Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Wendy Askew

At the request of Senator Dean Smith, I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister for the Environment and Water, 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 Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and intended to be used by its officials for their appearance at additional estimates 2025-26.

Jess Walsh

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

The question is that the amendment, as moved by Senator Walsh, to general business notice of motion No. 349 standing in the name of Senator Smith be agreed to.