The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will examine the importance of Antarctica to Australia’s national interest in a new inquiry.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 28 February 2024

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will examine the importance of Antarctica to Australia’s national interest in a new inquiry launched today. Committee Chair, Alicia Payne MP, said, “Australia has a proud history as an Antarctic leader. The Australian Antarctic Territory covers approximately 42 per cent of the continent and Australia plays a significant role in maintaining the continent for peace, scientific exploration, and environmental protection.” “Australia’s ongoing and future commitments in Antarctica are now more important than ever. Australia has a responsibility to itself and the international community to remain a strong advocate for Antarctica through its domestic and international policy.” “Our need to keep pace with technological and scientific advancements as well as ensure the protection of the region and its biodiversity will be a key focus of this inquiry. We will also be examining Australia’s role in upholding the Antarctic Treaty System and how Antarctica contributes to Australia’s economic and social development.” Ms Payne said. The Committee welcomes submissions from interested individuals and organisations by 12 April 2024. Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Hamish McLennan Office of Alicia Payne MP, Committee Chair Hamish.Mclennan@aph.gov.au 0421 276 788 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4355 JSCNCET@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories has released its report for its inquiry into local governance on Norfolk Island.

Media release issue date: Monday, 27 November 2023

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories has today released its report for its inquiry into local governance on Norfolk Island. The Committee has made seven recommendations which provide the foundation for a new democratically elected governing body to be established on the island. Chair of the Committee, Ms Alicia Payne MP, said: ‘the Committee is proud to be part of the process of restoring democracy to Norfolk Island. It has recommended the creation of a new bespoke governing body comprising a majority of locally elected members working with representatives appointed by the Australian Government to deliver the best outcomes for Norfolk Islanders and Australians alike’. ‘Central to the Committee’s recommendations is the inclusion of a preamble in the governing legislation’, Ms Payne said.‘The purpose of this preamble is to recognise the unique culture, traditions, heritage and history of Norfolk Island, and to set out the nature of the relationship between Norfolk Island and Australia now and into the future’. Other recommendations made in the report relate to building local capacity on Norfolk Island to support the new governance arrangements, the need for broad community consultation to inform the final governance model, and for that model to be determined by a binding compulsory vote of registered voters on Norfolk Island. The Committee has recommended that the findings of its report be referred to the newly established Norfolk Island Governance Committee for further consultation with the community. The full report can be found on the Committee’s inquiry webpage. Media inquiries Hamish McLennan Office of Alicia Payne MP, Committee Chair Hamish.mclennan@aph.gov.au 0421 276 788 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4355 JSCNCET@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories is holding its first public hearing for its inquiry into fostering and promoting the significance of Australia’s National Capital.

Media release issue date: Monday, 19 June 2023

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories is holding its first public hearing for its inquiry into fostering and promoting the significance of Australia’s National Capital. Ms Alicia Payne MP, Committee Chair said, “the Committee has received over 40 submissions to its inquiry which focus on key themes that aim to ensure the nation’s capital can meet the expectations and needs of its residents and visitors. These themes include current and future infrastructure and facilities, transportation and connectivity, national institutions, and a range of local and community interests and activities”. “The Committee is looking forward to meeting with stakeholders to discuss the many issues raised in these submissions”, Ms Payne said. Details of future public hearings will be posted on the Committee website when available. More information on the inquiry, including the full terms of reference can be found on the Committee website. Public hearing details Date: Tuesday, 20 June 2023 Time: 12:15pm (AEST) to 1:15pm Location: Parliament House, Canberra 12:15pm –12:45pm: National Rugby League 12:45pm –1:15pm: Cricket ACT 1:15PM: Close The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Hamish McIennan Office of Alicia Payne MP, Committee Chair Hamish.Mclennan@aph.gov.au (02) 6277 4168 For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 4355 JSCNCET@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will examine ways to foster and promote the significance of Australia’s National Capital in a new inquiry.

