This report presents findings and recommendations from an inquiry exploring the potential actions, policies and investments needed to ensure that Australians are protected, in line with evidence standards, from the potential harms that microplastics, toxics and forever chemicals may pose to health. The report provides 12 recommendations.

An inquiry into aged care service delivery focused on understanding the magnitude, causes and impacts of the wait times for the Australian Government's Home Care Packages (HCPs). This report presents key findings and makes 11 recommendations aimed at ensuring the implementation is timely, effective, monitored and periodically reviewed. It calls for the release of all...

This report explores the multitude of issues related to perimenopause and menopause in Australia and consider measures to adequately support women during this phase of their lives. The evidence told a compelling story that in Australia, women do not always receive adequate support to manage their symptoms, both in the health system and in their...

This report looks at excess mortality rates in Australia since 2020. The report finds that after dropping in 2020 due to strict lockdown measures, excess mortality spiked from 2021 onwards as a direct result of COVID-19. The committee has made five recommendations towards improving reporting, communication and compensation during public health crises.

In conducting this inquiry, the Senate Community Affairs References Committee was determined to investigate the structural drivers of poverty, the most significant impacts, which cohorts are most at risk, and what could be done to reduce poverty across Australia.