Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee

Senate Estimates hearing, 29 Oct 2026

Searchable transcript of the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee, 29 Oct 2026 Senate Estimates hearing, with chapters: Opening Statement and Procedural Matters, First Nations Health Infrastructure and Investment, Aged Care Pricing and Bulk Billing Follow-up, Stem Cell Registry Tender…

Chapters

Opening Statement and Procedural Matters (10:06)
The Chair opens the hearing, acknowledges traditional owners, and outlines the rules of evidence and parliamentary privilege for the supplementary budget estimates.
First Nations Health Infrastructure and Investment (14:42)
Discussion on the $450 million investment in First Nations health infrastructure, including clinic upgrades, staff housing, and co-design with NACCHO.
Aged Care Pricing and Bulk Billing Follow-up (20:00)
Senator Ruston seeks clarification on residential aged care pricing advice and previous evidence regarding bulk billing rates.
Stem Cell Registry Tender and Recruitment (22:02)
Officials confirm the awarding of the Stem Cell Registry contract to Lifeblood and discuss changes to donor recruitment pathways, including cheek swabs.
Introduction of TGA and Health Agencies (29:52)
The Chair welcomes representatives from the TGA, ACDC, NHMRC, and other health agencies to provide evidence to the committee.
TGA Guidance on Medicine Advertising in Media (31:07)
Discussion regarding TGA guidance for news outlets on reporting prescription medicines like GLP-1s and Gardasil without breaching advertising laws.
Public Interest Reporting vs. Medicine Promotion (39:05)
Debate on balancing the public's right to health information with regulatory restrictions on promoting unapproved or private market therapeutic goods.
NHMRC Water Fluoridation Health Advice (43:47)
Senator Antic questions the NHMRC on potential reviews of water fluoridation guidelines in light of studies regarding neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Review of National Water Fluoridation Guidelines (43:47)
NHMRC discusses plans to review water fluoridation guidelines following international studies on neurodevelopmental risks and IQ in children.
AHPRA Whistleblower Policy and Independent Hotline (48:49)
Examination of AHPRA's whistleblower framework, focusing on the independence of the Deloitte hotline and management of internal conflicts.
RSV Surveillance and National Notification Trends (51:12)
The Australian CDC provides data on RSV notification trends, noting a decrease in cases compared to previous years despite improved surveillance.
RSV Vaccine Safety and Pharmacovigilance Monitoring (54:04)
TGA officials address safety concerns regarding RSV vaccines, including monitoring for Guillain-Barré syndrome and the pharmacovigilance process.
Implementation of the Women's Health Package (58:02)
Overview of the $700 million Women's Health Package, including new PBS listings for contraceptives and menopause treatments, and pelvic pain clinics.
COVID-19 Vaccine Safety and Spike Protein Testing (1:03:47)
Debate over spike protein testing, vaccine shedding, and the risk-benefit profile of COVID-19 boosters for elderly populations.
Regional GP Sustainability in Western Australia (1:17:01)
Inquiry into GP service shortages in regional Western Australia and the criteria used for thin market sustainability assessments.
Contraceptive Scholarships and Menopause Campaign (1:27:28)
Officials provide data on the 5.2 million dollar scholarship program for long-acting reversible contraceptive training. They also report on the reach of the national menopause and perimenopause campaign, citing millions of social media impressions and website visits.
TGA Registration of Novel Health Therapies (1:29:51)
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) outlines trends in the approval of new active substances and novel therapies. Discussion covers international work-sharing through the Access Consortium and how Australia's market size and geography influence global filing timelines for new medicines.
Media Stories and Therapeutic Goods Advertising (1:37:26)
The TGA addresses concerns regarding news stories that may overstep into the illegal advertising of therapeutic goods. Officials agree to provide examples of media coverage that crosses regulatory boundaries and discuss guidance provided to media outlets.
