EV Charging in Australia, Website, 25 February 2025, accessed 19 May 2025. [ix] DCCEEW, Community Batteries for Household Solar program, Website, accessed 19 May 2025; and DCCEEW, Community solar banks, Website, accessed 19 May 2025. [x] CEFC, Household Energy Upgrades Fund—Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Website, accessed 19 May. [xi] CEFC, Opening doors for sustainable Australian homes, Report, 11 February 2025, accessed 22 May 2025, p. 2. [xii] DCCEEW, Social housing energy performance—DCCEEW, Website, accessed 20 May. [xiv] NATHERS, Existing homes | Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), Website, accessed 19 May 2025. [xv] DCCEEW, Home Energy Ratings Disclosure Framework—Version 2 | energy.gov.au, Website, accessed 19 May. ______ GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE INQUIRY INTO THE DEFENCE AMENDMENT (DEFENCE HONOURS AND AWARDS APPEALS TRIBUNAL) BILL 2025 On 4 September 2025, the Senate referred the provisions of the Defence Amendment (Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal) Bill 2025 (the Bill) to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee for report by 30 October 2025.

On 28 October 2025, the Senate agreed to extend the reporting date to 21 November 2025. The Committee tabled its final report on 21 November 2025. The intent of the Bill was to contemporise the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal (the Tribunal).

The Bill proposed to add provisions that would limit reviewable decisions to service undertaken within 20 years of the end of an operation in the case of Defence honours and operational service awards, and in the case of length of service awards when the affected person turned or would have turned 100 years of age. Other provisions defined who could apply to the Tribunal regarding a reviewable decision and the scope of Tribunal recommendations.

The Bill was crafted to respond to concerns raised by the Tribunal itself in its decisions and annual reports on the risks associated with decisions being made when it is difficult, if not impossible to refer to objective and independent evidence. Importantly, the Committee and other relevant stakeholders did support some elements of the Government's proposed legislative reform of the Tribunal's operations.

This included: the introduction of an effective timeline for seeking a review of a Defence decision; the ability to create procedural rules for the Tribunal; clarifying the scope of recommendations the Tribunal can make; and clarifying the powers of the Tribunal for decisions associated with Defence honours and awards. The report made two recommendations, namely that: 1.

That the Department of Defence undertakes further consultations with the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal, ex-service organisations and other relevant stakeholders, regarding subsection 110V(2) of the Bill relating to the 20-year limitation on reviewable decisions and section 11OVA of the Bill relating to the standing provisions. 2. That the Senate defer its consideration of the Bill until the Department of Defence concludes and makes public the outcome of its consultations.

The Government accepts both of these recommendations. To give effect to this, the Government discharged the Bill from the Senate on 24 November 2025. The Government notes the remaining recommendations put forward from the Australian Greens, the Jacqui Lambie Network and Senator David Pocock's respective dissenting reports.

The Government does not agree with the recommendation put forward in the Coalition's dissenting report. The Government thanks the Committee for its work on this Inquiry, as well as those who provided submissions and appeared at hearings. ______ Australian Government response to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights report on the Inquiry into antisemitism at Australian universities MARCH 2026 Overview The Australian Government welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights (PJCHR) report on its inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian universities.

On 29 October 2024, the Australian Government referred the issue of antisemitism at Australian universities to the PJCHR for inquiry and asked the Committee to provide advice on steps that Australian universities and the sector can take to better protect Jewish students and staff from further harm. The PJCHR released its inquiry report on 12 February 2025 and made 10 recommendations.

The Australian Government agrees or agrees in principle with all 10 of the Committee's recommendations. The Australian Government notes the Committee's findings and recommendations complement a range of Government initiatives underway. The evil act of terrorism and antisemitism perpetrated at Bondi Beach on 14 December, the first night of Chanukah, was an attack on Jewish Australians and an attack on all Australians.

We grieve for those whose lives were taken, we stand with their loved ones and friends. We vow that from this tragedy Australia will emerge stronger, more united and safer for all who call our nation home. While antisemitism and extremism can lead to violence, violence is not the beginning of the harm they do.