Media release issue date: Sunday, 26 March 2023

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will examine ways to foster and promote the significance of Australia’s National Capital in a new inquiry launched today.  Committee Chair, Alicia Payne MP, said, “Our National Capital belongs to all Australians, and is a city that all Australians should be proud of. Canberra is home to 500,000 Australians and a destination for millions of visitors every year. It is important that Canberra be equipped to meet the expectations and needs of a city designed to reflect who we are as Australians. “This inquiry will investigate a range of matters relating to Canberra’s role as the national capital, including how national institutions tell the story of Australia, its importance in reflecting Australia’s culture and values, its role in tourism and sport, and the infrastructure resources required to ensure it continues to play its significant role in the life of our country,” Ms Payne said. The Committee welcomes submissions from interested individuals, organisations and community groups by 5 May 2023. Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Michael Inman Office of Alicia Payne MP, Committee Chair Michael.Inman@aph.gov.au 0415 955 078 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4355 JSCNCET@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will visit Norfolk Island from 3 to 5 April 2023.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 8 March 2023

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will visit Norfolk Island from 3 to 5 April 2023. The Committee will hold meetings with the local community to inform its inquiry into local governance on Norfolk Island. Alicia Payne MP, Committee Chair, said, “As we take the next steps towards restoring local democracy, the Committee wants to hear directly from the Norfolk Island community about what they think will work best for them. “The Committee is looking forward to meeting and talking with Norfolk Islanders, and undertaking site visits on the island,” Ms Payne said. “There will be a number of opportunities for people to meet the Committee and share their views on the matters listed in the terms of reference, including public hearings, private meetings and opportunities to connect virtually if community members prefer. Anyone who would like to contribute to the inquiry should contact the secretariat as soon as possible and we will do our best to facilitate your preferred method of engagement.” Written submissions to the inquiry will remain open until 24 March 2023. Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to participate, is available on the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Hamish McLennan Office of Alicia Payne MP, Committee Chair Hamish.mclennan@aph.gov.au 0421 276 788 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4355 JSCNCET@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will examine restoring local government on Norfolk Island as part of a new inquiry.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 9 February 2023

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will examine restoring local government on Norfolk Island as part of a new inquiry.    The Committee will examine different models of local government and revenue collection to determine the most appropriate approach that accords with the culture of Norfolk Island and provides for a financially sustainable future. “This inquiry is about the future of Norfolk Island, its governance and economic sustainability,” said Committee Chair Alicia Payne MP. “Most importantly, the inquiry is focused on improving democracy for people on Norfolk Island.” “The views of the local community will be central to this process,” Ms Payne said. The Committee plans to visit Norfolk Island over the coming months to hear directly from Norfolk Islanders about what they would like for their community. People seeking to participate in the inquiry can engage with the Committee in a number of ways including by making a submission, at an upcoming public meeting or confidentially. Submissions to the inquiry will remain open until 24 March 2023. Further information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Hamish McLennan Office of Alicia Payne MP, Committee Chair Hamish.mclennan@aph.gov.au 0421 276 788 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4355 JSCNCET@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will hold its first public hearing with the National Capital Authority (NCA) as the Committee’s biannual briefings recommence in the 47th Parliament. Biannual briefings with the NCA have been held regularly since 2009.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 7 December 2022

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will hold its first public hearing with the National Capital Authority (NCA) as the Committee’s biannual briefings recommence in the 47th Parliament. Biannual briefings with the NCA have been held regularly since 2009.   Committee Chair Ms Alicia Payne MP said: “These public meetings provide an excellent opportunity to scrutinise the work of the NCA and keep Australians across developments and issues affecting our national capital, Canberra.”   “The Committee intends to discuss a recent audit report of NCA procurement which was critical of its practices and recommended a range of changes for the NCA. The Committee is also looking forward to examining a range of current issues including high profile developments such as the Australian War Memorial, Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and the Canberra Light Rail.”   Further information about the biannual public briefings, including those held in previous Parliaments, can be found on the Committee’s website.  Public hearing details Date: Thursday 8 December 2022 Time: 3.00pm AEDT to 5.00pm AEDT Location: Committee Room 1S5, Parliament House The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Hamish McLennan Office of Alicia Payne MP, Chair of Committee hamish.mclennan@aph.gov.au          0421 276 788 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4355 JSCNCET@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

On Tuesday the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will be briefed by the National Capital Authority about current issues relating to the nation’s capital.

