What is a 'senate estimate'?

Great question Jessica! Senate estimates are meetings, also called hearings, where senators question government ministers and senior public servants about government spending, decisions and programs outlined in the Budget.

Senate estimates are an important way of scrutinising – closely examining – the work of the government and making it accountable to the Australian Parliament.

The hearings, which are open to the public, are conducted by the 8 Senate legislation committees. Each committee is responsible for examining different government departments and agencies.

A Senate estimates committee hearing at Australian Parliament House. People are listening to a senator asking a question.

Senate estimates in action

DPS Auspic

Senate estimates in action

A Senate estimates committee hearing at Australian Parliament House. People are listening to a senator asking a question.

DPS Auspic

Description

Members of parliament sitting at desks in rows opposite each other in a committee room at Australian Parliament House. There are folders of paper and laptops in front of them. One member of parliament is speaking to the group and the others are listening.

Permission should be sought from DPS AUSPIC for third-party or commercial uses of this image. To contact DPS AUSPIC email: auspic@aph.gov.au or phone: 02 6277 3342.