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Supplementary Budget Estimates 2026–27

Senate Estimates: schedule and how to watch live

Senators question ministers and public servants on the government's spending, portfolio by portfolio. The hearings are public and broadcast live.

When
Monday 26 October to Thursday 29 October 2026
Where
Parliament House, Canberra
Hours
About 9.00am to 11.00pm AEDT, set by each committee
Committees
Eight legislation committees, four at a time

Today, Tuesday 27 October

Full schedule

  • Live now

    Environment and Communications

    First up: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts

    Watch live

  • Live now

    Finance and Public Administration

    First up: Aboriginal Investment NT

    Watch live

  • Recorded

    Legal and Constitutional Affairs

    First up: National Emergency Management Agency

    Watch the replay

  • Live now

    Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport

    First up: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

    Watch live

Schedule of hearings

Four committees sit at the same time, each in its own room. Open a committee's program to see which department or agency appears at what time.

Monday 26 October 2026

Environment and Communications

Committee Room 2S3 · 9.00am to 11.00pm AEDT

Portfolios: Climate Change and Energy; Environment and Water

Recorded on Polyfact, with the transcript

Part 1Part 2Part 3

The committee has published a newer version of this program since we copied it: the official PDF has the latest times.

Program: 22 time slots
  1. 9.00am Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Corporate matters and general questions
  2. 9.30am Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Outcome 1; Program 1.1: Support reliable, secure and affordable energy; Program 1.2: Reduce Australia's greenhouse gas emissions
  3. 10.30am Morning tea
  4. 10.45am Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
  5. 11.15am Climate Change Authority
  6. 11.45am Clean Energy Finance Corporation
  7. 12.15pm Emission Reduction Assurance Committee
  8. 12.45pm Lunch
  9. 1.45pm Snowy Hydro Limited
  10. 2.15pm Australian Energy Regulator (AER)
  11. 2.45pm Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
  12. 3.15pm Clean Energy Regulator
  13. 3.45pm Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner
  14. 4.00pm Afternoon tea
  15. 4.15pm Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Outcome 4; Program 4.1 - Protect, restore and sustainably manage Australia's water resources, including: Environmental Water Division & Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder; Murray-Darling Basin Authority; National Water Grid Authority
  16. 5.00pm Inspector-General of Water Compliance
  17. 5.30pm Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Outcome 2; Program 2.1: Conserve, protect, sustainably manage and restore Australia's natural environment; Program 2.2: Protect Australia's cultural, historic and First Nations heritage; Program 2.3: Accelerate the transition to a circular economy, while safely managing pollutants and hazardous substances
  18. 6.15pm Sydney Harbour Federation Trust
  19. 6.30pm National Environmental Protection Agency
  20. 6.45pm Dinner
  21. 7.45pm Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Outcome 3; Program 3.1: Contribute to Australia's national Antarctic interests through science, environmental management and international engagement, including delivering Australia's scientific research and operations in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
  22. 8.15pm Bureau of Meteorology Australian Climate Service
  23. 9.00pm Australian Institute of Marine Science
  24. 9.30pm Evening tea
  25. 9.45pm Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
  26. 10.15pm Director of National Parks
  27. 10.35pm Threatened Species Scientific Committee
  28. 11.00pm Adjournment

Finance and Public Administration

Committee Room 2S1 · 9.00am to 11.00pm AEDT

Portfolios: Parliament; Indigenous Australians; Prime Minister and Cabinet; Special Minister of State

