How Senate estimates hold government to account
Senate estimates are public hearings held twice a year. Senators quiz ministers about how they spend taxpayer money.
When parliament votes on the federal budget or extra funding, it sends the spending details to Senate committees. Senate committees then hold public hearings.
Senators question government ministers and senior public servants about their departments' spending, policies and operations. This process lets lawmakers and voters see exactly where money goes and how agencies perform.
Senate estimates are one of the most powerful ways to check on government in the Australian parliament.
Why it mattersEstimates give ordinary Australians a clear view of how their tax dollars are spent. They show whether government is doing its job.
AustraliaSenate estimates affect all Australians who fund the government through tax and want to know where their money goes.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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