Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee

Senate Estimates hearing, 29 Oct 2026

Searchable transcript of the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee, 29 Oct 2026 Senate Estimates hearing, with chapters: Opening of Senate Estimates Hearing, Condolences for Corporal Brendan Hannam, Secretary's Statement on Defense Reform, CDF Statement on Strategic…

Chapters

Opening of Senate Estimates Hearing (0:39)
The Chair opens the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade Legislation Committee hearing, outlining procedural rules, parliamentary privilege, and deadlines for questions on notice.
Condolences for Corporal Brendan Hannam (16:06)
The Committee and Department officials acknowledge the tragic death of Corporal Brendan Hannam during a training exercise and extend condolences to his family and colleagues.
Secretary's Statement on Defense Reform (18:07)
Secretary Megan Quinn outlines the department's focus on reform, capability building, international partnerships, and the response to the Royal Commission into Defense and Veteran Suicide.
CDF Statement on Strategic Environment (23:37)
Admiral Mark Hammond discusses the complex global strategic environment, ongoing ADF operations, and a review into fatal training accidents following recent tragedies.
Delays in Questions on Notice (31:52)
Senator Paterson questions the Department on the late return of answers to questions on notice, focusing on potential political sensitivities and logistical miscommunications.
Departmental Budget and Capability Reviews (37:46)
Discussion regarding reports of a budget review within the Department of Defense and the potential for future adjustments to major capability programs like the Hunter class.
Adjustments to the Integrated Investment Program (40:00)
Officials discuss the re-prioritization of defense projects within the Integrated Investment Program, addressing potential delays and budget shifts for major platforms.
Project Divestments and National Security (44:27)
Officials identify specific projects being divested, such as C-27J Spartans and deployable infrastructure, while withholding details on a fourth project due to national security concerns.
Deployable Infrastructure and Air Traffic Systems (49:49)
Questioning focuses on the decision to de-prioritize new deployable hangers and air traffic control facilities in favor of other strategic goals.
Transitioning to Autonomous Mine Hunting Capabilities (53:16)
The department outlines plans to decommission mine hunter coastal vessels early to accelerate the adoption of autonomous robotic demining systems.
IGADF Inquiry into Special Forces Culture (56:14)
Senator Shoebridge questions the Chief of the Defence Force regarding leadership accountability following the IGADF inquiry into Afghanistan operations.
Accountability for Misconduct and Throwdown Practices (1:05:20)
Discussion centers on the practice of "throwdowns" and the perceived lack of disciplinary action against commissioned officers for cultural failures.
Headquarters Awareness of Afghanistan Operational Data (1:09:17)
Senators examine whether defense headquarters ignored data regarding rising fatalities and kinetic operations during successive deployments to Afghanistan.
Defense Budget Sustainability and Overprogramming Tools (1:19:34)
Officials explain the use of "overprogramming" as a standard budgeting tool to manage complex multi-year projects and ensure full budget utilization.
ADF Health Services Contract and Bupa (1:29:37)
Discussion regarding the ADF health services contract, recovery of incorrect payments from Bupa, and the medical fitness of serving personnel.
Defense Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (1:38:04)
Questions concerning the delay in announcing the new DOHAS lender panel and the inclusion of mortgage brokers in the scheme to improve member outcomes.
Sexual Misconduct and Extraterritorial Law (1:45:00)
Inquiry into legal protections for ADF members against sexual harassment and discrimination while serving overseas or on international waters under the Sex Discrimination Act.
HMAS Leeuwin Camera Incident and Audits (1:50:06)
Updates on the investigation into an illegal camera found on HMAS Leeuwin and the subsequent audit of bathroom facilities across the naval fleet.
Overprogramming and Project Funding Status (1:56:00)
Further debate on whether overprogrammed projects are considered 'unfunded' and the legitimacy of overprogramming in defense procurement.
Mine Hunting and Autonomous Systems (1:59:05)
Discussion on the transition from traditional mine hunters to autonomous underwater systems and the potential for capability gaps during the decommissioning phase.
IIP Reprioritizations and Forward Estimates (2:05:06)
Brief follow-up on the $5 billion figure for Integrated Investment Program (IIP) reprioritizations within the forward estimates.
Integrated Investment Program Funding and Reprioritization (2:05:06)
The Vice Chief of the Defence Force confirms the $5 billion and $10 billion figures for reprioritization within the forward estimates and the decade-long Integrated Investment Program.
Scrutiny of Undisclosed Defense Capability Cuts (2:06:58)
Senators question why the majority of the 18 identified project descopes or delays remain classified, arguing that the lack of disclosure prevents proper parliamentary scrutiny of public expenditure.
