Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee

Senate Estimates hearing, 29 Oct 2026

Searchable transcript of the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee, 29 Oct 2026 Senate Estimates hearing, with chapters: Opening Statement and Administrative Remarks, Departmental Expenses and Performance Targets, Higher Education Outcomes and Help Debt, Building Education Early…

Chapters

Opening Statement and Administrative Remarks (11:59)
The Chair opens the hearing, acknowledges traditional custodians, and the Secretary provides an opening statement including well wishes for Dr. Helen Haines and administrative updates.
Departmental Expenses and Performance Targets (16:32)
Discussion on the 5% increase in departmental expenses and the department's failure to meet several performance measures over the last year.
Higher Education Outcomes and Help Debt (19:02)
Examination of declining trends in year 12 completion, tertiary qualifications, and the growth of unpaid HELP debt among graduates.
Building Education Early Education Fund Grants (24:46)
Questions regarding the merit and value for money of grants provided under the BEEF program for childcare centers in various regions.
Deloitte Contracts and Strategic Commissioning (27:03)
Inquiry into the department's reliance on Deloitte for core functions and the implementation of the strategic commissioning framework to bring work back in-house.
Artificial Intelligence and Deloitte Reports (35:08)
Concerns raised about Deloitte's use of AI and potential hallucinations in reports, and the department's oversight of AI usage in major contracts.
Australian Tertiary Education Commission Establishment (37:19)
Review of the establishment costs, staffing levels, and corporate support arrangements for the newly formed Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC).
Public Service Redundancies and Costs (43:14)
Data on voluntary redundancies within the department, including total separation costs, average payment amounts, and position abolishment.
Minister for Youth Engagement Mechanisms (52:20)
Minister Anne Aly outlines her role in promoting youth engagement through the Office for Youth and various Youth Advisory Groups covering climate change, mental health, and First Nations issues.
National Youth Survey Findings (57:01)
The Office for Youth details findings from the first National Youth Survey, identifying cost of living, mental health, and climate change as top priorities for young Australians, and discusses how this feedback informs policy.
Youth Unemployment Rates in Queensland (1:03:24)
Senators question the Minister regarding the rise in youth unemployment rates, with a specific focus on the high unemployment figures in the Queensland Outback region and the government's broader job creation strategies.
Redeemer Baptist School Investigation (1:10:28)
Officials provide an update on the investigation into Redeemer Baptist School, focusing on financial viability, not-for-profit requirements, and the "fit and proper person" test following allegations regarding staff and student treatment.
Religious Orders and Asset Transfers (1:19:10)
The committee discusses the transfer of properties between religious orders and school authorities, specifically the Christian Brothers and Edmund Rice Education Australia, and the implications for redress and financial oversight.
School Refusal and Attendance Initiatives (1:22:50)
The department outlines progress on recommendations from the school refusal report, including research initiatives and the incorporation of attendance strategies into the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement.
PISA Results and Classroom Behavior Management (1:31:07)
Examination of recent PISA results in math and reading, alongside strategies to address classroom disruption through teacher training and mobile phone restrictions to reduce digital distraction.
School Funding and Evidence-Based Pedagogy (1:38:11)
Debate on why PISA results have declined despite increased funding, focusing on the shift toward explicit instruction, phonics, and evidence-based teaching methods in new school agreements.
Digital Detox and Math Curriculum Reform (1:43:44)
Discussion of the 'digital detox' initiative to reduce screen distraction in classrooms and the ongoing overhaul of the F-10 mathematics curriculum to improve student performance.
Transparency and AERO Performance Evaluation (1:47:42)
Senators question the decision by education ministers not to release the independent performance evaluation of the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) despite significant public interest.
Consent and Respectful Relationships Education (1:52:14)
Update on the evaluation of the Consent and Respectful Relationships Education (CRRE) framework and efforts to address misogyny and sexism in schools through workforce development and curriculum alignment.
School Funding and Educational Performance (2:00:08)
Discussion on the link between school funding levels and student performance in PISA assessments, focusing on evidence-based teaching and pedagogy.
Victorian Bilateral School Funding Agreement (2:05:01)
Examination of the 10-year bilateral funding agreement with Victoria and the projected spike in Commonwealth contributions by 2034.
