Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee

Senate Estimates hearing,

Searchable transcript of the Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee, 09 Feb 2026 Senate Estimates hearing, with chapters: Senate Administration and Parliamentary Privilege, PBO Analysis of Staffing and Deficits, Parliament House Infrastructure and ICT Outages, DPS…

Chapters

  1. Senate Administration and Parliamentary Privilege (0:04)

    The committee discusses the administrative pause in processing questions on notice and the scope of parliamentary privilege regarding committee submissions.

  2. PBO Analysis of Staffing and Deficits (18:34)

    The Parliamentary Budget Office explains methodology for staffing level forecasts and discusses budget deficits and nuclear energy costings.

  3. Parliament House Infrastructure and ICT Outages (41:44)

    Department of Parliamentary Services officials address infrastructure planning, recent ICT system outages, and cybersecurity threats to the building.

  4. DPS Facilities and Conduct Investigations (1:23:15)

    Examination of Parliament House gym operations, the department's procedures for code of conduct investigations, and office renovation costs.

  5. NIAA Engagement and Community Safety (2:45:04)

    The NIAA discusses the value of the Garma Festival and the agency's response to community safety incidents and truth-telling initiatives.

  6. Remote Employment and Essential Services (3:33:48)

    Details on the transition to the Remote Australia Employment Service and the provision of essential services like reliable power in remote communities.

  7. Land Councils and Indigenous Economic Development (4:59:05)

    Land Councils provide updates on water rights, forestry projects, and their internal policies regarding the use of artificial intelligence.

  8. Royal Commission into Antisemitism (5:52:06)

    Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet officials detail the rapid timeline and consultation process for establishing the Royal Commission into Antisemitism.

  9. Diplomatic Visits and APS Terminations (6:23:01)

    Discussion on the diplomatic visit of President Herzog and the termination of the Department of Employment Secretary under the Public Service Act.

  10. Social Policy and Regulatory Impact (6:45:34)

    Debate over the proposed 'Office for Men' and further clarification on the remit and institutional scope of the Antisemitism Royal Commission.

  11. National Identity and APS Training (7:40:02)

    Inquiry into the National Australia Day Council, the Port of Darwin commitment, and the implementation of antisemitism training in the APS.

  12. Regulatory Burden and Agency Staffing (8:10:08)

    The Office of Impact Analysis discusses regulatory burden, red tape, and staffing levels required to monitor government policy impacts.

  13. Parliamentary Accountability and Foreign Affairs (8:24:32)

    Review of outstanding Senate committee reports and diplomatic developments including the Indonesia security treaty and Palestinian Authority undertakings.

  14. Ministerial Conduct and Budget Processes (9:08:18)

    Discussion on security infrastructure at Kirribilli House and ministerial compliance with travel expense rules and budget savings correspondence.