Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee [Part 2]

Senate Estimates hearing,

Searchable transcript of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee [Part 2], 27 Oct 2026 Senate Estimates hearing, with chapters: Resumption of Proceedings for Outcome Two, Modeling of Working Holiday Maker Ballot Program, Impact of Ministerial Direction 117 on Parent…

Chapters

  1. Resumption of Proceedings for Outcome Two (0:18)

    The committee reconvenes after a dinner break to continue questioning on Outcome Two, with the Chair noting the release of the ACIC from the program.

  2. Modeling of Working Holiday Maker Ballot Program (25:56)

    Senator Duniam questions the lack of economic modeling or impact assessments regarding the second and third year working holiday maker ballot program.

  3. Impact of Ministerial Direction 117 on Parent Visas (29:19)

    Senator Shoebridge examines the effects of Ministerial Direction 117 on parent visa processing and the prioritization of onshore applications.

  4. No Further Stay Conditions for Visiting Parents (30:53)

    Discussion on the practical difficulties faced by elderly parents who are unable to apply for permanent visas onshore due to 'no further stay' conditions.

  5. Partner Visa Restrictions and Onshore Applications (33:29)

    The committee discusses how new ministerial directions impact the ability of partners on visitor visas to apply for permanent residency while in Australia.

  6. Debate on Rights to Family Completion (35:20)

    A policy debate regarding whether Australian citizens have a fundamental right to bring foreign partners to Australia to live as a family unit.

  7. Partner and Parent Visa Policy Debate (40:01)

    Discussion on the sustainability of partner and parent visa numbers, including the Greens' stance on family reunification versus government caps.

  8. Regional Processing and Transfers to Nauru (43:25)

    Senator Shoebridge questions officials about the transfer of women and children to Nauru for regional processing and their subsequent status.

  9. Refugee Support and Funding in PNG (48:48)

    Oversight of funding arrangements in PNG for former Manus Island refugees and the performance of the Vanguard training contract.

  10. Statistics on Unlawful Non-Citizens (54:17)

    Presentation of updated statistics on the 79,400 unlawful non-citizens in Australia, categorized by their last held visa types.

  11. Protection Visa Processing and Legal Aid (57:10)

    Review of the $54 million investment in protection visa processing and the effectiveness of providing legal assistance to applicants.

  12. ABF Commissioner's Opening Statement (1:01:49)

    The ABF Commissioner provides an update on border operations, including drug seizures, digital passenger cards, and passenger growth.

  13. Unauthorized Maritime Arrival at Weipa (1:06:00)

    Investigation into the unauthorized maritime arrival at Pennyfather Beach near Weipa and the role of Indigenous rangers in surveillance.

  14. Illicit Tobacco and Deloitte Contract (1:16:41)

    Inquiry into potential conflicts of interest regarding a Deloitte contract with the Illicit Tobacco and E-cigarette Commissioner.

  15. IT Access and Tobacco Control Guidelines (1:28:19)

    Officials explain the restrictions on Deloitte personnel's access to internal IT systems and the office's commitment to World Health Organization tobacco control guidelines.

  16. Restraints and Handcuffing in Immigration Detention (1:33:05)

    Senator Payman questions the use of mechanical restraints and handcuffing in immigration detention, specifically regarding children and a recent report on health standards.

  17. Firearm Import Permits and ABF Custody (1:37:37)

    Senator McKenzie inquires about the B79 firearm import process, permit delays, and the number of consignments currently held in ABF custody.

  18. National Firearms Safety Council Establishment (1:42:27)

    Discussion regarding the establishment of the National Firearms Safety Council, including application numbers, membership representation, and operational funding.

  19. Operation Athena and Illicit Firearm Detections (1:49:07)

    ABF officials provide details on Operation Athena and the detection of undeclared firearms, distinguishing between criminal smuggling and administrative permit errors.

  20. Illicit Tobacco Outcomes Framework and Data (1:53:02)

    The Illicit Tobacco Commissioner outlines the development of a new outcomes framework and the process for collecting standardized enforcement data from states and territories.

  21. Secure Journeys Escapes and Abatements (1:59:57)

    Following a brief discussion on data custodian agreements, the committee examines 11 escapes from Secure Journeys facilities and the application of financial penalties (abatements) under the performance management framework.

  22. Immigration Detention Expansion and Child Safety (2:13:45)

    Inquiry into the budget and locations for 250 new detention beds, including concerns about the potential detention of children and human rights implications.

  23. Detention Network Staffing and Safety Standards (2:19:14)

    Examination of staffing levels within the immigration detention network following the transition to Secure Journeys and the standards for safety and security.

  24. AFP Statement on Threats to Parliamentarians (2:25:47)

    AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw delivers an opening statement addressing the rise in threats against parliamentarians, online hate, and antisemitism.

  25. Bondi Attack Royal Commission and Recommendations (2:32:16)

    Questions regarding the AFP's participation in the Bondi attack Royal Commission, witness selection, and the implementation of interim recommendations.

  26. AFP Freedom of Information Refusal Rates (2:36:56)

    Discussion on the increasing volume of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and the rising rate of refusals due to complexity and national security.

  27. Investigation into IDF Service Referrals (2:38:17)

    Inquiry into the AFP's assessment of referrals from advocacy groups regarding Australians serving in the IDF during hostilities in Gaza.

  28. Control orders and AFP organizational realignment (2:43:53)

    Officials address the status of interim control orders for specific individuals and respond to concerns regarding AFP staffing levels, budget management, and the policing of social cohesion.

  29. Safety of parliamentarians and protection assessments (2:49:04)

    The AFP responds to reports of threats against parliamentarians and explains the process for conducting security assessments and providing protection for public community events.