Abuse, prejudice and discrimination can take a devastating toll on the wellbeing of individuals and communities. The Australian Government is fully committed to eradicating the root causes of antisemitism, extremism and prejudice, as well as working to prevent their terrible consequences. That is why the Australian Government has established the Antisemitism Education Taskforce (the Taskforce), chaired by David Gonski AC.

The purpose of the Taskforce is to help the Australian education system prevent, tackle and properly responds to antisemitism. This includes relevant elements of the Plan to Combat Antisemitism developed by Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal AO. The Taskforce includes Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism and representatives from across the Australian education system: including early childhood education and care, schools and universities.

Representation on the taskforce include: the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority, representatives of state and territory educational authorities, non-government schools, Universities Australia, Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and the interim Australian Tertiary Education Commission. Initial areas of priority include implementation of the measures outlined below and identification of further measures needed to ensure the Australian education system is able to prevent, tackle and properly respond to antisemitism.

The Taskforce builds on a range of accelerated investments and new initiatives to tackle antisemitism in schools, including: A focused review of elements of the Australian Curriculum to identify opportunities to strengthen its capacity to support: a rejection of all forms of antisemitic thought and antisemitic actions, a deep understanding of Jewish Australians' history and culture, and a mature understanding and expression of Australian values; Supporting the expansion of the Special Envoy's United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization teacher training into schools across Australia; Extending and expanding the funding for Together for Humanity over 4 years to continue its work to build intercultural understanding and social cohesion in schools; and Providing teachers and schools a new hub with access to free high-quality resources and guidance to strengthen social cohesion in schools, and combat antisemitism through new online resources.

The Taskforce also builds on a range of accelerated investments and new initiatives to tackle antisemitism in universities, including: strengthening the powers and penalties of TEQSA to ensure it is able to step in and act when it is justified in the public interest; strengthening Commonwealth higher education regulation to ensure institutions demonstrate a commitment to addressing racism, and ensuring the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency can monitor compliance; supporting the Monash Initiative for Rapid Research into Antisemitism (MIRRA) to expand its training program to deliver training to university staff and leadership on recognising antisemitism in universities across Australia; in February 2026, the Special Envoy attended the Education Ministers Meeting to provide an update on the Plan to address antisemitism and support a discussion about the role of the education system and school communities; establishing the Expert Council on University Governance which has provided the Education Ministers Meeting with principles to ensure universities are safe and welcoming; tasked the Australian Human Rights Commission to undertake the Respect at Uni Study, led by Race Discrimination Commissioner Mr Giridharan Sivaraman.

The Study examines the prevalence, nature, and impact of individual and systemic racism in Australian universities and is engaging in significant consultation with university students and staff; appointing the National Student Ombudsman, a free and impartial service to investigate complaints from students, including antisemitism or any other forms of racism; and developing and releasing TEQSA Statement of Regulatory Expectations: Student grievance and complaint mechanisms on 3 October 2025 in the context of protests on university campuses.

Further information TEQSA has also published a Sector Alert on Managing External Actors on Campus. This advice informs providers on management of risks presented by external actors, and provides a range of strategies and responses. The Australian Government has conducted a review of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act) reflecting its commitment to ensuring the higher education regulatory system is student-centred and meets contemporary student and community expectations.

The review engaged a wide range of sector stakeholders to understand current and future challenges and ensure the regulatory framework is fit for purpose into the future. The Australian Government has established the independent National Student Ombudsman (NSO) to investigate and resolve student complaints about universities, including complaints by Jewish students or about antisemitism.

The NSO commenced operations on 1 February 2025 and will provide guidance to universities to improve their complaints-handling practices. The NSO has strong investigative powers and can make recommendations to a provider about the actions that should be taken to resolve a complaint. The NSO has the power to monitor a provider's implementation of its recommendations, as well as share information with relevant regulators to provide the basis for potential compliance action where necessary.

