Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade to travel to Melbourne and Sydney

Parliament of Australia

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold public hearings in Melbourne and Sydney as part of its inquiry into strengthening Australia’s trade and investment relations with Africa.

Subcommittee Chair, Mrs Fiona Phillips MP, said ‘These hearings will allow the Subcommittee to engage directly with organisations and individuals based in Victoria and New South Wales and hear unique and important insights into how Australia can strengthen its trade and investment relations with Africa.’

‘The Subcommittee will hear from a variety of organisations and individuals, including across business, media, logistics and community groups, each of whom will have the opportunity to share their perspectives on the changing demographic and economic opportunities across Africa’s diverse markets.’

In Melbourne, the Subcommittee will hear from:

• Mr Gebreselasie Gebru
• Australia Africa Chamber of Commerce
• Australia Zimbabwe Business Council
• African Professionals of Australia Limited
• Australian Industry Group
• Africa Media Australia
• Emerging Brand Africa
• Sanctuary Global Enterprises
• Ms Bronwen Halfpenny MP, Member for Thomastown

In Sydney, the Subcommittee will hear from:

• Vitti Capital: African Professionals of Australia; African Advocacy Centre; Western Sydney University
• Kenya Community NSW
• Food Markies / Multicultural Food Hub
• Export Council of Australia

'The evidence gathered at these hearings will identify opportunities and barriers to Australia’s trade and investment with African nations and inform recommendations to the Australian Government,’ Mrs Phillips added.

Public Hearing Details

Melbourne

Date: Wednesday, 29 April 2026 
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (AEST)
Location: Parliament of Victoria, 55 St Andrews Place, Melbourne – Hearing Room 3 Davui

Sydney

Date: Thursday, 30 April 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 11:35 am (AEST)
Location: Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices, Level 21, 1 Bligh Street, Sydney – Meeting Room 1

Programs for each public hearing are available on the inquiry website.

Public hearings are broadcast live on the Australian Parliament House Streaming Portal.

Media enquiries

Katrina Condie, office of Mrs Fiona Phillips MP (Member for Gilmore; Chair, Trade Subcommittee)
Ph: 0437 662 967

For background information

Committee Secretariat
Ph: 02 6277 2313
[email protected]

For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.