National Youth Survey and Strategy (2:27:27)
Overview of the National Youth Survey and its role in informing the next phase of the national youth strategy, 'Engage'.
First Nations Education Policy Development (2:31:50)
Progress update on the First Nations Education Policy developed in partnership with Indigenous education corporations and stakeholders.
First Nations Teacher Workforce Strategy (2:35:44)
Details on the strategy to attract and retain First Nations teachers and school leaders within the national workforce action plan.
PISA Data on School Digital Use (2:38:49)
Analysis of PISA data showing Australian students spend significantly more time on digital devices than the OECD average.
Impact of Screens and AI on Learning (2:39:59)
Officials discuss research on the impact of excessive screen use and AI on student academic performance and well-being, noting correlations with classroom disruption and emotional regulation.
Artificial Intelligence and Student Learning (2:44:04)
Review of research regarding the impact of artificial intelligence on student learning outcomes and its role in school assessments.
Minister's Position on AI and Digital Detox (2:44:04)
Discussion regarding the Education Minister's evolving stance on AI in schools, moving from endorsing its benefits to advocating for a "digital detox" and returning to pen and paper.
National Framework for Generative AI in Schools (2:50:02)
The department details briefings provided to the minister on AI and the development of a national framework focused on the purposeful and deliberate use of technology in classrooms.
Future of the Choice and Affordability Fund (2:55:50)
Senators question the department on the continuation of the Choice and Affordability Fund (CAF) beyond 2029 and its impact on school fees for non-government sectors.
School Funding and Transition to SRS (3:01:41)
Discussion on how non-government schools transition to 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) and the role of time-limited funding programs in that process.
NCCD Funding Adjustments and Right-Sizing (3:06:56)
Officials explain the "right-sizing" of disability loading under the NCCD, aiming to ensure students receive appropriate levels of support based on functional impact.
Support for Special Assistance Schools (3:12:50)
Examination of how changes to NCCD funding and the SRS review affect special assistance schools that serve highly vulnerable students and those impacted by trauma.
Enrollment Trends and School Growth (3:19:14)
Analysis of the generational shift in student enrollments from government to non-government schools and the factors driving parental choice in the education system.
Projected Enrollment Shifts to Private Schools (3:22:40)
Senators examine the projected shift of student enrollments from government to non-government schools through 2034.
Review of Schooling Resource Standard Loadings (3:28:09)
The department provides updates on the Schooling Resource Standard review and National School Resourcing Board reporting timelines.
Islamophobia Education and Curriculum Review Process (3:37:15)
ACARA outlines the development of curriculum changes regarding Islamophobia and the process for interim curriculum reviews.
Addressing Anti-Semitism and Jewish History Curriculum (3:43:50)
Discussion on strengthening the curriculum regarding anti-semitism, Jewish history, and the inclusion of diverse cultural contributions.
Broader Anti-Racism Framework and Consultation Timelines (3:51:52)
Senators question ACARA on addressing anti-Palestinian racism and the broader anti-racism framework within the national curriculum.
AERO Opening Statement on Evidence-Based Research (4:03:24)
Dr. Donovan provides an opening statement highlighting AERO's work on AI in schools, early childhood education, and the importance of evidence-based practice for child safety and equity.
Impact of Classroom Disruption on Learning (4:07:38)
Inquiry into the amount of teaching time lost to classroom disruption and the potential for national data collection through NAPLAN or regular surveys to track improvement.
Independent Performance Evaluation of AERO (4:11:20)
Questions regarding the $420,000 independent evaluation of AERO, including FOI denials, the decision not to release the report publicly, and the implementation of its findings.
AERO Work Plan and Reporting Transparency (4:16:10)
Discussion on the transparency of AERO's annual work plan, quarterly reporting to ministers, and the implementation of an annual report for public accountability.
Digital Devices and AI in Classrooms (4:17:58)
Examination of PISA data regarding digital device usage in Australian schools and the lack of a strong evidence base for the benefits of AI in classroom settings.
Evidence-Based Approach to AI in Primary Schools (4:20:28)
Discussion on the risks of AI disrupting foundational learning in early primary school and the importance of explicit instruction over generative AI tools for long-term retention.
