Federal Parliament Convenes in Canberra for Autumn Sittings

Both Houses of Parliament Resume Autumn Sitting Block

Politicians from across the country have gathered at Parliament House in Canberra today, Tuesday, 31 March 2026, as both the House of Representatives and the Senate continue their scheduled autumn sitting block. According to the official 2026 parliamentary sitting calendar, this week represents a critical period for the federal government to advance its legislative agenda before the Easter break. The simultaneous sitting of both houses ensures a high level of political activity in the capital, with various committee meetings and question time sessions expected to dominate the day's schedule.

ACT Legislative Assembly Focuses on Public Sector Development

While the ACT Legislative Assembly is not holding a formal sitting in the chamber today, the Assembly is hosting an official Digital Public Sector Seminar. This event is part of a series of professional development sessions run by the Assembly to enhance the digital capabilities of the territory’s public service. Today’s seminar is being conducted online, specifically for ACT public servants, and focuses on the ongoing modernization of government services. These sessions are a key component of the Assembly’s 2026 engagement strategy, aimed at ensuring the Canberra-based public sector remains at the forefront of technological integration and service delivery.

Fiscal Sustainability Remains at the Forefront of Political Debate

The political atmosphere in Canberra today is also heavily influenced by the recent findings of the Select Committee on the Fiscal Sustainability of the ACT. Last week, the committee released an interim report highlighting several challenges facing the territory’s economy, including limited revenue-raising capacity and a deteriorating fiscal position. The report recommended that the ACT Government develop a more specific fiscal strategy with clear numerical targets in its upcoming 2026–27 Budget.

As federal and local officials conduct their respective business today, the recommendations from this report are expected to be a major point of discussion during press conferences and informal briefings. Local leaders are under pressure to respond to the committee’s findings, particularly regarding the sustainability of the territory's debt levels and the efficiency of public sector employment, which remains a significant portion of Canberra's workforce.

Community and Grassroots Activity

Outside of official government buildings, local advocacy groups are also active today. Living Streets Canberra, a grassroots organization focused on improving the walking environment and urban infrastructure for Canberrans, is scheduled to hold its monthly meeting this evening. This meeting provides a platform for residents to discuss local infrastructure priorities and to prepare submissions for the ACT Government’s future urban planning projects, reflecting the high level of civic engagement characteristic of the capital.