Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee

Senate Estimates hearing, 27 Oct 2026

Searchable transcript of the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, 27 Oct 2026 Senate Estimates hearing, with chapters: Opening Statement and Procedural Hearing Rules, Delays in Answering Questions on Notice, Sensitive Topics in Outstanding Questions, Inquiry into Minister…

Chapters

Opening Statement and Procedural Hearing Rules (17:25)
The Chair opens the hearing, acknowledges the traditional custodians, and outlines the rules of relevance and media recording for the session.
Delays in Answering Questions on Notice (20:57)
Senator Henderson questions the Secretary regarding the significant number of unanswered questions from the previous estimates round and the internal approval process.
Sensitive Topics in Outstanding Questions (25:40)
Discussion focuses on specific unanswered questions related to ministerial travel, FOI redactions, and social media account figures.
Inquiry into Minister Wells' Adelaide Travel (28:05)
Senator Henderson seeks detailed information regarding a sideline meeting at a birthday party during Minister Wells' trip to Adelaide and the accuracy of reports to IPIA.
Secretary's Board Submission on Social Media (35:43)
The committee examines the Secretary's Board submission regarding the use of Senate estimates footage on social media and its impact on parliamentary accountability.
Social Media Guidance and Creative Australia (40:00)
Discussion regarding the Secretary's Board submission on social media use and funding concerns for Creative Australia following the Bondi attack.
Credit Card Surcharge Ban Implementation (48:15)
Officials discuss the removal of credit card surcharges within the department and portfolio entities following a Department of Finance directive.
Classification System Review and Online Safety (51:00)
Examination of the timeline for classification reforms, staffing for online safety, and the potential for a PG 13 rating for written material.
Departmental Staffing and ASL Changes (1:00:02)
The Secretary provides updates on average staffing levels (ASL), turnover rates, and the impact of new budget measures on personnel.
Unauthorised Transactions and Financial Controls (1:05:55)
Review of unauthorised credit card transactions within the department and the established processes for repayment and financial redemption.
Ministerial Travel and Questions on Notice (1:06:52)
Senators raise concerns over delayed answers to questions on notice and seek details regarding Minister Wells' travel to Adelaide in June 2023.
Australia Post CEO Resignation Inquiry (1:11:43)
Discussion regarding the announced retirement of Australia Post CEO Paul Graham and procedural frustrations over late document delivery.
Departmental Travel Costs and Policies (1:16:31)
Analysis of departmental travel spending, including domestic versus international flight costs and adherence to whole-of-government travel policies.
Accommodation booking and future travel savings (1:25:24)
The department explains the process for booking accommodation through centralized systems and addresses the potential for further travel savings in future budget cycles.
Approval process for ministerial international travel (1:26:40)
Discussion regarding the requirement for Prime Ministerial approval for international travel by the Minister and the practice of making preliminary flight bookings for international events.
Future international events and travel destinations (1:29:06)
Senators request a schedule of forthcoming international events the Minister may attend and seek data on the most frequent domestic travel destinations for departmental staff.
Delays in answering questions on notice (1:49:46)
A Senator expresses frustration over the late lodgment of answers to questions on notice, arguing that the delay hinders the committee's ability to conduct effective oversight.
Digital duty of care and online codes (1:51:01)
The committee examines the proposed Digital Duty of Care bill, specifically the removal of prescriptive online safety codes and the eSafety Commissioner's role in developing new regulatory guidance.
Consultation and submissions on digital safety (1:58:05)
Officials provide details on the public consultation process for the digital duty of care exposure draft, including the volume of substantive submissions and campaign emails received.
ABC editorial independence and program controversy (2:02:10)
Discussion regarding the ABC's editorial independence and the Minister's response to a controversial program involving Gina Rinehart, focusing on statutory obligations for accuracy and impartiality.
ABC Editorial Standards and Ministerial Oversight (2:02:10)
Senators question the Minister's response to controversial ABC broadcasts, focusing on editorial independence versus statutory obligations for accuracy and impartiality regarding the Gina Rinehart segment.
Errors in Age Assurance Technology Report (2:13:08)
The department addresses concerns regarding broken links and typographical errors in the age assurance technology trial report, denying any intent to mislead the committee while acknowledging technical flaws.
Consultant Accountability for Report Inaccuracies (2:21:03)
Discussion continues regarding the performance of the consultant ACCS, focusing on whether the department was provided with deceptive information about report citations and the subsequent corrigendum.
