Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee (part 1 of 3)
25 May 2026
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Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee Australian Parliament
10:35 - 13:08
Speaker 21
Good morning, everybody. I declare open this hearing of the senate finance and public administration legislation committee into the 2627 budget estimates. I 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 people who are 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 answers to questions taken on notice.
The committee's proceedings today will begin with the indigenous portfolio agencies followed by finance portfolio as listed on today's program. Understanding order 26, the committee must take all evidence in public session, 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 the following test of relevance for 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 there are no areas in connection with the expenditure of public funds where any person has discretion to withhold details or explanations from the parliament. The senate has resolved also that an officer of the department of the commonwealth shall not be asked to give opinions on matters of policy and should be given every reasonable opportunity to refer questions asked of this officer to a superior officer or to a minister. This resolution does not preclude questions asking for explanations of policy or factual questions about when and how policies were adopted.
Witnesses are reminded of 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 Hansard. I remind senators of their obligation under the behavior code for Australian parliamentarians to treat witnesses with dignity, courtesy, fairness, and respect. As is my usual practice, I've provided copies of the code in the room for your reference, and I intend to ensure that it is upheld. An officer called to answer a question for the first time should state their full name and capacity in which they appear. I remind committee members and witnesses who are appearing via video concert...
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