Latest News
Committee backs 2013 referendum
24 January 2013
Australians may be asked to vote on a referendum at this year’s election if the Government adopts a key recommendation made by a parliamentary committee.
Roads at risk in constitutional conundrum
21 January 2013
Local councils claim popular federal government programs such as Roads to Recovery are at risk of being overturned unless the Australian Constitution is changed to recognise local government.
Centenary of Canberra exhibition opens
15 January 2013
Rarely seen treasures such as the golden trowels used to lay Canberra’s foundation stones in the 1913 naming ceremony for the capital have been unveiled in a new exhibition at the Australian parliament as part of the Centenary of Canberra celebrations.
Parliamentarians visit Antarctica
19 December 2012
Twelve federal parliamentarians flew the 3400kms from Hobart to Antarctica recently in a rare opportunity to inspect facilities at the Wilkins aerodrome in the Australian Antarctic Territory.
Local government referendum proposal under the spotlight
11 December 2012
A parliamentary committee is investigating whether Australians will back constitutional changes to enshrine federal government powers to fund local councils.
Veterans need more mental health support
10 December 2012
Medical experts and veteran groups say more must be done to ensure continuity of mental health treatment for defence force personnel after they return to civilian life.
Christmas Islanders want clear economic plan
7 December 2012
Christmas Island needs a cabinet endorsed economic plan to drive future development and progress, a parliamentary committee has been told.