Recorded on Polyfact, with the transcript

Part 1Part 2Part 3
Program: 15 time slots
  1. 9.00am Department of the Senate Outcome 1; Program 1 – Advice and Support
  2. 9.15am Parliamentary Budget Office Outcome 1; Program 1 – Parliamentary Budget Office
  3. 9.45am Department of Parliamentary Services Outcome 1; Program 1.1 – Parliamentary Services Parliamentary Service Commissioner
  4. 10.45am Morning tea
  5. 11.00am National Indigenous Australians Agency Outcome 1; Program 1.1 – Jobs, Land and the Economy; Program 1.2 – Children and Schooling; Program 1.3 – Safety and Wellbeing; Program 1.4 – Culture and Capability; Program 1.5 – Remote Australia Strategies; Program 1.6 – Evaluation and Research; Program 1.7 – Program support
  6. 12.45pm Anindilyakwa Land Council Central Land Council Northern Land Council Tiwi Land Council
  7. 1.30pm Lunch
  8. 2.30pm Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Outcome 1; Program 1.1 – Prime Minister and Cabinet
  9. 4.15pm Afternoon tea
  10. 4.30pm Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (cont.) Outcome 1 continued
  11. 6.15pm National Australia Day Council Limited
  12. 6.30pm Dinner
  13. 7.30pm Office of National Intelligence Outcome 1
  14. 7.45pm Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General Outcome 1
  15. 8.00pm Australian National Audit Office Outcome 1; Program 1.1 – Financial Statements Audit Services; Program 1.2 – Performance Audit Services; Program 1.3 – Performance Statements Audit Services
  16. 8.45pm Department of Finance Outcome 2; Program 2.1 – Public Sector Governance (Electoral Policy only, SMOS responsibility); Outcome 3; Program 3.1 – Ministerial and Parliamentary Services
  17. 9.30pm Tea break
  18. 9.45pm Australian Electoral Commission Outcome 1; Program 1.1 – Deliver Electoral Events
  19. 10.15pm Parliamentary Workplace Support Service Outcome 1
  20. 10.30pm Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority Outcome 1; Program 1.1 – Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority – Travel Oversight and Reporting
  21. 11.00pm Adjournment

Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Main Committee Room · 9.00am to 9.30pm AEDT

Portfolios: Attorney-General

Recorded on Polyfact, with the transcript

Part 1Part 2Part 3
Program: 18 time slots
  1. 9.00am Attorney-General's Department Cross-portfolio, corporate and general matters
  2. 9.45am Attorney-General's Department Justice and Communities Group; Closing the Gap Outcome 10: Adult incarceration; Closing the Gap Outcome 11: Youth detention; Closing the Gap Outcome 15: Native title
  3. 11.00am Morning tea
  4. 11.10am Attorney-General's Department Justice and Communities Group and Closing the Gap outcomes (cont.)
  5. 12.00pm Lunch
  6. 12.30pm Attorney-General's Department Integrity and Security Group
  7. 2.15pm Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
  8. 3.00pm National Anti-Corruption Commission
  9. 3.45pm Office of the Inspector of the National Anti-Corruption Commission
  10. 4.00pm Afternoon tea
  11. 4.10pm Federal Court of Australia
  12. 4.25pm Federal Circuit and Family Court Australia
  13. 5.10pm Australian Human Rights Commission
  14. 6.10pm Dinner break
  15. 6.40pm Administrative Review Tribunal
  16. 7.20pm Australian Law Reform Commission
  17. 7.35pm Office of the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions
  18. 8.10pm Independent National Security Legislation Monitor
  19. 8.25pm Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner
  20. 8.40pm Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security
  21. 8.55pm Office of the Special Investigator
  22. 9.15pm Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman National Student Ombudsman
  23. 9.30pm Adjournment

Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport

Committee Room 2R1 · 9.00am to 11.00pm AEDT

Portfolios: Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development functions only); Northern Australia

Recorded on Polyfact, with the transcript

Part 1Part 2Part 3
Program: 13 time slots
  1. 9.00am Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts Corporate matters
  2. 10.45am Break
  3. 11.00am Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts Outcome 1 – Transport Connectivity (Infrastructure); Program 1.1 – Infrastructure Investment
  4. 1.00pm Lunch
  5. 2.00pm Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts Outcome 2 – Transport Connectivity (Transport); Program 2.1 – Surface Transport; Program 2.2 – Road Safety; Program 2.3 – Air Transport
  6. 4.00pm Break
  7. 4.15pm Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts Outcome 3 – Regional and Urban Development, Local Government and Northern Australia; Program 3.1 – Regional Development; Program 3.2 – Local Government; Program 3.3 – Urban Development; Program 3.4 – Growing a Stronger Northern Australia Economy
  8. 6.15pm Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts Outcome 4 – Territories; Program 4.1 – Services to Territories
  9. 6.30pm Dinner
  10. 7.30pm Airservices Australia
  11. 8.15pm Civil Aviation Safety Authority
  12. 8.45pm Australian Rail Track Corporation Limited Inland Rail Pty Ltd
  13. 9.00pm Break
  14. 9.15pm Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator
  15. 9.30pm Australian Maritime Safety Authority
  16. 10.00pm Australian Transport Safety Bureau
  17. 10.15pm Infrastructure Australia
  18. 10.45pm Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility
  19. 11.00pm Adjournment

Tuesday 27 October 2026

Environment and Communications

Committee Room 2S3 · 9.00am to 11.00pm AEDT

Portfolios: Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (Communications, Sport and the Arts functions only)

Live now

The committee has published a newer version of this program since we copied it: the official PDF has the latest times.

