Experts to Discuss Impact on National Safety
On Wednesday, 20th May 2026, the Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct a significant public hearing focused on gender equality as a national and economic security issue.
Chaired by Mr Tony Zappia MP, the hearing will gather insights from various experts and organisations, including the International Women’s Development Agency and Griffith Asia Institute, to explore the impacts of gender inequality on regional security.
Representatives from the International Planned Parenthood Federation, Human Rights Watch, and Jobs and Skills Australia will provide testimony on the subject, sharing their experiences and findings.
Focus on Economic and Workforce Impact
According to Mr Zappia, “The hearing will provide an opportunity to understand the success of Australia championing gender equality internationally, and to gather ideas on how the Australian Government could better embed gender equality into its foreign policy and national security architecture.”
Discussions will highlight the importance of women’s workforce participation in fulfilling Australia’s labour needs in critical industries, essential for the nation’s economic security and prosperity. Mr Zappia remarked, “We will also hear about why women’s workforce participation is so important to meet our workforce needs in key industries, and the economic security and prosperity this could secure for Australia.”
The hearing is scheduled from 9:00 am to 1:45 pm AEST and will take place both virtually and in Committee Room 2R1 at Parliament House, Canberra. The event will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live, allowing interested parties to follow along.
Further information, including the full terms of reference, is available on the inquiry webpage. The hearing aims to encourage public engagement and insights from diverse sectors.
For background information, the Committee Secretariat is available for contact.
The public is encouraged to visit the Committee’s website to make a submission, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. The site also offers the option to track the Committee’s activities and receive updates by email.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 12:06 pm