If a provider does not take appropriate action in response to NSO recommendations, the NSO is able to provide the Minister for Education with a copy of an investigation report for tabling in Parliament. The NSO reports annually on complaint volumes, complaints outcomes and compliance with recommendations. In response to the Australian Universities Accord, the Australian Government commissioned the AHRC to undertake a Respect at Uni: Study into Antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, and the experience of First Nations People, led by Race Discrimination Commissioner, Mr Giridharan Sivaraman.

The final report was published on 17 February 2026. The report draws on the experience of 76,000 university staff and students and was developed in consultation with stakeholder groups and education providers. The Australian Government has established a Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, which will be led by former Justice of the High Court, the Hon Virginia Bell AC.

The terms of reference for the Royal Commission include tackling antisemitism by investigating the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in institutions and society, and its key drivers in Australia, including ideologically and religiously motivated extremism and radicalisation. Hearing from the Jewish Australian community will be important to informing recommendations from the Royal Commission relating to educational cultural institutions, and other sectors of Australian society.

The Royal Commission will deliver an interim report to Government by 30 April 2026 and a final report by 14 December 2026. Responses to recommendations Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights report on the Inquiry into antisemitism at Australian universities No. Recommendation Response 1 The committee recommends that university Vice Chancellors hold a formal meeting with Jewish student bodies and Jewish staff during semester one of 2025 to engage directly on their observations regarding antisemitism on their campuses.

The committee recommends that Vice Chancellors should subsequently make a public comment on their work to combat antisemitism and regarding those meetings with Jewish students and staff. Agree 2 The committee recommends that Australian universities should review their complaints procedures with a view to their simplification, including giving particular consideration to: establishing a single central office to receive and process all complaints; adopting a clear definition of antisemitism that aligns closely with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition; and providing for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Agree 3 The committee recommends that Australian universities should report on the outcome of complaints in a more transparent manner while maintaining the privacy of the complaints process. The committee recommends that such reports should include, where relevant, comment by the Vice Chancellor regarding their work to address antisemitism on campus. Agree 4 The committee recommends that the government give consideration as to whether it is necessary to amend the Fair Work Act 2009 to enable disciplinary or other action to be taken in relation to an employee (or a grant recipient where the Australian Research Council Act 2001 and related legislation applies), where that person is found to have engaged in conduct which would breach Part 5.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995, or section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.

Agree 5 The committee recommends that Australian universities should publish regular de-identified reports setting out the number of complaints received, the nature of the complaints, the number of complaints resolved since the last report and the timeframe for the resolution of outstanding complaints. Agree 6 The committee recommends that universities consider increased investment in research into antisemitism and opportunities for collaboration regarding current projects, having close regard to the work being undertaken by the Monash University Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation as an appropriate model.

Agree 7 The committee recommends that universities deliver ongoing training to students, staff and leadership on recognising and addressing antisemitism. Agree 8 The committee recommends that the government give consideration to amending the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 to provide TEQSA with enhanced powers to enforce compliance with the higher education threshold standards relating to student wellbeing and safety, as those standards are applied in practice by universities (e.g. through Codes of Conduct).

Agree 9 The committee recommends that government monitor the implementation of these recommendations and further recommends that the National Student Ombudsman review university practices to reduce antisemitism on campuses within twelve months of the tabling of this report. Agree-in principle 10 The committee recommends that if, following a review of the implementation of these recommendations in consultation with the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, it is apparent that the response by universities has been insufficient, the government should give consideration to the establishment of a judicial inquiry.

Agree-in principle Coalition Additional Comments Recommendation 1. That the government establish an independent judicial inquiry into antisemitism at Australian universities immediately The Australian Government acknowledges the range of views presented to the inquiry and notes this recommendation. The Australian Government's response, as outlined above, reflects the range of actions the Government is taking to respond to the issues raised in this inquiry.

Recommendation 2. That the Australian Government amends the law so that all public universities are required to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. The Australian Government acknowledges the range of views presented to the inquiry and notes this recommendation.

