On 8 February 2017 the Senate referred the following matter to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 November 2017: The impact of Defence training activities and facilities on rural and regional communities, with particular reference to:

a. economic, social and environmental impacts;
b. consultation and communication with local government and community organisations;
c. investments in new facilities, infrastructure and operations;
d. utilisation of local suppliers and service providers to achieve value for money;
e. encouraging awareness of tendering opportunities for rural and regional businesses; and
f. any other related matters

On 8 June 2017, the committee held a public hearing in Port Augusta, South Australia. A list of witnesses who gave evidence is available at Appendix 2. The committee has decided to table an interim report which focuses the evidence received in Port Augusta.