Inquiry into gender equality as a national security and economic security imperative

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, has asked the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade to inquire into gender equality as a national security and economic security imperative.

On Wednesday 5 November 2025, under its resolution of appointment, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade adopted the inquiry and resolved that the inquiry will be conducted by the Human Rights Subcommittee.

The Committee invites interested persons and organisations to make submissions responding to one or more of the terms of reference by Tuesday, 20 January 2026.

For more information on how to make a submission to a parliamentary committee, please see Making a Submission to a Committee Inquiry.

Please contact the secretariat if you have any questions.

Committee Secretariat contact:

Committee Secretary
Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
PO Box 6021
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Phone: +61 2 6277 2313
jscfadt@aph.gov.au

About this inquiry

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade is conducting an inquiry into gender equality as a national security and economic security imperative.

Track Inquiry

Inquiry Status

Accepting Submissions

How to make a submission

The committee invites individuals and organisations to send in their opinions and proposals in writing (submissions)

Accessibility

We are committed to ensuring that everyone who wishes to can participate in the Committee’s inquiry. If you have accessibility requirements, please contact the Committee Secretariat.

Further information regarding accessibility can be found at www.aph.gov.au/Help/Accessibility