How many senate estimates committees are there?

The 8 standing committees of the Senate conduct estimates hearings. These are the permanent committees of the Senate.

The 8 standing committees of the Senate are:

  • Community Affairs
  • Economics
  • Education and Employment
  • Environment and Communications
  • Finance and Public Administration
  • Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
  • Legal and Constitutional Affairs
  • Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport.

Each has government departments and agencies to examine in the estimates process. For example, the Community Affairs Committee questions the Department of Health and Services Australia, and the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee examines the Attorney-General's Department and the Department of Home Affairs.

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.