Overseas Midwife Recruitment and Financial Barriers (1:38:14)
The committee examines barriers to recruiting overseas midwives, specifically a case where a UK midwife faced significant Foreign Investment Review Board fees. The Chief Nurse discusses the department's role in advocating for health workers on temporary visas and navigating migration complexities.
Regional Birthing Services and Worker Registration (1:42:24)
Discussion shifts to the lack of expedited registration pathways for midwives compared to nurses and doctors. The committee also raises concerns about the pausing of birthing services in regional South Australian towns like Jamestown and Crystal Brook and the safety of rotational models.
Proposed Reforms to Psychology Training Pathways (1:48:11)
AHPRA and the Psychology Board of Australia explain proposed changes to the psychology education pathway, including a move toward a five-year straight degree. The reform aims to reduce high attrition rates and address workforce maldistribution while maintaining clinical standards.
Consultation on Psychology Workforce Standards Reform (2:00:00)
Discussion regarding the development of new standards for the psychology workforce, addressing stakeholder concerns about trust, the timeline for implementation by 2027, and Minister Butler's role in the process.
Resumption of Outcome One Health Hearings (2:27:40)
The committee reconvenes after a break to continue questioning Outcome One, introducing representatives from various health agencies including the TGA, AHPRA, and the CDC.
Regulatory Framework for Unapproved Medicinal Cannabis (2:30:00)
Officials from the TGA and Office of Drug Control discuss the consultation process for regulating unapproved medicinal cannabis products and the growth of telehealth prescribing models.
Oversight of Medicinal Cannabis Expert Group (2:34:28)
Senators question the TGA on the transparency and membership of the medicinal cannabis expert working group and the agency's role in evaluating product safety and effectiveness.
AHPRA LGBTQIA Equity and Inclusion Strategy (2:37:32)
AHPRA clarifies the status of its LGBTQIA+ equity and inclusion strategy and explains that setting clinical standards for gender-affirming care is outside its regulatory remit.
Clinical Governance and Professional Standards Framework (2:39:42)
The Chief Medical Officer explains the separation between professional codes of conduct set by national boards and clinical standards established by specialized health commissions and colleges.
Funding Trends for Indigenous Health Programs (2:41:19)
Examination of funding allocations within the Indigenous Australians Health Programme (IAHP) and the percentage of support directed toward community-controlled health organizations.
Proton Beam Therapy Facility Proposals (2:49:18)
Updates on the proton beam therapy facility, comparing proposals from South Australia and Victoria, and reviewing costs for overseas treatment for children.
Funding for Men's Health Peak Bodies (2:56:31)
Inquiry into the lack of funding for men's health peak bodies in the latest grant round and concerns over representation for 50% of the population.
Private Health Insurance Impact Data Requests (3:01:53)
Senator Ruston requests data on the impacts of private health insurance changes on public hospital demand and membership trends post-2028.
AIHW Reporting and Editorial Independence (3:05:30)
Discussion on the AIHW's 'Australia's Health 2026' report, focusing on editorial independence, ministerial briefings, and the timing of data releases.
Smoking and Vaping Data Collection Methodology (3:13:07)
Review of the methodology used by AIHW to collect smoking and vaping data through the National Drug Strategy Household Survey.
Illicit Tobacco and Health Data Discrepancies (3:20:45)
Comparison of smoking and vaping data between AIHW surveys, ABS wastewater analysis, and the HILDA survey regarding illicit tobacco use.
Interim Advice on Puberty Suppressant Guidelines (3:27:00)
NHMRC provides an update on the development of clinical guidelines for gender-diverse youth and the upcoming release of interim advice on puberty suppressants.
Specialist Training for Rural Health Workforce (3:30:14)
The National Rural Health Commissioner discusses the Specialist Training Program and the importance of generalism in addressing workforce shortages in remote areas.
National Health Reform and State Accountability (3:34:32)
Officials outline accountability mechanisms within the National Health Reform Agreement to ensure states and territories deliver on workforce and service commitments.
