Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee

Senate Estimates hearing,

Searchable transcript of the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee, 13 Feb 2026 Senate Estimates hearing, with chapters: Opening and NUG Representative Testimony, Legitimacy of the Myanmar Elections, ASEAN Leadership and UN Diplomacy, Human Rights Watch and SAC-M,…

Chapters

  1. Opening and NUG Representative Testimony (0:01)

    The hearing opens with testimony from the National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar regarding the humanitarian crisis and the need for aviation fuel sanctions. Senators inquire about the impact of reduced international aid on diaspora communities and refugee camps.

  2. Legitimacy of the Myanmar Elections (19:22)

    Discussion focuses on the lack of legitimacy in the Myanmar elections, citing low voter turnout and the exclusion of opposition parties. Witnesses call for the Australian government to formally reject the election results and impose sanctions on the central bank.

  3. ASEAN Leadership and UN Diplomacy (26:15)

    The committee examines Malaysia's leadership within ASEAN and the role of the UN Special Envoy in addressing the Myanmar crisis. Witnesses advocate for a cross-border humanitarian assistance model similar to the United Nations' approach in Syria.

  4. Human Rights Watch and SAC-M (32:10)

    Representatives from Human Rights Watch and the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar provide opening statements on the unprecedented scale of the crisis. They argue that international attention is declining despite the worsening regional security situation.

  5. Resumption and Sham Election Results (1:10:27)

    Following a suspension, the hearing resumes with a detailed breakdown of the illegitimate Myanmar election results. Witnesses emphasize Thailand's critical role in enforcing banking sanctions and disrupting military supply chains.

  6. Refugee Resettlement and Diplomatic Dialogue (2:02:34)

    The discussion shifts to the need for increased Australian humanitarian aid and refugee resettlement programs. Witnesses advocate for initiating diplomatic dialogue with the Arakan Army and addressing the plight of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

  7. Labor Repression and Trade Unions (2:10:03)

    The Myanmar Campaign Network and the ACTU detail the severe repression of trade unions and labor rights since the military coup. They call for coordinated international sanctions to restrict the military's access to foreign currency and equipment.

  8. Labor Rights and Forced Labor (2:21:44)

    Witnesses provide evidence of systematic forced labor and the dismantling of worker organizations under military oversight. Senators question the ACTU on their specific advocacy efforts and prioritization of the Myanmar conflict within their international agenda.

  9. Remittances and the Timber Trade (2:31:31)

    The committee investigates the role of remittances and the importation of Burmese teak into Australia as sources of military funding. Witnesses call for an unambiguous condemnation of the military regime and broader sanctions against state-owned enterprises.

  10. Conflict Intensity and Ethnic Resistance (2:39:41)

    The Institute for Strategy and Policy Myanmar and the Myanmar Research Centre provide an assessment of conflict intensity and the strength of ethnic resistance organizations. They highlight the military's loss of territorial control and the rise of civilian administrations.

  11. Cross-Border Aid and Geopolitical Risks (2:57:34)

    Witnesses argue that DFAT must shift aid delivery away from central government channels toward non-state actors and cross-border networks. They warn of the military's adoption of Russian-style ideology and the resulting geopolitical implications for the region.

  12. Baptist Ministries and Diaspora Support (3:10:24)

    Representatives from Australian Baptist Ministries and the CRPH Support Group highlight the critical role of faith-based networks in delivering aid. They emphasize the desperate situation of displaced persons and the importance of diaspora engagement.

  13. Humanitarian Strategy and Non-State Actors (3:20:52)

    The committee discusses alternative humanitarian aid delivery methods that bypass the military junta. Witnesses reach a consensus that Australia should prioritize non-state actors and formally reject the legitimacy of the military-led elections.

  14. DFAT Response on Sanctions and Aid (3:38:55)

    DFAT officials provide a snapshot of Australia's diplomatic efforts, defending the 'judicious' use of sanctions and the maintenance of diplomatic representation. They address concerns regarding aid budget transparency, aviation fuel supply chains, and refugee repatriation.