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Overview

The estimates process aids the Parliament in its scrutiny of the Government’s proposed expenditure. Since 1994, committees of the parliament have undertaken the estimates process, by examining and reporting on the proposed expenditures contained in the Appropriation Bill and the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill.

In 2011, the process will be carried out by the newly-established portfolio committees.

During the estimates process, each of the seven portfolio committees holds a public hearing at which Ministers and the Speaker (and certain senior public servants and officers) are questioned regarding the portfolio’s proposed expenditures for the relevant portfolio areas. Other Members of the Legislative Assembly who are not members of the committee may also ask questions, with the leave of the committee.

When the committee’s hearings are completed, the committee members meet, discuss the information gained and compile a final report for tabling in Parliament. The reports are then debated by the Parliament as part of its consideration of the Appropriation Bills.

Transcript

Legal Affairs, Police, Corrective Services and Emergency Services Committee - 19 July 2011 

Estimates transcripts are also available from the Record of Proceedings webpages. Go to this link and then click on the date of the hearing in 2011 to access the transcript: http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/sitting-dates/dates