Closing the Funding Gap for Rural Health (3:41:43)
The committee reviews findings from the National Rural Health Alliance regarding the significant health funding gap between metropolitan and rural Australians.
NDIS Leadership Changes and Integrity Reforms (3:47:13)
The NDIA introduces new leadership and discusses integrity reforms, fraud prevention measures, and an ongoing investigation into former employees linked to IBAC findings.
NDIA Staffing Levels and Overtime Costs (4:07:25)
Officials provide data on current APS staff numbers, labor hire, contractors, and the total cost of overtime for the financial year.
Flexible Work and Work-from-Home Arrangements (4:11:20)
The NDIA reports that 80% of its workforce has a work-from-home arrangement, detailing the criteria for these flexible agreements and accessibility considerations.
Expenditure on Staff Training and Development (4:13:11)
Senators query the significant spending on staff training and capability development within both the NDIA and the Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Voluntary Redundancy Program at the NDIA (4:15:17)
The NDIA confirms a voluntary redundancy round is underway to manage the agency's budget envelope, with approximately 6.5% of staff expressing interest.
Office Maintenance and Internal Plant Costs (4:18:17)
Discussion regarding the costs associated with maintaining internal plants and flowers across the NDIA's 149 national offices as part of property portfolio management.
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Fleet Upgrades (4:20:11)
The Quality and Safeguards Commission explains the installation of an EV charging station to support its transition to an electric vehicle fleet.
Promotional Merchandise and Community Outreach (4:22:02)
Inquiry into the expenditure on promotional items like water bottles and tote bags used for community outreach and regional engagement before a policy change.
Rollout of the Thriving Kids Program (5:25:57)
Officials discuss the phased rollout of the Thriving Kids program, including the establishment of an autism helpline and the role of state governments in providing early intervention services.
Transitioning Early Intervention to Thriving Kids (5:30:31)
The committee examines how the Thriving Kids program will support children with low to moderate needs as a separate pathway from the NDIS, focusing on the 2028 transition timeline.
NDIS Plan Reassessment and Budget Data (5:35:02)
NDIA officials provide statistics on plan reassessments over the last 12 months, detailing the number of plans that increased versus those that decreased in value.
New Framework Planning and Sustainability (5:39:11)
Discussion regarding the transition from 'old framework' to 'new framework' planning and how these reforms aim to meet the 5-6% sustainability growth rate target.
Projected Participant Exits by 2031 (5:42:49)
The department provides cumulative projections for children exiting the NDIS scheme through 2031 as foundational supports and early intervention reforms take effect.
Modelling for NDIS Access Changes (5:44:32)
Officials explain the modelling assumptions used to estimate future scheme participation, including functional capacity tests and the net reduction in participant numbers.
National Standards for Assistance Animals (5:50:04)
The committee discusses the development of national principles for assistance animals, accreditation standards, and the current funding for animals within NDIS plans.
NDIS participant numbers and actuary projections (6:02:09)
Officials provide data on current NDIS participant numbers, growth rates, and the timeline for the next scheme actuary update.
Expenditure growth and budget forecasts (6:10:23)
Examination of NDIS expenditure growth, total spending for the 2025-26 period, and future budget estimates.
Impact of legislation delays on savings (6:11:50)
Debate over the fiscal impact of delays in passing NDIS legislation, specifically regarding fraud costs and unscheduled reassessments.
Fraud prosecutions and asset confiscation (6:17:23)
The NDIA reports on successful fraud prosecutions, jail sentences, and the confiscation of assets from dodgy providers.
Citizen tip-offs and integrity investigations (6:27:56)
Discussion on the role of citizen-based investigations versus official NDIA integrity processes and the handling of fraud tip-offs.
Provider registration and new penalties (6:33:47)
Overview of mandatory registration for NDIS providers and the introduction of stronger criminal and civil penalties for misconduct.
Plan manager market and financial viability (6:42:36)
Analysis of the plan manager market, including the number of active entities and the financial viability of low-volume managers.
