On Friday, 29 May 2026, the Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing at Parliament House for its inquiry into gender equality as a national security and economic security imperative.
Chair of the Human Rights Subcommittee, Mr Tony Zappia MP, said that the Subcommittee will hear from advocacy groups, researchers and development agencies at Friday's public hearing.
Examples of organisations appearing at the hearing include:
- the National Women's Alliances
- the Global Institute for Women's Leadership, ANU
- the Australian Council for International Development
- Chief Executive Women
Mr Zappia said, 'Australia's overseas programs support women in our region to be leaders and decision makers in their communities and nations. The Subcommittee will hear from development agencies involved in delivering these programs to increase our understanding of what makes them successful.'
'We hope to hear more about how Australian Government programs can be designed to better reflect the diversity of women's identities, skills and experiences.'
Further information, including the full terms of reference, is available on the inquiry webpage.
Public Hearing Details
Date: Friday 29 May 2026
Time: 8:45 am–1:15 pm (AEST)
Location: Committee Room 1R2, Parliament House, Canberra
Programs for each public hearing are available on the inquiry website.
The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.