Gambling Reform and Inducement Regulations (2:26:38)
Senator Pocock queries the effectiveness of new gambling laws, specifically regarding inducements, influencer advertising bans, and the operational status of the BetStop register.
Impact Analysis of Gambling Advertising Bans (2:31:43)
The committee examines the socio-economic modeling used to compare partial and full bans on gambling advertising, questioning the department's assumptions and the strength of the passed legislation.
AdStop Register and Murphy Report Progress (2:37:41)
Officials provide updates on the establishment of the AdStop register and the implementation of recommendations from the Murphy report, including funding through industry levies.
Regional Connectivity and Disaster Resilience (2:41:32)
Discussion on improving mobile coverage in regional areas, focusing on the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) and the activation of temporary disaster roaming capabilities.
ACCC Inquiry into Mobile Roaming Services (2:47:50)
The ACCC inquiry into mobile roaming and radio access networks and its potential impact on regional telecommunications deployment.
Direct-to-Device Satellite Market and UOMO (2:50:37)
The current trajectory of the direct-to-device satellite market, including services from Starlink, Amazon, and other LEO providers.
UOMO Legislation and Spectrum Allocation Readiness (2:52:30)
Debate over the commencement dates for the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation and the allocation of critical spectrum by ACMA.
Regional Connectivity Program Funding and Budget (3:03:12)
Debate over funding levels for regional connectivity programs and government support for terrestrial mobile networks in the budget.
First Nations Digital Inclusion and Wi-Fi (3:07:40)
Progress on community Wi-Fi programs for remote First Nations communities and the refresh of Closing the Gap digital inclusion targets.
Digital Inclusion Index and Regional Budget (3:15:51)
Data collection for the Australian Digital Inclusion Index and a detailed breakdown of projected funding for regional connectivity packages.
Disaster Roaming and Australia Post E-Trikes (3:27:52)
The committee receives updates on the status of temporary disaster roaming and questions the department regarding Australia Post's grounded Taiwanese e-trikes.
Australia Post Licensed Post Office Strategy (3:30:18)
Discussion focuses on Australia Post's strategy for licensed post offices, including potential buybacks and closures, and the department's oversight of these plans.
News Bargaining Incentive for Small Publishers (3:33:58)
Officials outline how the news bargaining incentive supports small publishers and start-ups, including the broadening definition of journalism in the legislation.
Audio Description and Captioning on Television (3:42:04)
The department explains proposed legislative changes to expand audio description and captioning requirements for free-to-air and subscription television services.
Big Tech Negotiations and Community Broadcasting (3:44:44)
Senators inquire about the timeline for commercial deals between big tech and newsrooms, and the impact of rising costs on community broadcasting.
Media Grant Vetting and Social Cohesion (3:52:47)
The committee debates the vetting process for media grants, focusing on social cohesion, anti-Semitism concerns, and the exclusion of foreign-owned entities.
Foreign ownership rules for media grants (4:05:03)
Justification of the foreign ownership delineation for grant programs compared to the news bargaining incentive.
Fairness and free speech in media (4:06:28)
Discussion on fairness, free speech, and the impact of ownership structures on government media funding.
ABC 2027 Content Lineup and Strategy (5:08:23)
Managing Director David Anderson outlines the ABC's 2027 content slate, emphasizing a commitment to Australian storytelling across drama, news, and children's programming.
Legal Concerns Regarding Alan Jones Documentary (5:11:35)
Senator Henderson questions the ABC on legal advice obtained before broadcasting a trailer for the Alan Jones documentary, citing concerns about contempt of court and sub judice matters.
Hiring and Background of Mahmud Fazal (5:13:50)
The committee discusses the hiring of Mahmud Fazal for Four Corners, with Senator Henderson raising concerns about his background and the ABC's vetting process.
Editorial Failures and Four Corners Leadership (5:15:43)
David Anderson acknowledges flaws in Mahmud Fazal's work and details changes to the editorial leadership at Four Corners to address management and supervision failures.
Staffing Changes Following Internal Reviews (5:18:44)
Discussion on the departure of several senior staff members, including the Director of News and the Executive Producer of Four Corners, following internal reviews of investigative standards.
Journalist Training and Minimum Hiring Qualifications (5:19:43)
The committee discusses the minimum qualifications and training required for ABC journalists, debating the necessity of university degrees versus practical experience and cadetships.