National Contact Centre Performance and First Nations Service (6:50:30)
Discussion of the National Contact Centre's performance metrics, including call volumes and response times, alongside the launch of the First Nations Connect dedicated phone service.
NDIS Plan Growth Rates and Budget Projections (6:53:32)
Officials provide data on average plan amounts, scheme growth rates, and the differences in support needs between long-term participants and new entries to the scheme.
Plan Reassessment Data and Transport Support Payments (7:00:32)
A review of total plan reassessment figures for the financial year and a discussion on transport support payments, including taxi subsidies and mobility allowance transitions.
Social and Community Participation Budget Implementation (7:05:46)
The NDIA explains the implementation of the 10% reduction in social and community participation budgets and the escalation pathway for participants with high support needs.
Safeguarding Risk Assessments for Legislative Reforms (7:12:37)
The department details the safeguarding risk assessments conducted for legislative reforms, focusing on monitoring unintended consequences and ensuring participant safety during transitions.
Rollout Status of the Thriving Kids Program (7:24:03)
An update on the phased rollout of the Thriving Kids program across states and territories, focusing on information and navigation supports for families.
Funding and Costs for Thriving Kids Resources (7:27:41)
Details on the contract costs for the Thriving Kids website and the national autism helpline over a five-year period.
Fraud Fusion Taskforce Investigations and Prosecutions (7:30:43)
An update on the Fraud Fusion Taskforce, covering tip-off statistics, investigation processes, and the number of successful fraud prosecutions.
NDIS Participants Within the Justice System (7:33:36)
Officials provide data on NDIS participants involved in the justice system and the role of specialized justice planning teams.
Supported Independent Living Expenditure and Growth (7:35:50)
Analysis of expenditure on Supported Independent Living (SIL), including participant numbers, average plan values, and annual growth rates.
SIL Provider Registration and SDA Design Standards (7:38:31)
Discussion regarding the mandatory registration of SIL providers and an update on the review of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) design standards.
Fair Pay Funding for Social Services Workers (8:03:01)
The Department of Social Services discusses the $630 million funding package to deliver fairer pay for health, disability, and community services workers.
Voluntary Redundancy Process and Departmental Costs (8:07:59)
The department provides an update on the voluntary redundancy process, including costs and the number of applications received.
Estimates Variations and Welfare Payment Modeling (8:10:44)
Discussion on budget estimate variations driven by indexation, inflation, and recipient modeling for welfare payments.
External Revenue and Portfolio Budget Statements (8:12:26)
Examination of external revenue sources for the department, including the grants hub and sub-leasing arrangements.
Advertising Campaigns and Communication Expenditure (8:13:43)
Detailed breakdown of expenditure for advertising campaigns such as 'Stop at the Start' and 'Consent Can't Wait'.
Child Protection Responsibility and Port Hedland Visit (8:21:20)
Senator Thorpe questions the division of ministerial responsibility for child protection systems and recent visits to Western Australia.
Bringing Them Home Report and Redress Schemes (8:34:11)
Review of the implementation status of the 'Bringing Them Home' report recommendations and coordination of redress schemes.
Compliance Framework Compensation and Agency Liabilities (8:40:56)
Inquiry into potential liabilities and communication strategies regarding the Targeted Compliance Framework compensation scheme.
Inquiry into National Child Protection Crisis (8:45:38)
Senator Thorpe advocates for a Senate inquiry into the national child protection crisis, discussing the role of Commissioner Hunter's rapid review.
Scope of National Commissioner for Aboriginal Children (8:49:02)
Chief Counsel explains the statutory powers and inquiry remit of the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People.
Funding Decisions for Ask Izzy Service (8:51:32)
A review of the funding history for the Ask Izzy service, including past grants from DSS and the transition to licensing by Services Australia.
Impact of Ending Ask Izzy Funding (8:57:23)
Senators question the impact of ending Ask Izzy funding on community service navigation and the delivery of core social services metrics.
