Senate Economics Legislation Committee

Senate Estimates hearing,

Searchable transcript of the Senate Economics Legislation Committee, 11 Feb 2026 Senate Estimates hearing, with chapters: Macroeconomic Outlook and Productivity Trends, Capital Gains Tax and Housing Policy, Housing Supply and Construction Standards, AOFM Review and Investor Front Door, RBA Board,…

Chapters

  1. Macroeconomic Outlook and Productivity Trends (0:00)

    The committee discusses the macroeconomic outlook and long-term productivity trends in the domestic economy.

  2. Capital Gains Tax and Housing Policy (37:27)

    Senators examine the distribution of capital gains tax benefits and the impact of tax settings on housing policy.

  3. Housing Supply and Construction Standards (1:08:43)

    Discussion focuses on housing supply targets, dwelling investment forecasts, and the National Construction Code.

  4. AOFM Review and Investor Front Door (1:22:32)

    Officials provide updates on the Australian Office of Financial Management review and the Investor Front Door program.

  5. RBA Board, Migration, and Carbon Farming (1:44:52)

    The committee questions Reserve Bank board transparency, migration's impact on inflation, and carbon farming modeling.

  6. Economic Forecasting and Productivity Record (2:06:52)

    Senators debate national accounts data, forecasting discrepancies between Treasury and the RBA, and the government's productivity record.

  7. Corporate Governance and Regulatory Oversight (2:46:44)

    Questioning covers Corporate Division operations, Freedom of Information management, and APRA leadership appointments.

  8. Inquiry Responses and Financial Schemes (3:02:13)

    The committee reviews government responses to inquiries regarding regional banking, insurance, and the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort.

  9. Supermarket Pricing and Competition Policy (3:18:23)

    Discussion centers on supermarket price gouging investigations, the Food and Grocery Code, and competition policy.

  10. Consulting Reform and Regulatory Capture (3:41:52)

    Senators examine consulting sector reforms, the government's response to the PwC scandal, and risks of regulatory capture.

  11. Budget Projections and Fiscal Strategy (5:10:22)

    Officials address medium-term budget projections, fiscal strategy, and the impact of spending on bond yields.

  12. HECS Revaluations and Budget Variations (5:43:24)

    The committee discusses HECS revaluations, the costing of the home battery scheme, and significant budget variations.

  13. Taxation Reform and Superannuation (6:05:16)

    Senators question electric vehicle tax concessions, superannuation tax, and the history of capital gains tax.

  14. Tobacco, PRRT, and ATO Integrity (7:14:53)

    The final session covers tobacco excise, resource rent tax, ATO integrity, and legal division oversight.