Public Hearings to Discuss Trade Strategies
The Australian Government is advancing its efforts to strengthen trade and investment relations with African nations. This initiative involves a series of public hearings led by the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade through its Trade Subcommittee.
Mrs Fiona Phillips MP, who chairs the Trade Subcommittee, announced plans to hold follow-up hearings with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Austrade. These discussions will focus on key findings from the ongoing inquiry into trade relations with Africa.
According to Mrs Phillips, “the Subcommittee will hold follow-up hearings with DFAT and Austrade to discuss key findings from the inquiry evidence.” The hearings will enable the Subcommittee to examine the roles of DFAT and Austrade more closely and consider avenues to inform its inquiry report and recommendations.
Public Hearing Details
The public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, 24 June 2026, from 10:10 am to 11:00 am AEST. It will be held in Committee Room 2S1 at Parliament House in Canberra and will also be accessible via videoconference.
Throughout the inquiry, the Subcommittee engaged with various stakeholders, including industry experts and trade representatives. They identified challenges and opportunities in expanding trade relations with Africa, such as logistical barriers and potential markets for Australian exports.
The hearing will be available for live viewing on the Parliament of Australia’s website at aph.gov.au/live. For further information on the inquiry, interested parties can visit the official inquiry website, which provides access to the terms of reference and details on how to make submissions.
Mrs Phillips highlighted the inquiry’s aim to explore the breadth of issues under consideration. “The hearing will provide the Subcommittee the opportunity to further explore the roles of DFAT and Austrade and consider avenues to inform its inquiry report and recommendations,” she stated.
Witnesses have provided valuable insights, which will assist in understanding the complexities of these trade relations. Evidence gathered will help shape the final report and recommendations.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:47 am
