The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations, Skills and Training will hold a public hearing in Canberra on Friday, 15 May 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.
At its public hearing the Committee will hear from a broad range of stakeholders about their experiences with the NES, building on evidence already heard from the government, unions and the business sector.
The hearing will enable the Committee to gather further perspectives on key issues, including reproductive health leave, cultural, kinship and carer's leave, compassionate leave for bereaved parents, the costs and administrative impacts of the NES on small businesses, and employment conditions for young workers.
Committee Chair, Dr Carina Garland MP, said the hearing would allow the Committee to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how the NES operates in practice.
'As the nature of work continues to evolve, it is important that the National Employment Standards (NES) remain clear, fair and fit for purpose. The Committee is seeking to understand how the NES supports key worker groups—including First Nations employees, carers and women—while balancing these protections with the operational and financial realities faced by employers,' Dr Garland said.
The Committee will hear evidence from:
- Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
- Council of Small Business Organisations Australia
- The Compassionate Friends Australia
- Maurice Blackburn Lawyers
- Families Australia
- National Tertiary Education
- Australian Education Union
- Community and Public Sector Union
- Health Services Union
- Finance Sector Union
- Australian Youth Affairs Coalition
Further information is available on the Committee's website.
Public hearing details
Date: Friday 15 May 2026
Time: 9:00am to 2.15 pm
Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra ACT/Videoconference
The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.
