Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee

Senate Estimates hearing,

Searchable transcript of the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee, 11 Feb 2026 Senate Estimates hearing, with chapters: Strategic Environment and Port of Darwin, Defense Estate Audit and Divestment, Submarine Funding and Special Envoy, Personnel Impact and Site Closures,…

Chapters

  1. Strategic Environment and Port of Darwin (0:02)

    The committee discusses the deteriorating strategic environment, regional security challenges, and the whole-of-government process regarding the Port of Darwin.

  2. Defense Estate Audit and Divestment (35:04)

    Officials provide a breakdown of the $14 to $18 billion investment in northern bases and the rationale for divesting 67 legacy defense sites.

  3. Submarine Funding and Special Envoy (1:10:25)

    The committee questions a $3 billion budget discrepancy in the submarine program and the specific role and support provided to Special Envoy Luke Gosling.

  4. Personnel Impact and Site Closures (1:17:30)

    Discussion focuses on the notification process for 10,000 affected personnel and the mental health support provided following site closure announcements.

  5. Workforce Transition and Veteran Suicide (1:40:41)

    The committee reviews personnel relocation plans and examines the ADF's management of a specific veteran suicide case involving the Royal Commission.

  6. Aviation Systems and Integrity Concerns (2:18:11)

    Questions are raised regarding the transition of a high-ranking official to Lockheed Martin and the decision-making process for helicopter replacements.

  7. Swan Island Security and Heritage (2:34:09)

    A heated debate occurs regarding the security implications of selling land near Swan Island and the preservation of heritage sites like Fort Queenscliff.

  8. Sexual Misconduct and Legal Actions (3:25:28)

    The committee examines the Commonwealth's position on a sexual abuse class action and the enforcement of historical non-disclosure agreements.

  9. Sovereign Capability and Manufacturing (3:43:01)

    Officials discuss domestic small arms manufacturing at Lithgow and the importance of maintaining sovereign supply chains for critical equipment.

  10. Recruitment Targets and Estate Budget (4:45:35)

    The ADF reports on missing recruitment targets and provides a financial analysis of the $1.8 billion net return expected from property sales.

  11. International Law and US Secondments (5:12:40)

    The committee debates the US alliance's impact on international law and the policy governing Australian personnel embedded with US military units.

  12. Offshore Wind and Procurement Oversight (5:32:14)

    Discussion covers potential radar interference from offshore wind farms and the review of Major Service Provider arrangements in defense procurement.

  13. Naval Projects and Ukraine Aid (5:59:49)

    The committee scrutinizes design risks for the Hunter Class Frigate and reviews Australia's ongoing military and material support for Ukraine.

  14. F-35 Supply Chain and PNG Treaty (7:30:34)

    Final topics include F-35 export controls, the PNG recruitment treaty, and a valedictory for the outgoing Secretary of Defence, Greg Moriarty.