Program: 15 time slots
  1. 9.00am Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts Corporate matters and general questions
  2. 9.30am Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts Outcome 5; Program 5.1 – Digital Technologies and Communications Services; Closing the Gap Outcome 17: Digital Inclusion
  3. 10.30am Morning tea
  4. 10.45am Australian Broadcasting Corporation
  5. 12.15pm Special Broadcasting Service
  6. 12.45pm Lunch
  7. 1.45pm Australian Communications and Media Authority
  8. 2.30pm Office of the eSafety Commissioner
  9. 3.15pm Afternoon tea
  10. 3.30pm NBN Co Limited
  11. 4.15pm Australia Post
  12. 5.15pm Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts Outcome 6; Program 6.1 – Arts and Cultural Development; Closing the Gap Outcome 16: First Nations Languages; Office for the Arts
  13. 6.00pm Dinner
  14. 7.00pm Creative Australia
  15. 8.30pm Screen Australia
  16. 8.45pm Evening tea
  17. 9.00pm Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts Outcome 7; Program 7.1: Sport and Physical Activity
  18. 9.45pm Australian Sports Commission (Australian Institute of Sport)
  19. 10.20pm National Gallery of Australia
  20. 10.40pm National Archives of Australia
  21. 11.00pm Adjournment

Finance and Public Administration

Committee Room 2S1 · 9.00am to 11.00pm AEDT

Portfolios: Indigenous Australians; Public Service and Women; Finance

Live now

Program: 13 time slots
  1. 9.00am Aboriginal Investment NT Indigenous Business Australia
  2. 9.30am Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations Outback Stores Pty Ltd
  3. 10.00am Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation Office of Township Leasing
  4. 10.30am Break
  5. 10.45am Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Office for Women Workplace Gender Equality Agency Outcome 1
  6. 12.00pm Australian Public Service Commission Outcome 1 Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Australian Government Consulting
  7. 1.00pm Lunch
  8. 2.00pm Department of Finance Outcome 1; Program 1.1 – Budget and Financial Management; Outcome 2; Program 2.1 – Public Sector Governance (excludes Electoral Policy); Program 2.2 – Data Scheme; Program 2.3 – Property and Construction; Program 2.4 – Insurance and Risk Management; Program 2.5 – Procurement; Program 2.6 – Delivery of government technology services; Program 2.7 – Service Delivery Office; Program 2.8 – Public Sector Superannuation; Program 2.9 – Australian Government Investment Funds; Program 2.10 – Nuclear Powered Submarine Program Advice
  9. 4.00pm Afternoon Tea
  10. 4.15pm Department of Finance (cont.)
  11. 4.45pm Services Australia Outcome 1
  12. 6.45pm Dinner
  13. 7.45pm Future Fund Management Agency Outcome 1; Program 1.1 – Management of the Investment of the Future Fund; Program 1.2 – Management of the Investment of the Australian Government Investment Funds; To be examined concurrently with: Department of Finance Program 2.9 – Australian Government Investment Funds
  14. 8.30pm Digital Transformation Agency Outcome 1
  15. 8.45pm ASC Pty Ltd
  16. 9.15pm Tea break
  17. 9.30pm Australian Naval Infrastructure Pty Ltd
  18. 10.00pm CEA Technologies Pty Limited
  19. 11.00pm Adjournment

Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Main Committee Room · 9.00am to 9.30pm AEDT

