Senate estimates is a critical accountability and transparency mechanism. Hearings kick off this week.
Senate estimates are biannual public hearings where senators cross-examine government ministers and senior public servants. Estimates are considered one of the most powerful accountability and transparency mechanisms in the Australian federal parliamentary system.
When the government formulates its annual budget or requests supplementary funding, it must introduce appropriation bills into parliament. Before the Senate votes on passing these bills, it refers the expenditure details — otherwise known as “estimates” — to specialised committees.
The core purpose of these committees is to examine how government departments, statutory authorities and agencies collect and spend taxpayer money, execute public policy, and manage operations.