G'day John,
Call to Action – These Inquiries Need Your Voice!
The federal parliament is not back until the end of July, but that doesn’t mean things have slowed down. Right now, there are a bunch of important inquiries underway and your voice could help shape real change.
I fought hard to get these inquiries up and running because too often the voices of veterans, volunteers, students, workers and everyday Aussies are ignored. These inquiries are your chance to tell the government exactly what’s happening on the ground and what needs fixing.
Here’s what’s going on and how you can get involved:
1. National Volunteer Incentive Scheme (Climate Army) Report due by 22 September
Australia has been smashed by extreme weather in 2025 and it’s only going to get worse. But volunteer numbers are dropping when we need them most. That’s why I’m pushing for a Climate Army, a national scheme to get more Aussies, especially young people, trained, recognised, and ready to help when natural disasters hit. A new inquiry will look at how to make it happen, including rewards, safety, qualifications, and what’s working overseas. It’s time to stop talking and start preparing. If you’ve got something to say about it, make a submission by clicking the following link!
Check out the inquiry into the National Volunteer Incentive Scheme (Climate Army)
2. ANAO: Administration of Investigations in Defence Report due by 31 August
The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) is reviewing how Defence handles its investigations, everything from fact-finding missions to internal probes. I want to make sure that Defence isn’t marking its own homework anymore. If you’ve had firsthand experience with investigations that went wrong, your story could make sure Defence can’t just sweep things under the rug anymore. If you feel like contributing by making a submission, take a look at the link below!
Check out the inquiry into Administration of Investigations in Defence here
3. IGADF Weaponisation Inquiry Report due by late 2025.
The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) recently kicked off an inquiry into whether the military justice system is being misused as a weapon against our own people. This is about digging into serious concerns that some in Defence are abusing the system to punish or silence others, and it's about time someone took a good, hard look. This inquiry will look at how the system’s been used, misused, and how those in charge are being held to account. I have been calling this out for years and it's time for answers and for real accountability. If you’ve served, or if this has affected you or someone you care about, now’s your chance to have your say by making a submission.
Check out the inquiry into IGADF Weaponisation here
4. Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission
Report due by 29 August
I secured a major win with the establishment of the Defence and Veterans’ Services Commissioner in line with recommendation 122 from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. This independent Commissioner will keep an eye on the whole defence and veteran support system, pushing for improvements in the health and wellbeing of every ADF member. To make sure we get this set up properly, I am asking for your input on how the Commissioner should operate, and what you expect from the system going forward. Have your say by making a submission below!
Check out the inquiry into Defence and Veterans’ Services Commission here
5. Military Superannuation and Pension Schemes Report due by 5 August
I’m digging into the military superannuation and pension schemes for current and former ADF members. This includes investigating whether the schemes are fit for purpose, whether Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation account holders have the same rights and protections as other Australians, and whether the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme, Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme and others are operating in the best interests of current and former serving members. Watch this space!
Check out the inquiry into Military Superannuation and Pension Schemes here
6. Veteran Compensation and Income SupportReport due by 5 August
The Senate is also running an inquiry into the compensation and income support system for veterans. I want to know how the system is treating you, how the advocacy services are working (or not working), and how well the Veterans' Review Board is performing. I am also pushing to make sure veterans have a choice about having legal representation in the Veterans’ Review Board and ensuring that training and professional standards for advocates are up to scratch. If you have something to say about this topic, make a submission by clicking on the link below.
Check out the inquiry into Veteran Compensation and Income Support here
7. Capping Uni Exec Salaries: Tertiary Education Legislation Amendment (There For Education, Not Profit) Bill 2025)Report due by 1 August
While everyday Aussies are struggling, the fat cats are living it up. I’ve introduced Bills to cap the outrageous salaries of government secretaries and university executives. You know the system is broken when university bosses are pocketing $900K+ while students drown in debt. That taxpayer money should be making education cheaper, not lining the pockets of the privileged few. My Bill would limit Vice-Chancellors salaries to that of the Federal Treasurer, being around $430,000 per annum. Taxpayer money should go to education, not executive bonuses. If you’ve got something to say about it, make a submission by checking out the link below.
Check out the inquiry into Capping Uni Exec Salaries (Tertiary Education Legislation Amendment (There For Education, Not Profit) Bill 2025) here
8. Capping Senior Public Servant Pay: Remuneration Tribunal Amendment (There For Public Service, Not Profit) Bill 2025Report due by 1 August
We are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, and some bureaucrats are earning more than $950,000—and, in some cases, more than $1,000,000—which is much more than the Prime Minister. Public service is about service to the country, not service to self. My Bill caps these salaries at the same level as the Treasurer’s which is around $430,000. Secretaries in the United States, who head larger departments with many more billions of dollars, receive around $403,000. It’s about fairness and priorities. If you're fed up with senior public servants chasing profits, let the government know and make a submission via the link below.
Check out the inquiry into Capping Senior Public Servant Pay: Remuneration Tribunal Amendment (There For Public Service, Not Profit) Bill 2025 here.
9. Whistleblower Protection Authority Bill 2025 (No. 2)Report due by 29 August
Whistleblowers should be protected, not punished. My Bill would create an independent authority to support people who speak up about wrongdoing. It would offer advice, investigate mistreatment, and help whistleblowers navigate the system, People should not be punished for telling the truth, or for exposing misconduct or wrongdoing. It’s the missing piece in Australia’s integrity framework, and I need your backing to get it over the line.
Check out the inquiry into Whistleblower Protection Authority Bill 2025 (No. 2) here 10. Regulation and Management of PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) Report due 5 August 2025
Once a favoured tool in the firefighting arsenal, PFAS has since become an environmental and health concern. Across the country we have communities up in arms about it having leaked into their environment and firefighters that worked closely with it now suffering poor health. In dealing with PFAS there’s been both financial compensation and denial of consequences. Senator David Pocock and I helped steer the deal with the crossbench that got an inquiry into PFAS underway last year. The inquiry will dig into the health, environmental, and economic impacts, and look at what needs to change to prevent, control and manage the risks of PFAS. Submissions are opened, so if this has affected you or your community, now’s the time to speak up.Select Committee on PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) – Parliament of Australia
Ready to Make a Submission?
These inquiries only work if people like you speak up. If you’re willing and able, please consider making a submission. Your story could be the one that tips the scales and pushes for real change.
And don’t stress if the official submission deadline has passed. Most committees will still accept late submissions if you reach out, so it’s always worth getting in touch.
Thanks for standing up and speaking out. |