Portfolios: Emergency Management; Home Affairs

Recorded on Polyfact, with the transcript

Part 1Part 2
Program: 11 time slots
  1. 9.00am National Emergency Management Agency
  2. 10.00am Department of Home Affairs (incl. Australian Border Force and Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Commissioner) Cross-portfolio, corporate and general matters
  3. 10.45am Morning tea
  4. 10.55am Department of Home Affairs (incl. Australian Border Force and Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Commissioner) Outcome 1; 1.1. Transport Security; 1.2. National Security and Resilience; 1.3. Cyber Security; 1.4. Counter Terrorism; 1.5. Regional Cooperation
  5. 12.55pm Lunch
  6. 1.25pm Department of Home Affairs (incl. Australian Border Force and Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Commissioner) Outcome 2; 2.1. Migration; 2.2. Visas; 2.3. Refugee Humanitarian, Settlement and Migrant Services; 2.4. UMA Offshore Management; 2.5. Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship
  7. 3.25pm Afternoon tea
  8. 3.35pm Department of Home Affairs (incl. Australian Border Force and Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Commissioner) Outcome 3; 3.1. Trade Facilitation and Industry Engagement; 3.2. Border Management; 3.3. Border Revenue; 3.4. Border Enforcement; 3.5. Onshore Compliance and Detention
  9. 5.35pm Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism
  10. 6.05pm Australia's Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia
  11. 6.35pm Dinner break
  12. 7.05pm Australian Federal Police
  13. 8.15pm Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre
  14. 8.40pm Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (incl. Australian Institute of Criminology)
  15. 8.55pm Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
  16. 9.30pm Adjournment

Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport

Committee Room 2R1 · 9.00am to 11.00pm AEDT

Portfolios: Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Live now

Program: 16 time slots
  1. 9.00am Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Corporate matters
  2. 10.30am Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Outcome 1
  3. 11.00am Break
  4. 11.15am Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Outcome 1 (continued)
  5. 1.00pm Lunch
  6. 2.00pm Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Outcome 1 (continued)
  7. 3.00pm Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Outcome 2
  8. 4.00pm Break
  9. 4.15pm Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Outcome 2 (continued)
  10. 6.15pm Dinner
  11. 7.15pm Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports
  12. 7.30pm Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
  13. 8.30pm Australian Fisheries Management Authority
  14. 8.55pm Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
  15. 9.15pm Break
  16. 9.30pm Meat and Livestock Australia Limited
  17. 9.45pm Dairy Australia Limited
  18. 10.00pm Grains Research and Development Corporation
  19. 10.15pm Wine Australia
  20. 10.30pm Regional Investment Corporation
  21. 10.45pm Inspector-General of Biosecurity
  22. 11.00pm Adjournment

Wednesday 28 October 2026

Community Affairs

Committee Room 2S1 · 9.00am to 11.00pm AEDT

Portfolios: Health and Ageing

On Polyfact from 9.00am

Program: 6 time slots
  1. 9.00am Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Whole of Portfolio/Corporate Matters
  2. 11.15am Break
  3. 11.30am Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Outcome 3: Ageing and Aged Care; Program 3.1: Access and Information; Program 3.2: Aged Care Services; Program 3.3: Aged Care Quality Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority Inspector-General of Aged Care
  4. 1.00pm Lunch
  5. 2.00pm Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Outcome 3 - Ageing and Aged Care (cont.) All agencies listed in the previous session (cont.)
  6. 4.00pm Break
  7. 4.15pm Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Outcome 2 – Individual Health Benefits; Program 2.1: Medical Benefits; Program 2.2: Hearing Services; Program 2.3: Pharmaceutical Benefits; Program 2.4: Private Health Insurance; Program 2.5: Dental Services; Program 2.6: Health Benefit Compliance; Program 2.7: Assistance through Aids and Appliances Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee
  8. 6.15pm Dinner
  9. 7.15pm Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Outcome 2 – Individual Health Benefits (cont.) Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (cont.)
  10. 9.00pm Break
  11. 9.15pm Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Outcome 1 – Health Policy, Access and Support; Program 1.1: Health Research, Coordination and Access; Program 1.2: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (including the National Mental Health Commission and National Suicide Prevention Office); Program 1.3: First Nations Health; Program 1.4: Health Workforce; Program 1.5: Preventative Health and Chronic Disease Support; Program 1.6: Primary Health Care Quality and Coordination; Program 1.7: Primary Care Practice Incentives and Medical Indemnity; Program 1.8: Health Protection, Emergency Response and Regulation (including the Therapeutic Goods Administration); Program 1.9: Immunisation (including the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation); Closing the Gap Outcomes: Outcome 1: Life Expectancy, Outcome 2: Healthy Birthweights, Outcome 14: Social and Emotional Wellbeing Australian Centre for Disease Control National Rural Health Commissioner
  12. 11.00pm Adjournment

Economics

Committee Room 2R1 · 9.00am to 11.00pm AEDT

Portfolios: Treasury

On Polyfact from 9.00am

The committee has published a newer version of this program since we copied it: the official PDF has the latest times.

