Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee (part 1 of 3)
24 May 2026
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Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee Australian Parliament
10:20 - 12:39
Speaker 14
Everybody. I declare open this hearing of the senate finance and public administration legislation committee into the twenty twenty six, twenty seven budget estimates. Begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet today and pay my respects to their elders past and present. I also extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here today. The committee has set Friday, 06/05/2026, as the date by which senators are to submit written questions on notice, and Friday, 07/17/2026, is the date for the return of question...
Of answers to questions on... Taken on notice. The committee's proceedings today will begin with the parliamentary departments followed by the prime minister and cabinet portfolio as listed on today's program. Understanding order 26, the committee must take all evidence in public, and this includes answers to questions on notice. I remind all witnesses that in giving evidence to the committee, they are protected by parliamentary privilege.
It is unlawful for anyone to threaten or disadvantage a witness on account of evidence given to a committee, and such action may be treated by the senate as a contempt. It is also a contempt to give false or misleading evidence. The senate has endorsed following test of relevance of questions at estimates hearings. Any question going to the operation or financial positions of the departments and agencies which are seeking funds and estimates are relevant questions for the purpose of estimates hearings. I remind officers that the senate has resolved that no areas in connection with the expenditure of public funds where any person has the discretion to withhold details or explanations from the parliament or its committees unless the parliament has expressly provided otherwise.
The senate has resolved also that an officer of a department of the Commonwealth shall not be asked to give opinions on matters of policy and shall be given reasonable opportunity to refer questions asked of the officer to superior officers or to a minister. This resolution does not preclude questions asking for explanation of policies or factual questions about when and how policies were adopted. Witnesses are reminded that the senate order specifying the process by which a claim of public interest immunity should be raised, and I incorporate the public immunity statement into the hand side. I remind senators of their obligations under the behavior code for Australian parliamentarians to treat witnesses with dignity, courtesy, fairness, and respect. As is my usual practice, I have provided copies of the code in the room for your reference, and I will draw your attention to them as and when required.
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