On 21 August 2018, the Senate referred the following matter to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report:

Support for Australia’s thalidomide survivors, with particular reference to:

1. adequacy of compensation and support;
2. responsibility for providing support;
3. provision of financial compensation;
4. the role of the Australian Government in compensation and support; and
5. any related matters.

Submissions were sought by 21 September 2018. The reporting date is 28 November 2018. On 28 November 2018, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 13 February 2019. On 14 February 2019, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 22 March 2019.