What is the Estimates Hearings process?

Estimates Hearings are an important fixture on the Queensland Parliament calendar. The process, known as Budget Estimates, is aimed at maintaining transparency and accountability over government spending and revenue collection for both ministers and public servants.

Estimates was introduced in 1994 as a mechanism to oversee the government expenditure, performance and effectiveness. Multiparty parliamentary committees can question Ministers, Directors-General and senior officials about initiatives and costs.

In 2024, the hearings will run across seven parliamentary hearing days from July 23 to August 1.

What happens at Budget Estimates?

The relevant Minister and the Director-General of the department attend the committee hearing.

Committee members can ask a wide range of relevant details or policy questions of the Minister or the Director-General, who can delegate to other senior officials.

Departments prepare for the Estimates hearings, to provide as much detail as possible, however questions can also be taken on notice.

After these are finalised, the committee will then complete a report to Queensland Parliament.

What are the committees for Estimates?

Queensland’s Estimates systems is modelled on the Australian Government Senate Estimates process.

The committees include the Cost of Living and Economics Committee, the Housing, Big Build and Manufacturing Committee, the Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee, the Community Safety and Legal Affairs Committee, the Clean Economy Jobs, the Resources and Transport Committee, the Community Support and Services Committee and the Education, Employment, Training and Skills Committee.

These portfolio committees cover all the portfolios and government departments, meaning that over the seven days of hearings, all Ministers face scrutiny on proposed Budget spending and performance.

The committees are determined by a formula set out under the Parliament of Queensland Act, and include government and non-government members. The Chair is appointed by the Leader of the House.

History of the Budget Estimates

Queensland Parliament is Australia’s only unicameral – one chamber – parliament.

Until 1991, oversight was provided through a Legislative Assembly Committee of the Whole House and debate in the House, however, this attracted criticism that not all departments were scrutinised.

Following the landmark 1989 Fitzgerald Inquiry and the 1989-1993 Electoral and Administrative Review Commission to review the state’s administration and electoral systems, the Queensland Parliament established an Estimates system in May 1994.

According to Queensland Parliament , the committees were created to give structure to the scrutiny of budget-making decisions.

Budget Estimates are broadcast through Queensland Parliament’s Parliament.TV .

Find out more about the #QldBudget at www.budget.qld.gov.au .