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

At the request of Senator McGrath, I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Special Minister of State, by no later than 5 pm on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, the final versions of all hot issues/Senate estimates briefs (including any attachments) prepared by the Department of Finance relating to the responsibilities of the Special Minister of State, and used by its officials for their appearance at the 2025-26 supplementary Budget estimates hearing of the Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee on 1 December 2025.

Nita Green (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Tourism) 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 the amendment as moved by Senator Green to general business notice of motion No. 362, standing in the name of Senator McGrath, be agreed to. A division is required—another deferred motion.