Media release issue date: Monday, 6 December 2021

On Tuesday the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will be briefed by the National Capital Authority about current issues relating to the nation’s capital. The briefing will be broadcast live on the Parliament House website. Committee Chair, Senator Dr Sam McMahon, said: “The Committee welcomes the opportunity to discuss a range of matters with the National Capital Authority including some of the current works being undertaken across Canberra.” “Since 2009, the National Capital Authority has been invited to conduct these briefings biannually as an opportunity for the Committee to become more familiar with issues affecting the Capital and latest developments.” Further information may be found on the Committee’s website. Further information about the National Capital Authority can be found on its website. Public hearing details Date: Tuesday 7 December 2021 Time: 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm The public briefing was planned to take place on 25 November 2021 and has been rescheduled to this new date and time. The hearing will be conducted in a virtual format and broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Office of Senator Dr Sam McMahon (08) 8948 3555 or Lance Northey on 0411 876 162 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4355 jscncet@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/National_Capital_and_External_Territories. On the site, you can track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will be briefed tomorrow by the National Capital Authority about issues relating to the nation’s capital.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 16 June 2021

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will be briefed tomorrow by the National Capital Authority about issues relating to the nation’s capital. The briefing will be broadcast live on the Parliament House website. Committee Chair, Senator Dr Sam McMahon, said: “The Committee anticipates discussing a range of contemporary matters with the National Capital Authority during the public briefing.” “The briefing process is an opportunity for the Committee to maintain an ongoing awareness of issues relating to Canberra and the National Capital Authority.” Further information may be found on the Committee’s website. Further information about the National Capital Authority can be found on its website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 17 June 2021 Time: 11:00am to 11:45am The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, committee hearings are not presently open for physical attendance by members of the public. Media inquiries Office of Senator Dr Sam McMahon (08) 8948 3555 or Lance Northey on 0411 876 162 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4355 jscncet@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/National_Capital_and_External_Territories. On the site, you can track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories has today extended the time for making submissions to its two current inquires to 31 March 2021.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 4 February 2021

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories has today extended the time for making submissions to its two current inquires to 31 March 2021. The inquiry into economic, social and environmental sustainability in the Indian Ocean Territories is examining topics including education, research, citizen science, biodiversity, job creation, costs of living and socially responsible development. The inquiry into enabling communications infrastructure in Australia’s external territories of Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is considering the current communications situation in each of the territories, activity underway to enhance connectivity and services, and the options and opportunities for improving availability of and access to communications infrastructure. Committee Chair, Dr Anne Webster MP, said: “The Committee wants to ensure all interested people and organisations, including residents, businesses and community groups have an opportunity to put forward their views.” The Committee is accepting submissions addressing the terms of reference until 31 March 2021. The terms of reference for each inquiry and further information on how to prepare and lodge a submission can be found on the inquiry websites (linked above). Public hearings are being planned and will be announced in due course. Media inquiries Office of Dr Anne Webster MP (03) 5021 5987 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4355 jscncet@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website https://www.aph.gov.au/ncet. On the site, you can track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will commence an inquiry into the challenges, barriers and opportunities for economic, social and environmental sustainability in the Indian Ocean Territories.

Media release issue date: Friday, 4 December 2020

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will commence an inquiry into the challenges, barriers and opportunities for economic, social and environmental sustainability in the Indian Ocean Territories. The inquiry will examine a range of sustainability challenges, economic opportunities and environmental issues. Committee Chair, Dr Anne Webster MP, said: “The inquiry will look at ways the economies of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island could be diversified, while balancing social and environmental considerations.” “We look forward to engaging with communities in the Indian Ocean Territories and hearing their views during the inquiry process.  We want to hear from all interested people and organisations, including residents, businesses and community groups.” The inquiry terms of reference include topics such as education, research, citizen science, biodiversity, job creation, costs of living and socially responsible development. The Committee is accepting submissions addressing the terms of reference until 27 January 2021. Further information on how to prepare and lodge a submission can be found on the inquiry website. Public hearings are expected to be held during 2021. This inquiry will be conducted concurrently with the Committee’s inquiry into communications infrastructure. Media inquiries Office of Dr Anne Webster MP 03 5021 5987 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4355 jscncet@aph.gov.au

Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories has opened an inquiry into enabling communications infrastructure in Australia’s external territories of Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Media release issue date: Friday, 13 November 2020

Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories has opened an inquiry into enabling communications infrastructure in Australia’s external territories of Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Committee Chair, Dr Anne Webster MP, said: “The remoteness of Australia’s external territories makes providing communications infrastructure, technology and services particularly challenging, while at the same time even more important to the daily lives of residents.” “In addition, ensuring communications infrastructure is fit for purpose is important for the ongoing social and economic development of Australia’s external territories.” Dr Webster explained that “The Committee will examine the current communications situation in each of the territories, activity underway to enhance connectivity and services, and the options and opportunities for improving availability of and access to communications infrastructure.” “We look forward to hearing from all interested people and organisations, including residents and businesses in the external territories.” The Committee is accepting submissions addressing the terms of reference until 27 January 2021. Further information on how to prepare and lodge a submission can be found on the inquiry website. Public hearings are expected to be held during 2021. Media enquiries Office of Dr Anne Webster MP 03 5021 5987 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4355 jscncet@aph.gov.au

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will be briefed tomorrow by the National Capital Authority about issues relating to the nation’s capital.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 7 October 2020

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will be briefed tomorrow by the National Capital Authority about issues relating to the nation’s capital. The re-scheduled briefing will be broadcast live on the Parliament House website. Committee Chair, Dr Anne Webster MP, said: “The Committee welcomes the opportunity to hear from the National Capital Authority about its role as custodian of the National Capital Plan and caretaker of the special character of Canberra as the nation’s capital.” “The Committee looks forward to discussing a range of matters during the briefing and being updated on the latest developments.” Further information may be found on the Committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 8 October 2020 Time: 11:00am to 11:45am The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, committee hearings are not presently open for physical attendance by members of the public. Media inquiries Office of Dr Anne Webster MP (03) 5021 5987 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4355 jscncet@aph.gov.au

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will be briefed tomorrow by the National Capital Authority about issues relating to the nation’s capital.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 2 September 2020

The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories will be briefed tomorrow by the National Capital Authority about issues relating to the nation’s capital. The briefing will be broadcast live on the Parliament House website. Committee Chair, Dr Anne Webster MP, said: “The Committee welcomes the opportunity to hear from the National Capital Authority about its role as custodian of the National Capital Plan and caretaker of the special character of Canberra as the nation’s capital.” “The Committee looks forward to discussing a range of matters during the briefing and being updated on the latest developments.” Further information may be found on the Committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday 3 September 2020 Time: 11:00am to 11:45am The hearing will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, committee hearings are not presently open for physical attendance by members of the public. Media enquiries Office of Dr Anne Webster MP 03 5021 5987 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4355 jscncet@aph.gov.au

After 60 years of the Antarctic Treaty, the future of the region is the focus of an international assembly to manage the issues affecting the global asset for the future.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 4 December 2019

  After 60 years of the Antarctic Treaty, the future of the region is the focus of an international assembly to manage the issues affecting the global asset for the future. The Chair of Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories, Mr Keith Pitt MP along with Committee member, Mr Warren Snowdon MP, are representing the Committee at the first ever Antarctic Parliamentarians Assembly in London. The event has brought together parliamentarians from across the 54 signatories to the Treaty. Mr Pitt said the Assembly was an important opportunity for Parliamentarians to discuss how challenges facing Antarctica could be addressed. “Some of the topics to be discussed include whether Antarctica can be future proofed, as well as tourism in Antarctica, and whether the presence of people can support environmental protection,” he said. “Australia was one of the 12 original signatories of the Antarctic Treaty and just this week the Australian Government has announced a $58.8 million commitment to strengthen our scientific and environmental leadership in Antarctica.” Parliamentarians from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom and Ukraine attended the Assembly. Media inquiries Mr Keith Pitt MP, Chair (Liz Carson, Media Adviser) E: Elisabeth.Carson@aph.gov.au T: 0427 653 814 For background information Committee Secretariat E: jscncet@aph.gov.au T: 02 6277 4355