Program: 11 time slots
  1. 9.00am Department of the Treasury Macroeconomics Group; International, Corporate and Investment Group
  2. 11.00am Break (15)
  3. 11.15am Reserve Bank of Australia
  4. 12.45pm Lunch (60)
  5. 1.45pm Department of the Treasury Markets Group
  6. 2.45pm Department of the Treasury Fiscal Group
  7. 3.45pm Break (15)
  8. 4.00pm Department of the Treasury Revenue, Small Business and Law Group
  9. 5.00pm Australian Taxation Office Tax Practitioners Board Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission
  10. 6.00pm Dinner (60)
  11. 7.00pm Australian Taxation Office Tax Practitioners Board Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission
  12. 7.50pm Productivity Commission
  13. 8.40pm Australian Office of Financial Management
  14. 9.20pm Break (15)
  15. 9.35pm Australian Competition and Consumer Commission National Competition Council
  16. 10.05pm Department of the Treasury Housing Group Housing Australia
  17. 11.00pm Adjournment

Education and Employment

Committee Room 2S3 · 9.00am to 10.00pm AEDT

Portfolios: Workplace Relations; Employment

On Polyfact from 9.00am

Program: 13 time slots
  1. 9.00am Department of Employment and Workplace Relations Cross-portfolio, Corporate and Enabling Services, and general matters
  2. 10.00am Department of Employment and Workplace Relations Outcome 3 – Workplace Relations; Program 3.1 – Workplace Support; Program 3.2 – Workers' Compensation Payments
  3. 11.00am Break
  4. 11.15am Department of Employment and Workplace Relations Outcome 3 – Workplace Relations (continued)
  5. 12.00pm Fair Work Commission
  6. 1.00pm Lunch
  7. 2.00pm Fair Work Commission (continued)
  8. 2.30pm Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman
  9. 3.30pm Break
  10. 3.45pm Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman (continued)
  11. 4.15pm Department of Employment and Workplace Relations Outcome 1 – Employment; Program 1.1 – Employment Services; Closing the Gap Outcome 8 - Strong economic participation and development of people and their communities
  12. 5.45pm Dinner
  13. 6.45pm Department of Employment and Workplace Relations Outcome 2 – Skills and Training (including Jobs and Skills Australia); Program 2.1 – Building Skills and Capacity; Program 2.2 – VET Student Loans; Program 2.3 – DEWR – Nuclear-Powered Submarine Program; Closing the Gap Outcome 7 – Youth are engaged in employment and education
  14. 7.45pm Comcare
  15. 8.15pm Break
  16. 8.30pm Safe Work Australia
  17. 9.00pm National Centre for Vocational Education Research
  18. 9.30pm Australian Skills Quality Authority
  19. 10.00pm Adjournment

Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade

Main Committee Room · 9.00am to 10.00pm AEDT

Portfolios: Foreign Affairs; Trade

On Polyfact from 9.00am

Program: 9 time slots
  1. 9.00am Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (non-trade programs) Outcome 1; Program 1.1: Foreign Affairs and Trade Operations; Program 1.2: Official Development Assistance; Program 1.3: Official Development Assistance - Multilateral Replenishments; Program 1.4: Payments to International Organisations; Program 1.5: New Colombo Plan - Transforming Regional Relationships; Program 1.6: Public Information Services and Public Diplomacy; Program 1.7: Programs to Promote Australia's International Tourism Interests; Program 1.8: Nuclear Powered Submarine Program; Outcome 2; Program 2.1: Consular Services; Program 2.2: Passport Services; Outcome 3; Program 3.1: Foreign Affairs and Trade Security and IT; Program 3.2: Overseas Property
  2. 11.00am Morning tea
  3. 11.10am Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (non-trade programs) (continued)
  4. 1.00pm Lunch
  5. 1.45pm Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (non-trade programs) (continued)
  6. 4.00pm Afternoon tea
  7. 4.10pm Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) Outcome 1; Program 1.1: International agricultural research-for-development for more productive and sustainable agriculture.
  8. 5.00pm Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (trade programs)
  9. 6.15pm Dinner
  10. 7.00pm Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (trade programs)
  11. 8.30pm Export Finance Australia
  12. 9.00pm Australian Trade and Investment Commission Outcome 1; Program 1.1: Supporting Australian exporters to expand internationally, attracting productive international investment, and growing the visitor economy; Program 1.2: Programs to support Australian exporters to expand internationally, attract productive international investment, and grow the visitor economy; Outcome 2; Program 2.1: Consular and Passport Services
  13. 9.30pm Tourism Australia Outcome 1; Program 1.1: Supporting Outcome 1
  14. 10.00pm Adjournment