Adjournment for Lunch Break (4:25:31)
The committee concludes its session with the Australian Education Research Organization and adjourns for a one-hour lunch break.
Government Spending on Disaster and Drought Support (5:08:44)
Oversight of government spending on disaster preparedness and drought support for affected regions.
Water Management and Food Security Strategies (5:14:19)
Evaluating water management strategies and security measures to maintain food production during droughts.
Emissions Reduction and Safeguard Mechanism Implementation (5:18:25)
Final discussion on emissions reduction targets and the implementation of the Safeguard Mechanism.
CCTV Assessment and Safety Reports (5:26:02)
The committee discusses the findings of NAS group and KPMG reports on CCTV usage in early childhood centers, noting that education ministers will consider the results in an upcoming meeting.
CCTV Effectiveness and Four Corners Report (5:27:59)
Following a Four Corners report on child abuse, senators question whether CCTV acts as a deterrent or merely documents abuse, emphasizing that it is not a substitute for active supervision.
Data Collection on Child Abuse Prevalence (5:33:19)
The department explains why it does not hold national data on the prevalence of child abuse in early childhood settings, citing jurisdictional boundaries and the role of law enforcement.
Child Safety Reforms and Worker Register (5:36:04)
Minister Aly outlines a suite of reforms intended to break the business model of perpetrators, including the first national register of early childhood educators and device bans.
Supervision and Trainee Qualification Requirements (5:41:27)
Senators raise concerns about trainees being left alone with infants, leading to a discussion on the review of 'working towards' qualification provisions and supervision obligations.
Enforcement Actions Against Large Providers (5:44:48)
The committee examines enforcement actions and unannounced spot checks at large childcare chains, focusing on ratio breaches and the coordination between state and federal regulators.
Regulatory Powers and Subsidy Withdrawal (5:51:48)
Discussion on the government's power to withdraw childcare subsidies from non-compliant providers and the immediate closure of services deemed unsafe by regulators.
Communication Regarding Serious Abuse Cases (5:57:30)
Senator Sullivan questions the Minister's lack of a public statement regarding a major child abuse case (Operation Moonby) and the sensitivity of her social media communications.
Mandatory Child Safety Training for Educators (6:08:05)
Examination of online training modules for childcare educators, including completion rates, content feedback, and technical platform integrity.
Expanding Childcare Services in Regional Tasmania (6:15:07)
Updates on new childcare services and Commonwealth funding for projects in Devonport, Westbury, and other Tasmanian communities.
Addressing Childcare Deserts in Remote Mining Towns (6:19:02)
Discussion on the lack of childcare services in remote areas like Weipa and its impact on the mining workforce and economic productivity.
National Data on Childcare Service Closures (6:21:57)
Analysis of data regarding childcare service closures versus new approvals, including state-level reporting and national law cancellations.
Building Early Education Fund and Viability (6:27:17)
Review of the Building Early Education Fund (BEEF) targets for new places and the potential for an Early Childhood Education Commission.
Funding Support for Not-for-Profit Providers (6:37:19)
Discussion on government efforts to support not-for-profit childcare services and expenditure under the Community Child Care Fund (CCCF).
Special Circumstances Grant Criteria and Applications (6:45:32)
Examination of the criteria and application process for the Special Circumstances grant stream.
Targets for Not-for-Profit Early Learning (6:50:23)
Inquiry into government targets for the proportion of childcare delivered by not-for-profit providers.
Credit Card Surcharges and Payment Methods (6:53:15)
Analysis of how new credit card surcharge rules affect childcare providers and parent payment options.
Mukinbudin Early Childhood Center Election Commitment (7:15:10)
Debate over the delivery of a $5 million election commitment for a childcare center in Mukinbudin.
Quality Standards in For-Profit Childcare (7:22:36)
The committee discusses data from a Four Corners report regarding the prevalence of for-profit early learning services and how the government ensures child safety and quality when providers face competing commercial pressures.
Provider Closures and Buy-Back Proposals (7:24:31)
Officials address the closure of Edge Early Learning centers and whether the Commonwealth would consider buying back centers to prevent service gaps, highlighting the transition of some services to not-for-profit providers like Good Start.