The Australian Government's response, as outlined above, reflects the range of actions the Government is taking to respond to the issues raised in this inquiry. Recommendation 3. That Australian universities review and amend their hiring policies and policies relating to employee conduct to prevent and address antisemitic behaviour among academic staff.

The Australian Government acknowledges the range of views presented to the inquiry and notes this recommendation. The Australian Government encourages universities to consider this recommendation in consultation with their students, staff, communities and other stakeholders. Ms Kylea Tink MP Additional Comments Recommendation 1.

Universities should, for the purposes of addressing complaints of antisemitism relating to students or staff, adopt a definition of antisemitism that recognises the distinction between antisemitism and criticism of the Israeli Government and Zionism. The Australian Government acknowledges the range of views presented to the inquiry and notes this recommendation.

The Australian Government encourages universities to consider this recommendation in consultation with their students, staff, communities and other stakeholders. Recommendation 2. The government should adopt the Australian Human Rights Commission National Anti-Racism Framework.

The Australian Government acknowledges the range of views presented to the inquiry and notes this recommendation. The Australian Government's response, as outlined above, reflects the range of actions the Government is taking to respond to the issues raised in this inquiry. Recommendation 3.

Universities should address antisemitism as part of broader strategies to reduce racism in all its forms. The Australian Government acknowledges the range of views presented to the inquiry and notes this recommendation. The Australian Government encourages universities to consider this recommendation in consultation with their students, staff, communities and other stakeholders.

Recommendation 4. The government should consolidate Australia's anti-discrimination legislative framework into a single, uniform Anti-Discrimination Act. The Australian Government acknowledges the range of views presented to the inquiry and notes this recommendation.

The Australian Government's response, as outlined above, reflects the range of actions the Government is taking to respond to the issues raised in this inquiry. Recommendation 5. Universities should adopt the Rabat Plan of Action on the prohibition of advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence six-part threshold test to appropriately distinguish between hate speech and protected expression in practice.

The government should introduce legislation to establish a Human Rights Act, as per the recommendation of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry into Australia's Human Rights Framework The Australian Government acknowledges the range of views presented to the inquiry and notes this recommendation. The Australian Government's response, as outlined above, reflects the range of actions the Government is taking to respond to the issues raised in this inquiry.

Senator Lidia Thorpe Additional Comments Recommendation 1. Universities in their approach to racism adopt a holistic anti-racism framework, jointly developed with representatives of all racialised communities. The Australian Government acknowledges the range of views presented to the inquiry and notes this recommendation.

The Australian Government encourages universities to consider this recommendation in consultation with their students, staff, communities and other stakeholders. Recommendation 2. For the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights to undertake a review of the effectiveness of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, a proposal that is supported by the Race Discrimination Commissioner.

Universities should be guided by the 2020 Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism in their attempts to identify and fight antisemitism while protecting freedom of expression. The Australian Government acknowledges the range of views presented to the inquiry and notes this recommendation. The Australian Government encourages universities to consider this recommendation in consultation with their students, staff, communities and other stakeholders.

Recommendation 4. For the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights to conduct a review of the Australian Government's compliance with international human rights obligations in relation to the plausible genocide in Palestine, including adherence to orders from United Nations bodies and the findings and opinions of the International Court of Justice. The Australian Government acknowledges the range of views presented to the inquiry and notes this recommendation.

The Australian Government's response, as outlined above, reflects the range of actions the Government is taking to respond to the issues raised in this inquiry. ______ Australian Government response to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee report on the Commission of Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities Bill 2024 (No.2) MARCH 2026 Overview The Australian Government welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee report on the Commission of Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities Bill 2024 (No.2).

On 4 July 2024, the Senate referred an inquiry to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee (the Committee) to examine the Commission of Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities Bill 2024 (No.2) (the Bill). The Committee released its inquiry report on 1 October 2024 and made three recommendations. The Australian Government agrees all three of the Committee's recommendations.