Thursday 29 October 2026

Community Affairs

Committee Room 2S1 · 9.00am to 11.00pm AEDT

Portfolios: Disability and NDIS; Social Services

On Polyfact from 9.00am

Program: 9 time slots
  1. 9.00am Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Outcome 1: Health Policy, Access and Support (cont.); Closing the Gap Outcomes (cont.) Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency Australian Institute of Health and Welfare National Blood Authority National Health and Medical Research Council
  2. 11.00am Break
  3. 11.15am Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Outcome 4: Disability and Carers; Program 4.1: Disability and Carers; Program 4.2: National Disability Insurance Scheme
  4. 12.15pm National Disability Insurance Agency NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
  5. 1.15pm Lunch
  6. 2.15pm National Disability Insurance Agency (cont.) NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (cont.)
  7. 4.15pm Break
  8. 4.30pm Department of Social Services Whole of Portfolio/Corporate Matters
  9. 5.30pm Department of Social Services Outcome 1: Social Security; Program 1.1: Support for Families; Program 1.2: Paid Parental Leave; Program 1.3: Support for Seniors; Program 1.4: Financial Support for People with Disability; Program 1.5: Financial Support for Carers; Program 1.6: Working Age Payments; Program 1.7: Student Payments; Program 1.8: Disability Employment Services; Program 1.9: Income Apportionment Resolution Payment Cross Program – Rent Assistance
  10. 6.30pm Dinner
  11. 7.30pm Department of Social Services Outcome 1: Social Security (cont.)
  12. 8.00pm Department of Social Services Outcome 2: Families and Communities; Program 2.1: Families and Communities (including the Closing the Gap Taskforce); Closing the Gap Outcomes: Outcome 12: Children in Out-Of-Home Care, Outcome 13: Family Safety Australian Institute of Family Studies Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission National Commission for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People
  13. 9.00pm Break
  14. 9.15pm Department of Social Services Outcome 2: Families and Communities (cont.); Closing the Gap Outcomes (cont.) All agencies listed in the previous session (cont.)
  15. 11.00pm Adjournment

Economics

Committee Room 2R1 · 9.00am to 11.00pm AEDT

Portfolios: Treasury; Industry and Science; Resources

On Polyfact from 9.00am

The committee has published a newer version of this program since we copied it: the official PDF has the latest times.

Program: 15 time slots
  1. 9.00am Australian Securities and Investments Commission
  2. 9.50am Australian Prudential Regulation Authority
  3. 10.30am Break (15)
  4. 10.45am Australian Bureau of Statistics
  5. 11.15am Commonwealth Grants Commission
  6. 11.40am Department of Industry, Science and Resources Corporate, Enabling and Business Services
  7. 12.10pm Department of Industry, Science and Resources Outcome 1; Program 1.1: Growing innovative and competitive businesses, industries and regions; Topics and entities: Manufacturing and National Reconstruction Fund, Australian Trade Remedies Commission, Whyalla Steelworks Taskforce, Australian Industry Participation Authority
  8. 1.10pm Lunch (60)
  9. 2.10pm Department of Industry, Science and Resources Outcome 1: (Continued); Program 1.2: Investing in science, technology and commercialisation AI Safety Institute Office of the Chief Scientist Office of Industry Innovation and Science Australia Questacon
  10. 3.55pm Break (15)
  11. 4.10pm Geoscience Australia
  12. 4.40pm National Reconstruction Fund Corporation
  13. 5.40pm Net Zero Economy Authority
  14. 6.10pm Dinner (60)
  15. 7.10pm Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
  16. 7.45pm Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
  17. 8.20pm National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority
  18. 9.05pm Break (15)
  19. 9.20pm Department of Industry, Science and Resources Outcome 1: (Continued); Program 1.3: Supporting a strong resources sector; Topics and entities: Minerals and Resources, Oil and Gas
  20. 10.10pm Department of Industry, Science and Resources Outcome 1: (Continued); Program 1.3: (Continued); Topics and entities: Radioactive Waste Management, Maralinga Maintenance and Site Remediation, National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator, Australian Radioactive Waste Agency
  21. 11.00pm Adjournment

