Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee [Part 2]

Senate Estimates hearing,

Searchable transcript of the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee [Part 2], 27 Oct 2026 Senate Estimates hearing, with chapters: eSafety Social Media Compliance Reporting, Platform Investigations and Account Deactivations, Cyber Abuse Trends and Deepfakes, Digital Duty of…

Chapters

  1. eSafety Social Media Compliance Reporting (59:26)

    The eSafety Commissioner discusses the transition to bi-monthly compliance reporting and the evaluation of the proposed social media ban for minors. Senators question the decision to cease monthly updates and the timeline for potential legal action against platforms.

  2. Platform Investigations and Account Deactivations (1:12:32)

    The Commissioner provides details on document production notices issued to TikTok, Meta, and Google regarding age assurance. Discussion focuses on the accuracy of account deactivation statistics and the protection of ongoing investigation integrity.

  3. Cyber Abuse Trends and Deepfakes (1:20:56)

    The agency presents data on the significant increase in adult cyber abuse reports and the evolution of deepfake technology. Officials also outline staffing allocations for investigations and international cooperation efforts.

  4. Digital Duty of Care and AI (1:30:51)

    Senators examine the use of 'sock puppet' accounts for adversarial testing of AI and social media platforms. The discussion covers the proposed Digital Duty of Care Bill, addictive design, and age verification in the gaming industry.

  5. Social Media Ban and Targeted Ads (1:55:18)

    The committee reviews the legislative process for the social media ban and concerns regarding targeted advertising to minors. Officials provide evidence on user migration patterns and the limitations of current content classification systems.

  6. NBN Co Debt and Financial Performance (2:06:27)

    NBN Co executives address Fitch rating agency assessments and the organization's debt maturity profile. The CEO provides updates on revenue projections and the adoption of high-speed internet tiers across Australia.

  7. NBN Satellite Strategy and Competition (2:26:51)

    The discussion shifts to NBN's partnership with Amazon's Project Kuiper and the competitive landscape against Starlink. Senators question the procurement process and the feasibility of the 2027 rollout timeline for LEO satellite services.

  8. NBN Infrastructure Upgrades and Transparency (2:37:29)

    Senators request greater transparency regarding contract milestones and correspondence with Amazon. NBN Co also provides cost updates and delivery timelines for fiber upgrades in apartment buildings and HFC network improvements.

  9. Australia Post Leadership and Remuneration (3:06:08)

    Australia Post CEO Paul Graham addresses his upcoming retirement and defends executive bonus structures. The committee examines the inclusion of property sales in performance metrics and the overall financial health of the corporation.

  10. Postal Service Losses and Pricing (3:20:56)

    Officials clarify financial figures regarding 'reserved letters' and the drivers of losses in the mail business. Senators challenge the justification for stamp price increases given the reported profits in specific postal segments.

  11. Australia Post Fleet and Safety (3:26:38)

    The committee investigates the $18.2 million procurement of e-trikes and subsequent safety concerns regarding staff fatigue. Management explains the plan to redeploy modified vehicles for parcel delivery after extensive testing.

  12. Regional Network and Banking Services (3:32:24)

    Discussion covers post office closures, the viability of Licensed Post Offices, and the proposal for a public 'people's bank'. Australia Post rejects competitor proposals for last-leg delivery access to its regional network.

  13. Retail Strategy and Community Impact (3:49:41)

    Executives provide updates on the LPO Reimagine program and partnerships with the Pharmacy Guild. Senators raise concerns about specific post office closures, such as Innaloo, and the sale of illegal tobacco at some outlets.

  14. Creative Australia Grants and Policy (4:03:20)

    Creative Australia discusses film tax offsets, AI copyright concerns, and grant eligibility reviews. The hearing concludes with questioning regarding funding for organizations like NAVA and measures to address Antisemitism in the arts sector.