The Australian Government notes the Committee's findings and recommendations complement a range of Government initiatives underway. On 29 October 2024, the Australian Government referred the issue of antisemitism at Australian universities to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights (PJCHR) for inquiry and asked the Committee to provide advice on steps that Australian universities and the sector can take to better protect Jewish students and staff from further harm.

The evil act of terrorism and antisemitism perpetrated at Bondi Beach on 14 December, the first night of Chanukah, was an attack on Jewish Australians and an attack on all Australians. We grieve for those whose lives were taken, we stand with their loved ones and friends. We vow that from this tragedy Australia will emerge stronger, more united and safer for all who call our nation home.

While antisemitism and extremism can lead to violence, violence is not the beginning of the harm they do. Abuse, prejudice and discrimination can take a devastating toll on the wellbeing of individuals and communities. The Australian Government is fully committed to eradicating the root causes of antisemitism, extremism and prejudice, as well as working to prevent their terrible consequences.

That is why the Australian Government has established the Antisemitism Education Taskforce (the Taskforce), chaired by David Gonski AC. The purpose of the Taskforce is to help the Australian education system prevent, tackle and properly responds to antisemitism. This includes relevant elements of the Plan to Combat Antisemitism developed by Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal AO.

The Taskforce includes Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism and representatives from across the Australian education system: including early childhood education and care, schools and universities. Representation on the taskforce include: the Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority, representatives of state and territory educational authorities, non-government schools, Universities Australia, Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and the interim Australian Tertiary Education Commission.

Initial areas of priority include implementation of the measures outlined below and identification of further measures needed to ensure the Australian education system is able to prevent, tackle and properly respond to antisemitism. The Taskforce builds on a range of accelerated investments and new initiatives to tackle antisemitism in schools, including: a focused review of elements of the Australian Curriculum to identify opportunities to strengthen its capacity to support: a rejection of all forms of antisemitic thought and antisemitic actions, a deep understanding of Jewish Australians' history and culture, and a mature understanding and expression of Australian values; supporting the expansion of the Special Envoy's United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization teacher training into schools across Australia; extending and expanding the funding for Together for Humanity over 4 years to continue its work to build intercultural understanding and social cohesion in schools; and providing teachers and schools a new hub with access to free high-quality resources and guidance to strengthen social cohesion in schools, and combat antisemitism through new online resources.

The Taskforce also builds on a range of accelerated investments and new initiatives to tackle antisemitism in universities, including: strengthening the powers and penalties of TEQSA to ensure it is able to step in and act when it is justified in the public interest; strengthening Commonwealth higher education regulation to ensure institutions demonstrate a commitment to addressing racism, and ensuring TEQSA can monitor compliance; supporting the Monash Initiative for Rapid Research into Antisemitism (MIRRA) to expand its training program to deliver training to university staff and leadership on recognising antisemitism in universities across Australia; in February 2026, the Special Envoy attended the Education Ministers Meeting to provide an update on the Plan to address antisemitism and support a discussion about the role of the education system and school communities; establishing the Expert Council on University Governance which has provided the Education Ministers Meeting with principles to ensure universities are safe and welcoming; tasked the Australian Human Rights Commission to undertake the Respect at Uni Study, led by Race Discrimination Commissioner Mr Giridharan Sivaraman.

The Royal Commission will deliver an interim report to Government by 30 April 2026 and a final report by 14 December 2026. Responses to recommendations The Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee report on the Commission of Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities Bill 2024 (No.2) Recommendations by the Committee No. Recommendation Response 1 The committee recommends that, in collaboration with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, all Australian universities urgently review their complaints processes and give effect to any and all changes necessary to ensure these processes are known to and understood by students and staff, and deliver real and meaningful outcomes for complainants.

Agree 2 The committee recommends that the Attorney-General immediately refers an inquiry into antisemitism at Australian universities to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights. Agree 3 The committee recommends that the Senate does not pass the Bill. Agree Recommendations by Coalition Senators Recommendation 1.