Staffing Data and Regional Distribution Request (5:24:44)
Senator Henderson requests a detailed breakdown of the 2,000 staff in the ABC News division, including their locations, roles, and formal qualifications.
Breakdown of ABC News Staff and Locations (5:24:44)
Senators request a detailed breakdown of the 2,000 staff members in the news division, focusing on their specific roles, qualifications, and geographic distribution across regional offices.
Inquiries Into Gaza Fixers and Hamas Associations (5:26:41)
The ABC is questioned regarding reports of fixers or freelance journalists in Gaza allegedly associated with Hamas, including the organization's efforts to verify these claims with the IDF.
First Nations Programming and Content Strategy Changes (5:33:54)
Discussion on the cancellation of the program 'Always Was Tonight' and the ABC's broader strategy for First Nations storytelling and developing repeatable program formats.
Indigenous Leadership Roles and Staff Redundancies (5:38:39)
Questioning regarding the abolition of the Head of Indigenous TV role, the consultation process with First Nations staff, and recent redundancy figures within the ABC.
Expenditure Reporting and Platform Budgeting Shifts (5:44:55)
ABC executives explain the increasing difficulty in separating costs between radio, TV, and online platforms as the organization shifts toward genre-based budgeting and cross-platform content.
Editorial Standards and Representation of National Symbols (5:48:47)
Concerns are raised about an episode of 'Stuff the British Stole' involving students redesigning the Australian flag and whether the ABC provided a sufficient balance of perspectives.
AFP Commissioner Appearance and Gaza Reporting Review (5:53:22)
The committee reviews the AFP Commissioner's appearance on 'Insiders' regarding political violence and returns to the scrutiny of Gaza-based journalists' alleged militant affiliations.
Verification of Gaza-based Stringers (6:03:42)
Discussion regarding the level of verification required by the ABC to act on IDF claims about Gaza-based stringers and the use of independent verification lenses.
Cross-checking Gaza Staff Lists (6:10:44)
Senator Henderson requests a list of all journalists and media companies hired by the ABC in Gaza for cross-checking against IDF data on Hamas operatives.
Copyright Protection and Bluey IP (6:14:33)
The ABC explains its processes for monitoring and protecting intellectual property, specifically regarding the character Bluey and its use in political advertisements.
Legal Action on Bluey Infringement (6:18:33)
ABC Managing Director David Anderson discusses potential legal remedies, including cease-and-desist letters and injunctive relief, against One Nation for unauthorized use of Bluey.
Controversial Content and Community Standards (6:22:06)
Senator Roberts questions the ABC on a satirical cartoon involving Gina Rinehart and a video discussing kink culture, questioning the use of taxpayer funds.
Vetting Procedures for Gaza Journalists (6:24:39)
Senator Henderson returns to the vetting of Gaza-based staff and the ABC's communication with the IDF regarding evidence of Hamas links among stringers.
Editorial Oversight and Violence Guidelines (6:29:19)
Senators Smith and Henderson critique the ABC's editorial guidelines and the failure of senior oversight regarding depictions of violence in entertainment programming.
ABC Board Oversight of Controversial Content (6:39:55)
Senator Smith questions the ABC Managing Director about the board's awareness of the controversial July 12 broadcast and the preparation of formal board papers.
Government Communications Regarding Broadcast (7:02:11)
The committee examines whether the ABC discussed the controversial segment with the Minister for Communications or the Prime Minister's office before or after the broadcast.
Editorial Standards and Violence Against Women (7:04:10)
Discussion focuses on the ABC's consideration of community standards regarding violence against women and why editorial controls failed to prevent the broadcast.
Upward Referral and Editorial Layers (7:06:40)
ABC management explains the internal approval process and why the segment was approved at the head level rather than being referred further up the editorial chain.
Review of Editorial and Complaints Policies (7:11:25)
The committee asks about the frequency of external reviews for ABC editorial policies and the independence of the complaints process managed by the Ombudsman.
Satire Defense and Initial ABC Response (7:13:21)
Senator Henderson criticizes the ABC's initial statement defending the segment as satire and questions the Managing Director's decision not to issue an immediate apology.
Apology to Mrs. Rinehart and Vetting (7:19:09)
Discussion regarding the public apology to Gina Rinehart, the internal vetting process, and the role of program judges in expressing distaste for the segment.