Defense Information Classification and Declassification Process (2:10:56)
Officials explain the process for declassifying defense project information, balancing national security risks and commercial disadvantage against the public's right to information.
Reprofiling Infrastructure and Logistics Project Savings (2:34:46)
Following a break, the committee examines $2.5 billion in savings achieved through reprofiling infrastructure and logistics projects, questioning how much funding is pushed beyond the 10-year window.
Commercial Sensitivity and NATO Methodology Tabling (2:39:02)
The department defends withholding itemized project costs to protect the Commonwealth's negotiating position, while agreeing to table a document regarding NATO spending methodology.
Public Interest Immunity Claim for Valdez Report (2:41:38)
Senator Shoebridge questions the timing and justification of a Public Interest Immunity claim over the Valdez report concerning the Collins class submarine life extension program.
Valdez Report and Collins Class Submarines (2:41:38)
Senator Shoebridge questions the government's refusal to release the Valdez report concerning the Collins class submarine Life of Type Extension (LOTE) project.
Expenditure and Progress on LOTE Project (2:48:36)
Officials defend the $680 million spent on the submarine life extension project, explaining that costs cover design, engineering, and long-lead item procurement.
US NCIS Security Assessments on Bases (2:52:53)
Inquiry into reports of US undercover agents testing security at Australian naval bases, with officials clarifying these are joint, collaborative security protocols.
Integrated Air and Missile Defense Options (3:02:18)
Discussion on the LAND 6504 project, including potential systems like Patriot and the process for identifying mature military off-the-shelf capabilities.
Timelines for Medium Range Air Defense (3:11:43)
Examination of delivery milestones for medium-range air defense, contrasting early 2030s goals with previous project priorities and industry engagement.
Israeli Technology in Defense Procurement (3:16:17)
Debate over the potential use of Israeli-derived technology in missile defense systems and whether political sensitivities affect procurement decisions.
Firearms Shipment Delays and Import Permits (3:20:36)
Questions regarding a 42-day delay in a firearms shipment caused by changes to import permit regulations and the department's response to legislative updates.
Freedom of Information Request Processing Delays (3:25:17)
The committee discusses Defense's failure to comply with a specific FOI request within the statutory timeframe and the department's general approach to transparency.
Procurement and Strategy for Abrams Tanks (3:27:10)
Officials provide details on the $1.2 billion cost for 75 M1A2 Abrams tanks and justify the investment as a key component of Australia's deterrence strategy.
Future of Submarine Rotational Force-West (3:32:45)
Senator Paterson seeks clarification on whether the rotational presence of US and UK submarines at HMAS Stirling is an enduring arrangement or time-limited to 2032.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation and US Asset Visits (3:39:21)
Discussion regarding Australia's obligations under the Treaty of Rarotonga and the policy of allowing visits by nuclear-capable US assets as part of extended deterrence.
Drone Incursions at RAAF Base Williamtown (3:44:43)
Air Force officials describe recent drone incursions at RAAF Base Williamtown, the methods of detection, and the standard security protocols used in response.
Legislative Authority for Counter-Drone Operations (3:56:59)
The committee examines the development of new legislation to provide the ADF with clear legal authority to intercept and down drones over military facilities.
Response Protocols at RAAF Base Williamtown (4:04:33)
Inquiry into the specific security protocols followed at RAAF Base Williamtown during drone intrusions, including the instruction to close window blinds.
US Congressional Views on Nuclear Submarines (4:05:58)
Examination of comments made by US Congressman Michael McCaul regarding the likelihood of US Virginia-class submarines carrying nuclear weapons during rotations.
Policy on Nuclear Weapons in Australia (4:08:20)
The government reiterates its policy against stationing nuclear weapons in Australia and addresses assertions regarding US submarine capabilities.
Status of US Sea-Launched Cruise Missiles (4:09:29)
Technical discussion on the development status of the US sea-launched cruise missile program and its implications for future submarine rotations.
Treaty of Rarotonga and Visiting Platforms (4:11:00)
Officials discuss Australia's obligations under the Treaty of Rarotonga and the policy of neither confirming nor denying the presence of nuclear weapons on visiting platforms.
Transparency on Nuclear-Capable Submarine Visits (4:12:50)
Senator Shoebridge questions the government's transparency with the public regarding potential changes in the nuclear armament of visiting US submarines.
Resumption of Hearing and Allowance Inquiry (5:04:06)
Senator Paterson questions the Department of Defence regarding reports of meal and incidental allowance cuts for ADF members on overseas deployments.
Alignment of ADF and DFAT Allowances (5:05:32)
Officials explain that ADF allowances were updated to align with DFAT standards, resulting in decreases in some locations and increases in others.