Addressing Regional Childcare Supply Gaps (7:27:46)
Discussion on childcare 'deserts' in regional and disadvantaged communities where commercial operation is unattractive, and the potential role of a new Early Education Commission in managing supply and demand.
Compliance with National Quality Standards (7:29:28)
Senator Hodgins-May questions the department on compliance actions for services failing to meet National Quality Standards (NQS) for five or more years and the transparency of regulatory monitoring data.
Managing Sudden Provider Administration Events (7:37:53)
The department explains the notification process and family support mechanisms when providers enter administration, including the financial viability reporting requirements for large childcare providers.
Services Outside National Quality Framework (7:49:48)
ACECQA officials discuss childcare services currently operating outside the National Quality Framework (NQF), such as playgroups and crèches, and plans to bring certain funded programs under the framework.
CCTV and Child Safety Monitoring (8:00:05)
The committee examines the role of CCTV in childcare centers for identifying abuse versus preserving evidence, and the national guidance provided to services regarding privacy and footage storage.
Regulatory Lessons from CCTV Abuse Evidence (8:04:27)
Following a Four Corners report on abuse in childcare, the committee discusses the limitations of CCTV as a preventative tool and the sharing of safety lessons between different regulatory systems for services both within and outside the National Quality Framework.
First Nations Participation in Higher Education (8:10:11)
Officials provide an update on the 18% increase in First Nations students starting higher education degrees over the last four years. The discussion includes success rates, employment outcomes, and the expansion of demand-driven places for medical students.
Accuracy of University Commencement Claims (8:15:52)
The opposition challenges the Minister for Education's claim that record numbers of Australians started university degrees this year. The department defends the statement as a projection based on preliminary data, while senators argue it misrepresents actual historical records.
Research Security and Foreign Collaborations (8:23:52)
The department discusses research security concerns regarding collaborations with Iran, Russia, and North Korea. Officials outline the monitoring of formal and informal arrangements and the ongoing review of threshold standards for research security.
Foreign Arrangement Scheme and ANU Cancellation (8:29:02)
Questions arise regarding the Foreign Minister's cancellation of the ANU's joint international science college with Shandong University in China. The department explains the role of DFAT in providing advice based on Australia's foreign policy and national interest.
Commonwealth Prac Payment Scheme Implementation (8:33:25)
An overview of the Commonwealth Prac Payment (paid practicum) scheme is provided, including the 64,000 unique students who have received payments. The department breaks down recipients by discipline, including nursing, teaching, and social work.
Eligibility and Workforce Shortage Analysis (8:39:37)
Officials explain the criteria for selecting disciplines eligible for practicum payments, focusing on workforce shortages and completion rates. The discussion addresses why certain fields, such as veterinary science, were excluded despite identified shortages.
Research Security and International Collaborations (8:45:59)
Discussion regarding the strengthening of threshold standards for research security and monitoring international researcher collaborations with foreign entities.
University Foreign Interference Taskforce Updates (8:49:00)
The department provides updates on the University Foreign Interference Taskforce (UFIT) and engagement with Five Eyes partners on research security and national risks.
Clarifying Domestic Student Enrollment Data (8:57:35)
Senator O'Sullivan questions discrepancies in domestic student enrollment figures and whether ministerial statements accurately reflected undergraduate commencements.
Ministerial Statements on Enrollment Growth (9:05:48)
Examination of Minister Clare's claims regarding a 30% increase in university enrollments and the use of projected versus actual data in public addresses.
University Enrollments and Population Trends (9:10:37)
Discussion on whether domestic university enrollments are keeping pace with Australian population growth and the impact of the Universities Accord targets.
Medical Student Exclusion from Placement Payments (9:14:34)
Senator Roberts questions why medical students are excluded from the Commonwealth Placement Payment despite high placement hours and significant equity gaps.
Domestic Medical Training vs Overseas Doctors (9:23:00)
Debate over the reliance on overseas-trained doctors versus increasing domestic medical school graduations and training capacity within the education system.
Hearing Suspension for Dinner Break (9:26:12)
The Chair suspends the hearing for a dinner break, with arrangements made for officials to return and for remaining questions to be placed on notice by senators.