House of Representatives, Media Release, 15 May 2026
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries will hold public hearings in Sydney and Dubbo as part of its inquiry into factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes for critical minerals projects across Australia.
On Monday, 18 May 2026 the Committee will hear from a range of stakeholders, including mining and mineral processing companies, local government, academics and unions about the economic potential and social licence requirements of critical minerals projects.
Photo: John Carnemolla.
On Tuesday, 19 May 2026 the Committee will meet with representatives of local government in western New South Wales to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing communities in the regions, as well as a leading proponent of critical minerals development.
Committee Chair, Meryl Swanson, said: ‘Effective engagement, economic participation, and socially and economically sustainable development are key factors shaping social licence and economic development outcomes for critical minerals projects. The Committee is keen to explore ways to ensure that socially acceptable and economically beneficial outcomes are achieved by the critical minerals sector, for the benefit of mining regions and the nation.’
More information on the inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on making a submission, can be found on the inquiry website.
Public hearings
- Date: Monday, 18 May 2026
- Time: 9.00am – 3.20pm (AEST)
- Location:Â Cliftons, Level 13, 60 Margaret Street, Sydney.
- Date: Tuesday, 19 May 2026
- Time: 9.00am – 11.30am (AEST)
- Location: Jacaranda Room, Dubbo RSL, Corner of Brisbane and Wingewarra Streets, Dubbo.
A program for the public hearing is available on the inquiry website. A live broadcast of the hearing will also be available on the APH website.
