The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations, Skills and Training will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, 5 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 the public hearing in Western Sydney, the Committee will listen to business owners' experiences with the NES, examining whether the system is working effectively and remains accessible for small and medium‑sized businesses.
Building on evidence already received from government stakeholders and employee groups, this hearing will allow the Committee to capture business perspectives and develop a more comprehensive understanding of how the NES operates in practice.
Committee Chair, Dr Carina Garland MP, said the hearing would reveal to the Committee how businesses experience the NES framework.
'As the nature of work continues to evolve, it's important that the National Employment Standards are clear and navigable for employers and workers alike. The Committee is seeking to understand how the NES operates in practice for small and medium-sized businesses, with this hearing helping to identify areas of uncertainty and opportunities to streamline the framework,' Dr Garland said.
The Committee will hear evidence from:
- Australian Industry Group
- Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia
- Martha Travis People Innovators
- A small business panel including local businesses
- Youth Law Australia
Further information is available on the Committee's website.
Public hearing details
Date: Tuesday 5 May 2026
Time: 9:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Warwick Farm Holiday Inn, Warwick Farm, Sydney and online
The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.
