I want to hear your views about the future of our national capital.
The Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories Committee is a committee of the Australian Parliament. It examines matters that relate to:
- Canberra’s role and responsibilities as Australia’s National Capital, and
- Australia’s external territories, such as Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
The Committee can hold inquiries into issues that affect these areas, gather evidence from the public and experts, and make recommendations to the Australian Government.
What the Committee CAN look into:
The Committee focuses on federal matters, which means issues that are the responsibility of the Australian Government – not the ACT Government.
Examples of topics it can investigate include:
- National institutions like the National Gallery, National Museum, and Parliament House.
- Federal planning for the National Capital, including areas managed by the National Capital Authority and the National Capital Plan.
- National heritage, memorials, and symbols in Canberra.
- Canberra’s role as the seat of national democracy.
- How the Australian Government supports and manages Australia’s external territories.
What the Committee CAN'T look into:
The Committee does not deal with ACT Government issues such as:
- Local roads, rubbish collection, or public transport within Canberra.
- Territory-level services like schools, hospitals, and local planning approvals.
- Territory legislation that is not a federal responsibility.
These matters are for the ACT Legislative Assembly and the ACT Government to consider.
Why does this committee matter?
Canberra is a special place, and as Canberrans we are lucky to call it home. Canberra unlike any other city in Australia has a dual role as both our community with needs and issues like any other, but also as the seat of Government and the host of our national institutions.
The Committee’s inquiries can shape federal policies and decisions that affect Canberra as the National Capital and Australia’s external territories.
By sharing your ideas, you can help identify the issues the Committee should investigate and bring national attention to.