Education and Employment

Committee Room 2S3 · 9.00am to 10.00pm AEDT

Portfolios: Education

On Polyfact from 9.00am

Program: 12 time slots
  1. 9.00am Department of Education Corporate and Enabling Services
  2. 10.00am Department of Education Outcome 1 – Schools and Youth; Program 1.3 – Government Schools National Support; Program 1.4 – Non-Government Schools National Support; Program 1.5 – Early Learning and Schools Support; Closing the Gap Outcome 5 - Students achieve their full learning potential
  3. 11.00am Break
  4. 11.15am Department of Education Outcome 1 – Schools and Youth (continued); Closing the Gap Outcome 5 (continued)
  5. 12.15pm Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority
  6. 12.45pm Australian Education Research Organisation
  7. 1.15pm Lunch
  8. 2.15pm Department of Education Outcome 1 – Early Childhood; Program 1.1 – Support for the Child Care System; Program 1.2 – Child Care Subsidy; Closing the Gap Outcome 3 – Children are engaged in high quality, culturally appropriate early childhood education in their early years; Closing the Gap Outcome 4 – Children thrive in their early years
  9. 3.45pm Break
  10. 4.00pm Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority
  11. 4.45pm Department of Education Outcome 2 – Higher Education, Research and International; Program 2.1 – Core Commonwealth Funding for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education; Program 2.2 – Higher Education Superannuation Program; Program 2.3 – Higher Education Support; Program 2.4 – Higher Education Loan Program; Program 2.5 – Investment in Higher Education Research; Program 2.6 – Research Capacity; Program 2.7 – International Education Support; Program 2.8 – Nuclear Powered Submarine Program; Closing the Gap Outcome 6 – Students reach their full potential through further education pathways
  12. 6.15pm Dinner
  13. 7.15pm Australian Tertiary Education Commission
  14. 8.00pm Australian National University
  15. 8.45pm Break
  16. 9.00pm Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency
  17. 9.30pm Australian Research Council
  18. 10.00pm Adjournment

Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade

Main Committee Room · 9.00am to 10.00pm AEDT

Portfolios: Defence; Veterans' Affairs

On Polyfact from 9.00am

Program: 14 time slots
  1. 9.00am Department of Defence Outcome 1; Program 1.1: Operations Contributing to the Safety of the Immediate Neighbourhood; Program 1.2: Operations Supporting Wider Interests; Program 1.3: Defence Contribution to National Support Tasks in Australia; Outcome 2; Program 2.1: Strategy, Policy and Industry; Program 2.2: Defence Executive Support (including Governance Group); Program 2.3: Defence Finance; Program 2.4: Joint Capabilities; Program 2.5: Navy Capabilities; Program 2.6: Army Capabilities; Program 2.7: Air Force Capabilities; Program 2.8: Australian Defence Force Headquarters; Program 2.9: Capability Acquisition and Sustainment (including Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Group); Program 2.10: Security and Estate; Program 2.11: Defence Digital; Program 2.12: Defence People (including Chief of Personnel); Program 2.13: Defence Science and Technology; Program 2.14: Defence Intelligence; Program 2.15: Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment; Program 2.16: Nuclear-Powered Submarines; Program 2.19: Defence Trusts and Joint Accounts; Program 2.20: Defence Force Superannuation Benefits; Program 2.21: Defence Force Superannuation Nominal Interest; Program 2.22: Housing Assistance; Program 2.23: Other Administered
  2. 11.00am Morning tea
  3. 11.10am Department of Defence (continued)
  4. 1.00pm Lunch
  5. 1.45pm Department of Defence (continued)
  6. 2.45pm Australian Submarine Agency Outcome 1; Program 1.1: Nuclear-powered Submarines
  7. 3.45pm Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator Outcome 1; Program 1.1: Regulation of Naval Nuclear Power Activities
  8. 4.00pm Break
  9. 4.10pm Australian Signals Directorate Outcome 1; Program 1.1: Foreign Signals Intelligence, Cyber Security and Offensive Cyber Operations
  10. 5.00pm Defence Housing Australia Outcome 1; Program 1.1: The provision of Defence housing and housing related services
  11. 5.30pm Director of Military Prosecutions
  12. 5.45pm Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force
  13. 6.15pm Dinner
  14. 7.00pm Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission Outcome 1; Program 1.1: Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission
  15. 7.30pm Department of Veterans’ Affairs Outcome 1; Program 1.1: Veterans' Income Support and Allowances; Program 1.2: Veterans' Disability Support; Program 1.3: Assistance to Defence Widow/ers and Dependants; Program 1.4: Assistance and Other Compensation for Veterans and Dependants; Program 1.5: Veterans' Children Education Scheme; Program 1.6: Veterans' Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Acts Payments - Income Support and Compensation; Outcome 2; Program 2.1: General Medical Consultations and Services; Program 2.2: Veterans' Hospital Services; Program 2.3: Veterans' Pharmaceutical Benefits; Program 2.4: Veterans' Community Care and Support; Program 2.5: Veterans' Counselling and Other Health Services; Program 2.6: Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Acts - Health and Other Care Services; Outcome 3; Program 3.1: War Graves; Program 3.2: Commemorative Activities
  16. 8.45pm Repatriation Commission Veteran Family Commissioner
  17. 9.15pm Repatriation Medical Authority
  18. 9.30pm Australian War Memorial Outcome 1; Program 1.1: To maintain and develop the National Memorial and a National Collection of historical material and through commemorative ceremonies, exhibitions, research, interpretation and dissemination.
  19. 10.00pm Adjournment
Departments and agencies, A to Z Find a department or agency: 182 bodies in the programs, A to Z

Each body with the day, the time it is first listed and the committee, from the committees' programs. Times are indicative.

Source: the Senate's schedule of hearings as at 19 October 2026. Schedule (PDF) Committee programs as published on aph.gov.au on 22 October 2026.

Times are indicative and committees may agree to change the schedule: the Senate's own pages remain the reference. Next hearings on aph.gov.au

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Polyfact's player on a Senate estimates hearing: the broadcast above, the transcript below with the speaker's name and the sentence being said highlighted.
Polyfact, Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee, Budget Estimates, 25 May 2026.

How to follow Senate Estimates

  1. 01

    Watch the official broadcast

    The Parliament broadcasts the hearings live on its website and on ParlView, its video service.

    Live on aph.gov.auParlView recordings

  2. 02

    Check the official program

    The Senate publishes the schedule and each committee's program on aph.gov.au. Times are indicative and can change during the week.

    Next hearings on aph.gov.au

  3. 03

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Previous series

Budget Estimates 2026–27, Monday 25 May to Friday 5 June 2026: our recordings of the committees' hearings.

Monday 25 May

Tuesday 26 May

Wednesday 27 May

Thursday 28 May

Tuesday 2 June

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Thursday 4 June

Friday 5 June

Questions about Senate Estimates

Estimates of government expenditure are referred to Senate committees as part of the annual budget cycle. This opportunity to examine the operations of government plays a key role in the parliamentary scrutiny of the executive.

Parliament of Australia, Senate estimates

Sources: Senate estimates (aph.gov.au), Next hearings (aph.gov.au), Senate Brief No. 5, Consideration of estimates.

When are Senate Estimates?

The Supplementary Budget Estimates 2026–27 hearings are taking place Monday 26 October to Thursday 29 October 2026, at Parliament House in Canberra. Each year the Senate examines the estimates of the budget (usually in May) and the additional estimates (usually in February), and a round of supplementary hearings is usually held in October.

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What are Supplementary Budget Estimates?

A second round of hearings on the budget estimates, usually held in October, several sitting weeks after the budget estimates hearings. The same eight legislation committees question ministers and officials again.

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