That the Senate and the Parliament pass the Bill at the earliest opportunity so that a Commission of Inquiry into antisemitism at Australian universities can be established as soon as practicable The Australian Government acknowledges the range of views presented to the inquiry and notes this recommendation. The Australian Government's response, as outlined above, reflects the range of actions the Government is taking to respond to the issues raised in this inquiry.

Recommendation 2. That the Australian Government directs the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Ms Jillian Segal, to urgently recommend, in consultation with TEQSA: best-practice university policies and procedures to combat antisemitism, including in relation to complaints handling and fines for non-compliance; antisemitism training for university leaders; and any other practical initiative to combat antisemitism at Australian universities.

That the Australian Government considers how best to implement the recommendations of the Antisemitism Envoy including any necessary amendments to the law. The Australian Government acknowledges the range of views presented to the inquiry and notes this recommendation. The Australian Government's response, as outlined above, reflects the range of actions the Government is taking to respond to the issues raised in this inquiry.

Recommendation 3. That the Australian Government amends the law so that all public universities are required to either adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism or give detailed reasons as to why such a definition has not been so adopted, to be published and updated prominently on each university's website on 1 February and 1 August of each year.

That the Australian Government amends the law so that public universities are required to disclose a breakdown of all revenues and all agreements, arrangements or understandings in relation to the provision of such revenues including with foreign persons or entities. The Australian Government acknowledges the range of views presented to the inquiry and notes this recommendation.

The Australian Government's response, as outlined above, reflects the range of actions the Government is taking to respond to the issues raised in this inquiry. Recommendation 5. That the proposed National Student Ombudsman be supported by a person expert in antisemitism and that such requirement be included in the National Student Ombudsman Rules.

That the office of the Race Discrimination Commissioner urgently completes and implements the national anti-racism strategy and be fully funded and resourced to do so. The Australian Government acknowledges the range of views presented to the inquiry and notes this recommendation. The Australian Government's response, as outlined above, reflects the range of actions the Government is taking to respond to the issues raised in this inquiry. ______ Australian Government response to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee report: Copyright Legislation Amendment (Fair Pay for Radio Play) Bill 2023 DECEMBER 2025 Introduction The Copyright Legislation Amendment (Fair Pay for Radio Play) Bill 2023 (the Bill) was introduced by Senator David Pocock and referred by the Senate to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee (the Committee) for inquiry and report.

The Bill seeks to repeal subsection 152(8) of the Copyright Act 1968, which caps the amount of royalties that the Copyright Tribunal of Australia (Copyright Tribunal) can determine is payable by commercial radio stations for the use of sound recordings to one per cent of gross earnings of the broadcaster (the 1% cap) and subsection 152(11), which caps the amount of royalties that the Copyright Tribunal can determine is payable by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) for the use of sound recordings, to an amount not exceeding 0.5 cents per head of the Australian population (the ABC cap).

The caps only affect rights in sound recordings of music (as administered by the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA)) and not the underlying rights in the musical works themselves (as administered by the Australasian Performing Right Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (APRA AMCOS)). The caps also do not apply to the use of sound recordings on online streaming services, as such services are not considered 'broadcasting services' under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.

The Committee released its report on 20 June 2024. The Government welcomes the Committee's report. The Government strongly supports Australian artists and creators, as demonstrated through Revive, the Government's National Cultural Policy.

Music Australia was established under Creative Australia with dedicated funding of $69.4m over four years from 2023-24 through Revive. Music Australia is undertaking targeted research in consultation with key music industry stakeholders to inform their strategic investments and address the contemporary needs of the music industry, including artists incomes and career development and pathways.

However, in addition to impacts on the recording artists and recording industry, the removal of the radio broadcast licence fee caps would impact a range of other stakeholders, including regional and remote radio broadcasters and the ABC. These implications also require careful consideration. The Government recognises the importance of a strong, fair and balanced copyright system, and will continue to work with all stakeholders to better understand the potential impacts of changes to the radio broadcast royalty caps.