Impact of Allowance Cuts on Remuneration (5:06:57)
The committee debates whether allowance reductions constitute a cut to total remuneration or simply an adjustment to local cost-of-living benchmarks.
Magnitude and Scope of Allowance Reductions (5:10:31)
Discussion focuses on the magnitude of allowance cuts, with some locations seeing reductions of 50% or more, and requests for detailed data.
Policy Origins and Communication to Personnel (5:13:08)
Defence officials outline the policy review process, ministerial involvement, and how changes were communicated to personnel via the chain of command.
Henderson Defence Precinct Capability Milestones (5:17:56)
Senator Paterson shifts to the Henderson Defence Precinct, inquiring about capability delivery milestones and the phased approach to its establishment.
Mogami Class Construction and Design Milestones (5:19:01)
Officials clarify the inclusion of Mogami class ship construction at Henderson and provide timelines for design milestones and early works.
Investment Costs for Henderson Consolidation (5:23:44)
The department addresses the estimated $25 billion investment required for the Henderson precinct and responds to media speculation regarding higher costs.
Dry Dock Requirements and Design Plans (5:25:46)
Discussion regarding the number of dry docks required at Henderson. Officials confirm they are currently designing for two docks based on requirements from the Australian Submarine Agency, though construction has not yet commenced.
Maintenance at Captain Cook Graving Dock (5:26:43)
Officials address the remediation needs of the Captain Cook Graving Dock at Garden Island. They discuss the lack of alternative large-scale docks in Australia and the potential use of regional partners or in-water maintenance technologies during remediation periods.
Viability of Williamstown Shipyard Infrastructure (5:32:34)
The committee explores the potential use of the Williamstown shipyard in Victoria. Defense officials explain that while the workforce is strong, infrastructure and supply chain constraints make it a less viable option compared to Adelaide and Henderson.
Audit of Surveillance Devices in Facilities (5:34:43)
An update is provided on the audit of ADF estate facilities following an incident involving cameras in soap dispensers. Officials report that the audit is complete and no additional devices were located, characterizing the initial event as an aberration.
Mental Health Support and Clinical Governance (5:36:43)
A detailed review of mental health services in the ADF, covering staff uplifts, 24-hour support lines, and the implementation of Royal Commission recommendations. The discussion includes clinical governance, psychologist facilities, and anonymous complaint mechanisms.
Nuclear Weapons and the Virginia Class (5:54:04)
The committee debates the impact of US laws requiring nuclear-capable missiles on Virginia class submarines. Officials discuss Australia's obligations under the Treaty of Rarotonga and the distinction between the rotation and permanent stationing of nuclear weapons.
Treaty of Rarotonga and nuclear rotations (6:02:36)
Debate over the interpretation of the Treaty of Rarotonga regarding rotating nuclear-armed assets through Australian ports.
Comprehensive update on support for Ukraine (6:11:58)
Detailed briefing on Australia's $1.9 billion military and financial assistance to Ukraine, including Operation Kudu.
Maritime Capability Coalition and autonomous systems (6:23:20)
Examination of the Maritime Capability Coalition and collaboration with the Australian defense industry on autonomous technologies.
UK defense engagement and security outlook (6:27:39)
Discussion on high-level engagement with the UK government regarding European security threats and NATO cooperation.
ADF personnel welfare and medical discharge (6:30:27)
Review of a specific medical discharge case and broader ADF personnel support mechanisms and privacy protocols.
RAAF Base Tindal emergency landing protocols (6:37:01)
Inquiry into commercial airline access to RAAF Base Tindal for emergency landings and flight planning requirements.
Mogami frigate construction and steel supply (6:38:51)
Update on the Mogami frigate build schedule at Henderson shipyard and the impact of Whyalla steel supply concerns.
Impact of Whyalla Steel Works Closure (6:44:24)
The committee examines the potential impact of the Whyalla Steel Works closure on defense supply chains, particularly for submarine construction and structural steel required for major infrastructure projects.
Structural Steel Supply and Market Demand (6:48:19)
Discussion continues regarding the reliance on international steel supply chains and the Department of Defense's relatively small share of the domestic structural steel market compared to broader national infrastructure needs.
Defense Estate Divestiture and Cost-Benefit Analysis (6:53:45)
Officials explain the cost-benefit analysis process for divesting defense assets, including the sale of Victoria Barracks in Sydney and the financial implications of moving to leased office space in Defense Plaza Sydney.
Revalidation of Defense Site Divestment Plans (6:59:23)
The department details changes to the list of sites recommended for divestment, including partial divestments for HMAS Penguin and Waradale Barracks to preserve critical operational capability.
