The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water will hold a public hearing in Melbourne on Wednesday, 26 August 2026 as part of its inquiry into solar panel reuse and recycling.
The Committee will hear from industry representatives, researchers, recyclers, local government and circular economy experts about opportunities to expand the reuse and recycling of solar panels and reduce waste sent to landfill.
Committee Chair, Ms Anne Urquhart MP, said “the Committee is keen to explore several recurring themes raised in submissions, including product stewardship, collection and recycling pathways, improved data and traceability, and opportunities for the safe reuse of solar panels”.
“We are interested in understanding the practical challenges facing industry, researchers and local government, and how policy settings can support a more effective circular economy for solar panels while reducing waste sent to landfill,” Ms Urquhart said.
The inquiry was referred to the Committee on 19 January 2026 by the Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator the Hon Murray Watt.
Public hearing details:
Date: Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Time: 9:30am to 3:35pm AEST (Melbourne city)
Location: Hearing Room 3, 55 St Andrews Place, EAST MELBOURNE, VIC
The hearing will be audio-visual broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.
The Committee will hear evidence from:
- RMIT University
- RE-Alliance
- Mr Mann Patel
- Banyule City Council
- Elecsome Pty Ltd
- Envirostream Australia Pty Ltd
- Clean Energy Council
- The Activ Group Solutions
Further information, including the terms of reference, can be found on the Committee’s website.