This should be done in a holistic way in the context of broader reforms in the copyright, communications and arts portfolios and Government's broader media reform agenda. Recommendations Recommendation 1: The committee recommends that the federal government conducts a cost-benefit analysis examining the impacts of removing the current caps on licence fees for the broadcast of sound recordings on radio.

Response: Agreed in principle. The Government strongly supports Australian artists and creators. This is demonstrated through Revive, the Government's National Cultural Policy.

The Government agrees that a cost-benefit analysis, as recommended by the Committee, would assist with understanding the potential impacts on stakeholders of retaining, amending or removing the current caps in today's media environment, including impacts on the recorded music industry and remote/regional radio stations. The Government notes that there may be several ways to obtain this information, including reviewing the outcome of recent Copyright Tribunal proceedings on this issue and/or conducting its own independent economic analysis.

The Government will give this further consideration. Recommendation 2: The committee recommends that the Senate does not pass the Bill. Response: Noted.

The Government notes the dissenting reports made by Senator David Pocock, and by Senator Sarah Hanson-Young on behalf of the Australian Greens recommending that the Senate pass the Bill. ______ Australian Government response to the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties report: Agreement Among the Government of Australia, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Government of the United States of America for Cooperation Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion February 2025 On 5 August 2024, AUKUS partners took another significant step forward in facilitating Australia's acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, with the signing of the Agreement Among the Government of Australia, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Government of the United States of America for Cooperation Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion (the 'Agreement').

The Agreement establishes a legally-binding framework to facilitate the transfer of nuclear material and equipment from the United Kingdom and the United States to Australia, as well as the communication and exchange of naval nuclear propulsion information between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Agreement supersedes the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America, the Government of Australia, and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for the Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information, which was due to expire on 31 December 2025, and has facilitated the exchange of naval nuclear propulsion information to-date.

The Agreement will enable the transfer of Virginia class submarines from the United States to Australia from the early 2030s, as well as the transfer of information and equipment from the United Kingdom for use in Australia's SSN-AUKUS submarines. Importantly, it also reinforces the AUKUS partners' commitment to setting the highest non-proliferation standard, and is consistent with Australia's international non-proliferation obligations.

The Agreement entered into force on 17 January 2025. The Government acknowledges the views of the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (the Committee) in its inquiry into the Agreement. The Committee made eight recommendations in its report, tabled on 27 November 2024.

The Government agrees to six recommendations, agrees in-principle to one recommendation and notes one recommendation. The Government Response is outlined below. Recommendation One The Committee supports the Agreement among the Government of Australia, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Government of the United States of America for Cooperation Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion and recommends that binding treaty action be taken.

Response to recommendation: Agreed The Government welcomes the support of the Committee. The Government has taken binding treaty action. On 17 January 2025, the Agreement entered into force following an exchange of diplomatic notes between Australia, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America notifying of the respective completion of domestic requirements (in accordance with Article XIII.A of the Agreement).

Recommendation Two The Committee recommends that the Government and the Australian Submarine Agency expand and enhance community education activities to inform the general population on how AUKUS is in the national interest, including the distinct advantages of nuclear-powered submarines. Response to recommendation: Agreed Building and maintaining an understanding of the program and how it contributes to Australia's national security and defence capabilities will remain an important line of effort in the Government's nuclear-powered submarine program.

It will require ongoing consideration and communications within the context of the biennial National Defence Strategy. Australian Government agencies will continue to provide public information to build the knowledge and understanding of the program and our progress in the Australian community. Recommendation Three The Committee recommends appropriate parliamentary scrutiny of any supplementary or additional instruments resulting from ratifying the AUKUS treaty.

Response to recommendation: Noted The Government supports the intent of the recommendation. The Government had intended the Defence portfolio to be subject to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence (PJCD). The Government considers the PJCD would have been an important forum for ensuring appropriate parliamentary consideration of the AUKUS partnership and Australia's nuclear-powered submarine program.