Editing of Radio National Interview Transcript (7:21:03)
Senator Henderson challenges the ABC's decision to remove her criticisms of Sarah Ferguson from a Radio National transcript, alleging a cover-up under the guise of legal advice.
Dispute Over ABC Defamation and Transparency (7:26:39)
Continued debate over whether the ABC concocted legal reasons to censor criticisms of its own journalists, with the committee requesting internal documentation of the legal review process.
ABC Executive Termination and Program Expenditure (7:32:05)
Inquiry into the termination payment for executive Mr. Stevens and the production costs for the program 'Race Around the World', including value for money assessments.
SBS Opening Statement and Social Cohesion (7:39:47)
SBS Managing Director Jane Paul provides an opening statement highlighting the broadcaster's role in fostering national connection, multilingual services, and social cohesion through trusted journalism.
SBS FIFA World Cup Travel Costs Inquiry (7:43:07)
Questioning regarding the travel costs for SBS staff and clients to the FIFA World Cup, with the Managing Director citing commercial confidentiality for refusing to disclose specific figures.
SBS International Content Buying and Travel (7:55:08)
Discussion on SBS staff travel for international content markets like MIPCOM and LA screenings, including cost controls, itineraries, and hospitality such as Dodgers game tickets.
Dispute Over SBS Commercial Event Costs (8:00:54)
A heated exchange occurs as SBS refuses to disclose the costs of its annual upfronts showcase, citing commercial-in-confidence despite its status as a public broadcaster.
SBS Editorial Guidelines on Hamas Terminology (8:09:24)
The committee examines SBS's editorial instructions to staff regarding the description of Hamas as militants rather than terrorists in news coverage.
SBS Style Guide and Terrorist Designations (8:15:17)
Officials provide details from the SBS style guide regarding the attribution of terrorist designations and the requirement for impartial reporting on the Middle East.
SBS Partnership with ACON for Inclusivity (8:18:09)
Senators question the necessity and cost of SBS's partnership with ACON, focusing on workforce diversity strategies and potential impacts on editorial independence.
ACMA Investigation into ABC Rinehart Program (8:22:39)
ACMA officials confirm an active investigation into the ABC program Race Around the World following public complaints regarding its portrayal of Gina Rinehart.
ACMA Regulatory Powers and Adverse Findings (8:28:26)
The committee discusses the limitations of ACMA's enforcement powers over national broadcasters and reviews findings against a Four Corners report on the Australian War Memorial.
Triple Zero Outages and Optus Litigation (8:35:31)
ACMA provides updates on federal court proceedings against Optus regarding emergency call failures and the ongoing investigation into Telstra network outages.
ABC Four Corners Breach Finding (8:45:13)
The committee discusses ACMA's finding against an ABC Four Corners program and the regulator's powers to recommend remedial actions or report non-compliance to the Communications Minister for parliamentary tabling.
Satellite Spectrum and Connectivity Deadlines (8:50:38)
ACMA discusses the allocation of 2 GHz spectrum for satellite services and the challenges in meeting the 2027 deadline for universal service obligations amid a rapidly evolving technology market.
Gambling Reform and BetStop Implementation (8:56:31)
Officials outline the implementation of the BetStop register and new powers to regulate illegal gambling advertisements on digital platforms, including proactive take-down requirements for infrastructure services.
eSafety Commissioner on Online Harms (9:08:49)
Commissioner Julie Inman Grant delivers her final opening statement, highlighting the rise of gendered online violence, deepfakes, and enforcement actions against platforms like Telegram and Roblox to protect children.
Tributes to Commissioner Inman Grant (9:18:37)
Members of the committee and the Minister pay tribute to Julie Inman Grant for her service as Australia's first eSafety Commissioner and her work in digital safety and holding big tech companies accountable.
Digital Duty of Care Legislation (9:20:02)
The eSafety Commissioner discusses the proposed Digital Duty of Care legislation and the transition from prescriptive codes to a more general safety-by-design obligation for technology platforms.
Enforcing Takedown Requests for Offshore Online Content (9:29:17)
Senator Payman queries the enforceability of takedown requests for illegal content hosted offshore, focusing on jurisdictional limitations and the effectiveness of geoblocking and ISP-level blocking.
Accreditation and Location of eSafety Research Personnel (9:39:40)
Officials clarify the location of eSafety researchers and discuss the definition of 'accredited researchers' mentioned in ministerial speeches regarding upcoming online safety legislation.