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Estimates 

A primary function of Parliament is to scrutinise, and hold to account, the executive branch of government. The estimates process is one of the key mechanisms by which the Parliament examines government expenditure, performance and effectiveness. The process holds ministers to account and provides a level of transparency to the public. It aids the Parliament in its scrutiny of the Government’s proposed expenditure by enabling detailed examination of the proposed expenditures contained in the Appropriation Bill and the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill.

On 24 June 2025 the Hon David Janetzki MP, Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership introduced the Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2025 and Appropriation Bill 2025 into the Queensland Parliament. On 27 June 2025 the Bills were referred to the seven portfolio committees. Each committee will examine the budget estimates of its responsible portfolios.

View: Explanatory Speech
View: Appropriation (Parliament) Bill 2025
View: Explanatory Notes
View: Statement of Compatibility

View: Explanatory Speech
View: Appropriation Bill 2025
View: Explanatory Notes
View: Statement of Compatibility

During the estimates process each portfolio committee held a public hearing (on a day between 28 July and 8 August 2025) 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 7 August 2025, the Education, Arts and Communities Committee questioned the Minister for Education and the Arts; the Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Multiculturalism; and the Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence regarding the proposed expenditures for their portfolio areas.

Following the committee’s hearing, the committee members meet, discuss the information gained and compile a final report for tabling in Parliament. The report must be tabled by 15 August 2025. The report will then be debated by the Parliament as part of its consideration of the Appropriation Bills.

Hearing

Hearing program – 7 August 2025

Hearing transcript – 7 August 2025

View the broadcast by clicking on the movie icon within the transcript (the icon is at the start of each session). 

Report 

The committee is to table its report by Friday, 15 August 2025.