It is therefore regrettable that, despite the bi-partisan recommendation of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Coalition Senators voted with Greens Senators against the PJCD Bill in the Senate on 4 July 2024. The Government hopes that a future Parliament will reconsider the establishment of the PJCD. Any supplementary or additional instruments of treaty status will be subject to appropriate parliamentary scrutiny in accordance with Australia's treaty making process and existing parliamentary oversight mechanisms.

Recommendation Four The Committee recommends that community and worker consultation, engagement and public transparency be prioritised in the development of the plan for the management, transportation and storage of AUKUS-related nuclear waste. Response to recommendation: Agreed The Government is committed to maintaining the highest levels of nuclear safety and stewardship, including in relation to radioactive waste.

The Government notes that community and worker engagement is critical to build transparency and understanding of nuclear safety plans and the regulatory framework and licencing regime that will be in place to protect our workers, communities, and the environment. This will also be a priority of the new Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator when established in 2025.

Recommendation Five The Committee recommends that advice published by the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator be made publicly available within a timely fashion to enhance transparency. Response to recommendation: Agreed in-principle The Government agrees in-principle to the recommendation. The Regulator will be required to report to the Minister on a range of matters.

The Regulator will also prepare an annual report on its activities, decisions and performance, which will be made publicly available in accordance with legislation. The Regulator will be required to report to the Minister and Parliament in relation to certain nuclear safety incidents. The Regulator will publish guidance material including relevant codes to inform the regulated community, and the public, on its processes and decision-making.

The Government notes that under the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Act 2024 the appointed Director-General will have some discretion over the scope of information that is published. There will be aspects of the Regulator's functions and activities which cannot be made publicly available in order to protect Australia's and AUKUS partners' naval nuclear-powered submarine capability and information relating to military operations or activities.

Recommendation Six The Committee recommends that the Australian Government launch an AUKUS career and employment opportunities promotion campaign and further enhance existing STEM and traditional trades engagement programs for local schools and tertiary education providers. Response to recommendation: Agreed The Government will continue to consider and review initiatives in line with Nuclear-Powered Submarine (NPS) Enterprise workforce planning and related arrangements.

The NPS Technical Student Support Scholarships announced in the 2024-25 Budget will include activities to promote STEM scholarships and career and employment opportunities related to the NPS Enterprise. Australian Government agencies will also continue to work closely with state and territory governments, professional bodies, and stakeholders across the NPS Enterprise, to develop effective programs, and to support and enhance existing trades and STEM programs across relevant educational levels.

Recommendation Seven The Committee recommends that the Government partner with relevant State and Local governments to collaborate and coordinate on planning and delivery of enabling programs, infrastructure and works to support communities involved in the implementation of AUKUS. Response to recommendation: Agreed The Government is committed to working closely with state and local governments, particularly in South Australia and Western Australia, to achieve the outcomes listed in Recommendation Seven.

Efforts to coordinate are multifaceted, with the primary forum of coordination occurring in formal steering groups and working groups created in both states across the three levels of government. The Government has entered into Cooperation Agreements with the governments of South Australia and Western Australia respectively to outline scope, intentions, rules and responsibilities for taking forward cooperation and implementation of the nuclear-powered submarine program under AUKUS.

Recommendation Eight The Committee recommends that the Australian Submarine Agency enhance engagement and consultation with the local Traditional Owner group and First Nations peoples; and with local environmental groups. Response to recommendation: Agreed The Australian Submarine Agency is committed to ongoing engagement and consultation with local Traditional Owner groups and First Nations peoples.

These engagements will continue and increase, ensuring First Nations' voices and perspectives are heard, while the Australian Submarine Agency also continues to increase cultural understanding and awareness in the nuclear-powered submarine enterprise. The Australian Submarine Agency is also committed to continuing and enhancing engagement and consultation with local environmental groups, including to maintain transparency over development approvals, construction, operation and radioactive waste management activities.

SourceSenate, Tuesday 24 March 2026 — official recordTA-260324-senate-dd516f85acd4:s212

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