Melbourne and Sydney to Host Key Discussions
Public hearings on the inquiry into gender equality, focusing on its impact as a national and economic security imperative, will be held in Melbourne and Sydney. The Human Rights Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade is conducting these hearings as a crucial part of the inquiry.
The hearings, chaired by Mr. Tony Zappia MP, aim to collect insights from various experts. "The Subcommittee looks forward to hearing from scholars, policy organisations, advocacy groups and aid organisations about their first-hand experience of how gender equality supports national and economic security," he stated.
Diverse Witnesses and Valuable Contributions
The ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the Centre for International Security Studies at the University of Sydney will offer their expert testimonies. These organisations are expected to provide significant insights into gender equality’s role in enhancing security measures.
Contributions from Women in International Security Australia and Plan International Australia, along with Dr. Anna Cody, the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, will be pivotal. They will discuss the essential role of women in building resilience and responding to crises. Their evidence is critical for the Subcommittee’s understanding of gender equality’s influence on national and economic security.
The hearings will explore threats and obstacles to gender equality, highlighting their direct impact on security. Mr. Zappia emphasised, "These individuals and groups will give the Subcommittee valuable evidence of the essential role of women in creating resilience, responding to crises and raising the alarm about emerging security threats."
Melbourne’s hearing is scheduled for 5 May 2026, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm at Cliftons, 440 Collins St. Sydney follows on 6 May 2026, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at Cliftons, 60 Margaret St. Both sessions will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live, enabling broader public access.
Further information about the inquiry, including full terms of reference, is available on the Inquiry webpage. The public can also make submissions and track the inquiry’s progress through the Committee’s website.
