Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee

Chair, References Committee

On the 3rd of March 2026, Jess was appointed Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee. Her first inquiry as Chair was the Senate Inquiry into the Management of the Defence Estate. This was instigated in response to Labor’s plan to sell off a large portion of Australia’s Defence bases, including Victoria Barracks Sydney and Lancer Barracks Parramatta.

Current inquiries chaired by Jess

Management of Defence estate assets

Effectiveness of sanctions against the Russian Federation

Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 1) Bill 2026

Defence Amendment (Sexual Assault Prevention, Intervention and Response Commission) Bill 2025

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Joint Standing: Treaties

The Joint Standing Committee on Treaties is appointed under Standing Order 215. It was appointed on 24 July 2025.

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Joint Statutory: Human Rights

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights’ functions are to examine bills, Acts and legislative instruments for compatibility with human rights, and report to both Houses of the Parliament. The committee may also inquire into and report on any human rights matters referred to it by the Attorney-General.

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Senate Standing: Selection of Bills

This committee considers all bills introduced into the Senate or received from the House of Representatives, except bills that only contain provisions appropriating revenue or money.

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Anonymous Tip?

Sunlight is the best disinfectant, so if you see something – say something.