The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations, Skills and Training will hold a public hearing in Canberra on Thursday, 27 August 2026 as part of its inquiry into the operation and adequacy of the National Employment Standards (NES). The inquiry was referred to the Committee on 27 November 2025, by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP.
The NES set out the minimum working conditions, forming a safety net that underpins Australia's workplace relations system. After hearing evidence from unions, the business sector, peak bodies, academics and employment law practitioners, the Committee will discuss the key issues and concerns identified by these stakeholders with the Federal Departments charged with managing the NES.
Committee Chair, Dr Carina Garland MP, said 'the hearing would allow the Committee to test how proposals to simplify, clarify and modernise the provisions for minimum working entitlements may operate in practice.'
'The National Employment Standards are a cornerstone of Australia's workplace relations system, but workplaces and working arrangements have changed significantly since they were introduced 16 years ago. Our goal is to identify pragmatic reform that ensure the Standards remain relevant, accessible and effective for the modern Australian worker.'
The Committee will hear evidence from:
- The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
- The Fair Work Ombudsman
Further information is available on the Committee's website.
Public hearing details
Date: Thursday, 27 August 2026
Time: 5:30 pm to 6.30 pm
Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra
The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.
