First public hearing on factors influencing educational attainment

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education will hold the first public hearing for its inquiry into the factors driving educational attainment on 30 July 2026.

The Committee will hear from the Department of Education, the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, and the Australian Education Research Organisation to better understand the factors influencing educational attainment and identify practical measures that can help more young Australians achieve their full potential.

Committee Chair, Hon Tim Watts MP, said understanding the challenges facing young people is the first step to helping them finish school and succeed in their learning.

‘Education plays a vital role in shaping individual opportunities and is one of the strongest predictors of future opportunity, employment prospects, and health and wellbeing throughout life,’ Mr Watts said.

‘Understanding the barriers which prevent students’ progression throughout their learning journey and how we can improve student outcomes is an integral part of this inquiry’.

Public hearing

Date: Thursday, 30 July 2026

Time: 11.00am – 2.30pm

Location: Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra

There will be a live audio only broadcast of the hearing via the Australian Parliament House website and YouTube.

/Public Release. View in full here.