About the House will be back on the 12 January 2009 All the staff at the About the House website would like to wish you a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. The website will be regularly updated again from the 12 January in 2009.
New inquiry on disability access standards The House of Representatives Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee will review the effectiveness of the federal government’s draft Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards. Full story
Remote community stores in Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities The operation of local community stores in remote Indigenous communities is the focus of a new inquiry by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. Full story
Next hearing with the Reserve Bank As Australia battles an economic downturn due to the global credit crunch, there should be heightened interest in the views of the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Glenn Stevens on interest rates, growth and inflation when he next fronts the House of Representatives Economics Committee’s public hearing at Parliament House in Canberra on Friday 20 February 2009. Full story
More news
Immigration detention in Australia: A new beginning A parliamentary inquiry into immigration detention has recommended a limit of 90 days to complete security and identity checks before a detainee must be considered for release on a bridging visa. Full story
New report on banking competition A new report on banking competition by the House of Representatives Economics Committee calls on the federal government to continue monitoring the residential mortgage-backed securities market and review the adequacy of current investment levels in light of future market developments.Full story
Parliament to review nuclear non-proliferation The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties has been invited by the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to undertake an inquiry into Australia’s involvement in nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament treaties. Full story
New report on Developing Indigenous enterprises The House of Representatives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Committee has recommended starting an Indigenous Supplier Development Council in its new report Open for Business: Developing Indigenous Enterprises in Australia. Full story
A CD-ROM and a four-part documentary exploring the first 100 years of Australia's House of Representatives are now available for public and educational purchase. For more information visit the project website.
Next hearing with the Reserve Bank 
