Committee Details

Estimates

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 2020 the examination of the Appropriation Bill and the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill was considered by the seven portfolio committees.

During the estimates process each portfolio committee held a public hearing (on a day between 7 and 15 December 2020) at which the Speaker and Ministers (and certain senior public servants and officers) were 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 also asked questions, with the leave of the committee.

At its public hearing on 14 December 2020, the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee questioned the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, and the Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, regarding the proposed expenditures for their portfolio areas.

Following the committee’s hearing, the committee members met, discussed the information gathered, and compiled final reports, which were tabled on 12 February 2021. The reports will be debated in the Legislative Assembly as part of the Parliament’s consideration of the Appropriation Bills.

Hearing - 14 December 2020

Hearing program

Hearing transcript

Hearing broadcast

The broadcast can also be accessed by clicking on the movie icon within the transcript (the icon is at the start of each session).

Committee's Report

The committee tabled its report No. 2, 57th Parliament - 2020-21 Budget Estimates on Friday 12 February 2021, together with a Volume of Additional Information.