Relocation of Forces Command to Randwick (7:04:41)
The Chief of Army discusses the split of Forces Command between Randwick Barracks and Defense Plaza Sydney, including the use of temporary buildings during the transition to a permanent solution.
Working Conditions at Defense Plaza Sydney (7:08:59)
Senators question the 8:10 hot-desking ratio and the availability of secure terminals (Zone 3 and 4) for personnel relocating to Defense Plaza Sydney, raising concerns about operational readiness.
Security and Surveillance Risks at Defense Plaza (7:15:45)
The hearing concludes with concerns about the security of ADF personnel in a public building, including surveillance risks in the lobby, foreign ownership of the facility, and the application of new security zone legislation.
Lease Oversight and Security Accreditation (7:24:50)
The department explains the 2020 lease agreement for Defense Plaza Sydney and the security accreditation processes involving ASIO and the Australian Signals Directorate.
Recruiting PNG Citizens into the ADF (7:44:49)
Discussion on the pilot project to recruit Papua New Guinea nationals into the ADF under the Pakpak treaty, including specific entry requirements for university students.
Integration Pathways for PNG Recruits (7:49:38)
Officials detail the training, visa arrangements, and citizenship pathways for the first cohort of PNG nationals joining the Australian Defense Force.
Mateship and Cultural Integration in ADF (7:52:28)
Senators and officials discuss the importance of mateship, loyalty, and shared values when integrating recruits from diverse backgrounds into the ADF.
Defense Housing Costs and Wage Increases (7:58:31)
A comparison of ADF wage increases against public service pay rises and rising rental costs within Defense Housing Australia (DHA).
Recruitment Targets and Adeco Performance (8:03:04)
Examination of recruitment targets, the performance of contractor Adeco, and the 269-day average timeframe from application to offer, with a goal to reduce this to 100 days.
International Recruitment and Eligibility Criteria (8:08:22)
Details on widening ADF eligibility to include permanent residents from New Zealand, the UK, Canada, the US, and Papua New Guinea, including policies against poaching from New Zealand.
Defense Spending and Delivery Agency (8:11:55)
Discussion on managing budget overprogramming and the transition of projects to the new Defense Delivery Agency (DDA) to ensure financial clarity.
Project Health Checks and Budgets (8:16:46)
Inquiry into the 'health check' process for projects transferring to the DDA and whether projects are exceeding their original second-pass budget envelopes.
Media Leak and Security Protocols (8:25:19)
Investigation into a media leak regarding budget assessments and the use of the Sensitive Issues Protocol (SIP) to manage highly sensitive information.
Anduril Dive-LD Capture and Ghost Shark (8:34:31)
Concerns regarding Iran's capture of an Anduril Dive-LD vehicle and potential security risks to the Australian Ghost Shark project, despite assurances of significant differences between the platforms.
AI and Autonomous Weapons Policy (8:44:14)
Discussion on the ADF's responsible use policy for artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons systems, particularly regarding lethal payloads.
Human Accountability in AI Kill Decisions (8:47:54)
A detailed debate on whether the ADF's AI policy requires a human to make lethal force decisions or merely holds humans accountable for AI actions.
ADF Pay Rises and Deployment Allowances (8:53:35)
Officials explain the timing of pay rises for ADF and APS staff and address concerns regarding reduced allowances for personnel in South Sudan and Europe.
Service Conditions for Operation Aslan (8:57:28)
Inquiry into reports of ADF members paying rent and purchasing their own food while deployed in South Sudan, alongside safety assessments of the region.
Victoria Barracks Sale and Army Morale (9:00:20)
Senator Collins questions the Chief of Army on how the sale of the historic Victoria Barracks in Sydney will impact the morale and resilience of personnel.
Relocation to Defense Plaza Sydney (9:06:33)
Discussion on the transition of Forces Command to Defense Plaza Sydney, including the use of "villages" and "neighborhoods" in the office layout.
Security and Facilities at Defense Plaza (9:13:35)
Senators raise concerns about gym capacity, change rooms, and the management of security camera footage at the new leased office facility in Sydney.
ADF Training Fatalities and Supercat Vehicle Rollovers (9:30:16)
The Chief of Army provides evidence on training fatalities and vehicle safety incidents within the ADF. The testimony focuses on rollover and layover statistics, specifically detailing four incidents involving the Supercat high mobility vehicle.
Environmental Reporting of Whale Deaths at HMAS Stirling (9:35:34)
Officials address reports of dead whales found near HMAS Stirling on Garden Island. The discussion examines compliance with EPBC Act regulations, including notification procedures to the Department of Climate Change and stop-work protocols during environmental incidents.