Parliamentary Committees Convene in Canberra for Key Hearings on Trade, Education, and Industry

Active Legislative Schedule at Parliament House

The national capital is seeing a surge of legislative activity today, Wednesday, 11 March 2026, as several high-profile parliamentary committees convene at Parliament House. While the ACT Legislative Assembly is not scheduled to sit until next week, the administrative heart of Canberra remains the focus of significant government scrutiny through a series of public hearings and official announcements affecting both national and local interests.

Focus on International Trade and Investment

A primary highlight of today’s agenda is the public hearing conducted by the Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. Scheduled for 10:00 AM in Committee Room 2S1, the committee is taking evidence from Austrade regarding the ongoing inquiry into strengthening Australia's trade and investment relations with Africa. Chair Fiona Phillips MP noted that the session will focus on the Australian Government’s role in assisting local businesses to identify and diversify into specific African markets. The testimony is expected to shape future policy objectives aimed at fostering mutually beneficial economic partnerships.

Education and Industry Under Scrutiny

Simultaneously, the Standing Committee on Education is holding a session at 11:00 AM to progress its inquiry into "Building Asia Capability in Australia through the education system and beyond." This session focuses on how the Australian curriculum can be better aligned with the linguistic and cultural demands of the modern Indo-Pacific economy. Lawmakers are reviewing submissions from education experts on the best ways to prepare the next generation of workers for deep engagement with regional neighbors.

Earlier this morning, the Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science addressed the domestic manufacturing sector. Their 8:00 AM hearing explored the current state of the Australian tyre industry, examining the specific challenges regarding sustainability and the regulatory framework required to support domestic innovation in recycling and manufacturing.

ACT Government Health Research Awards Open

On the local front, the ACT Government’s Health and Community Services Directorate has officially opened nominations today for the "Rising Star" awards. This initiative is part of the Canberra Health Annual Research Meeting (CHARM) 2026. The awards recognize local health researchers who have demonstrated excellence in their fields. The program involves a collaboration between major Canberra institutions, including the Australian National University and Canberra Health Services, and is a key part of the territory’s strategy to promote medical innovation within the capital. Nominations are expected to be a major focus for the territory's health administrators throughout the day as they prepare for the annual summit scheduled for June.