Wendy Askew (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Dean Smith, I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, by no later than 5 pm on Friday, 6 March 2026, all final versions of the hot issues/Senate estimates briefs (including all attachments) prepared by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and intended to be used by its officials for their appearance at additional estimates 2025-26.

Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I move:

Omit all words after "That", substitute "the Senate notes that:

(a) complying with an order to produce all estimates briefs would irreparably damage the ability of Government departments and agencies to support the estimates committee process in the future;

(b) it is the collective nature of questioning at estimates that contributes to the Senate's scrutiny role; and

(c) the release of documents sought by orders to produce all estimates briefs would likely change the way that all Government departments and agencies prepare for estimates and, indeed, all committee processes in the future".

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that the amendment as moved by Senator McAllister to general business notice of motion No. 353 be agreed to.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 353, standing in the name of Senator Dean Smith, be agreed to.