Government Reconsideration of InfoExchange Support (9:04:30)
The Minister discusses procurement rules and value-for-money assessments regarding the government's ongoing support for InfoExchange and the Ask Izzy platform.
Partner Income Testing and Financial Independence (9:19:19)
Discussion on Section 24 of the Social Security Act and the impact of partner income testing on financial independence for domestic violence survivors.
National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence (9:25:18)
Examining how social security policies align with the national plan to end violence against women and children, focusing on financial independence.
Disability Support Pension and Work Incentives (9:27:39)
Debate over the use of partner income testing as a work incentive for Disability Support Pension recipients with limited work capacity.
Paid Parental Leave and Partner Entitlements (9:30:25)
Inquiry into the 'use it or lose it' partner leave provisions and the government's goal of encouraging shared caring responsibilities.
Work Test Eligibility for Subsequent Children (9:35:57)
Clarification on work test requirements for parents claiming Paid Parental Leave for second or subsequent children and workforce connection rules.
Income Support Rates and Cost of Living (9:41:44)
Assessment of the adequacy of job seeker and pension rates relative to increasing household cost pressures and indexation mechanisms.
Social Security Debt Recovery and Reform (9:46:31)
Discussion on the statute of limitations for debt recovery and the implementation of RoboDebt Royal Commission recommendations regarding legislative reform.
Mortality Data and Child Support Debt (9:52:00)
Review of mortality rates among income support recipients and current figures for outstanding child support debt and collection methods.
Reforms to Child Support Enforcement (10:05:29)
Discussion regarding budget commitments to expand employer withholding and DPOs, including the introduction of a two-part test for travel restrictions on debtors with over $10,000 in arrears.
DSP Eligibility and Program of Support (10:09:39)
Inquiry into the 'program of support' requirement for Disability Support Pension (DSP) applicants, focusing on safeguards for people with intellectual disabilities and potential payment penalties.
International Social Security Agreements (10:19:15)
Officials explain the review process for international welfare agreements, residency totalisation for the age pension, and the eligibility criteria for Australians living in treaty countries.
Portability of Payments for Overseas Residents (10:27:20)
The department addresses the costs associated with permanent portability of the age pension and the specific circumstances under which other social security payments can be received while residing overseas.
Transition to Voluntary Income Management (10:30:44)
Debate over the government's commitment to transition from compulsory to voluntary income management, including consultation progress and compatibility with human rights obligations.
Income Management Program Costs and Demographics (10:38:34)
A breakdown of the administrative costs for enhanced income management, including departmental versus provider costs, and the demographic profile of the current participant cohort.
Policy Intent to Abolish Compulsory Management (10:45:29)
Senators question the government's progress and success metrics regarding the policy goal to end compulsory income management.
Geographic Footprint of Enhanced Income Management (10:47:10)
Discussion on the specific regions where enhanced income management is available and the operational differences from previous systems.
National Redress Scheme Participation and Costs (10:50:22)
Officials explain the differences between participating and non-participating institutions within the National Redress Scheme for survivors of abuse.
Integrity and Standards of the Redress Scheme (10:53:35)
Examination of the "reasonably likely" standard of proof and safeguards implemented to prevent fraudulent claims in the Redress Scheme.
Men's Referral Service for Domestic Violence (11:00:52)
Discussion on the Men's Referral Service, including its counseling functions, database launch, wait times, and program evaluation.
First Nations Child Protection and Safety (11:12:03)
The National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children discusses the child protection crisis and the role of federal intervention.
Progress of the Pilbara Child Protection Review (11:28:41)
Senator O'Sullivan discusses the timeline and scope of the Pilbara child protection review with the Commissioner, highlighting community consultation efforts and cooperation with the Western Australian government.
Funding and Transition for Family Support Programs (11:32:36)
Senator Ruston inquires about the transition to the new Children and Family Support Program, including the $1.8 billion funding allocation, grant application timelines, and the recommissioning process for service providers.