Chapter 2Portfolio specific issues
2.1This chapter provides an overview of some of the matters raised during the committee’s May–June 2024 hearings on Budget Estimates 2024–25. The discussion follows the order of appearance of outcomes and agencies, organised by portfolio.
Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water portfolio
Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water
2.2The committee commenced its examination of the Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water portfolio on 28 May 2024 with general questions of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
2.3The following matters were discussed during general questions:
Conduct of the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) in relation to grant agreements with the Business Grants Hub (within the Industry, Science and Resources portfolio), including legal advice received by DCCEEW regarding an audit into the EDO’s conduct;
Grant arrangements between the government and the EDO;
Procurement procedures relating to DCCEEW contracts with EY;
Guidance provided from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) for answering estimates questions on notice (QoN) and inconsistencies with advice given by the Clerk of the Senate;
DCCEEW’s resource capacity to answer Questions on Notice and obligations of DCCEEW to answer questions during Senate estimates;
Future Made in Australia project fundings, and indications of legislation in relation to the matter; and
DCCEEW resourcing, including average staff level numbers.
Outcome 1: Support the transition of Australia’s economy to net-zero emissions by 2050; transition energy to support net zero while maintaining security, reliability and affordability; support actions to promote adaptation and strengthen resilience of Australia’s economy, society and environment; and take a leadership role internationally in responding to climate change.
2.4In relation to Program 1.1: Reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, and Program 1.2: Support reliable, secure and affordable energy, the committee discussed the following matters:
Impacts of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions on snow fall levels, floods and droughts;
Strategic fuel reserves in Australia’s exclusive economic zone and the Australian fuel reserves sold from the United States’ strategic reserve;
Greenhouse gas emission decreases during the 47th Parliament, projections for further decreases and the expectations for meeting the 2030 target;
Private versus public funding for electrical vehicle charging stations;
Details surrounding the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard;
Membership of the expert panel giving advice on the Powering the Regions Fund and any possible conflict of interests for those members;
Criteria used to assess funding for the Powering the Regions Fund;
Particulars and rationale of the Future Gas Strategy and the timeline for the transition from gas to renewables;
DCCEEW’s consultation on proposed approach to setting ‘best international standards’ under the Safeguard Mechanism;
Progress on the housing electrification package;
Regional cooperation on carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects and related APS staffing costs;
Emissions from native forest logging in Australia and reductions in emissions from the cessation of native logging in Victoria;
Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) funding for projects under Rewiring the Nation and progress on renewable energy zones;
Role of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) in the energy sector and transparency of its planning procedures;
Additional renewable energy generation and storage under the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS), funding limits under the scheme, and auctions for CIS competitive tenders;
Recruitment for a new Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner;
Development of renewables projects in the states to meet the 2030 target in the AEMO report; and
Feasibility licences for the Gippsland offshore wind area and First Nations consultation on offshore infrastructure.
Snowy Hydro Limited
2.5The committee called officers from Snowy Hydro Limited and discussed the following matters:
Delays for the Florence tunnel borer due to rocks pinching the machine shield;
Snowy Hydro Limited staff travel expenditure;
Financial viability of the Snowy 2.0 project;
Water licences for the project;
Rate of completion of the Snowy 2.0 project per financial year;
Planning and contingencies surrounding the potential for worker exposure to asbestos while tunnelling; and
Timelines for operating of the Hunter gas powerplant initially on diesel and then on gas.
Outcome 2: Conserve, protect and sustainably manage our natural resources including through a nature positive approach; protect and conserve our natural and cultural heritage; reduce and regulate the use of pollutants and hazardous substances; and take a leadership role on these issues internationally.
2.6In relation to Program 2.1: Conserve, protect and sustainably manage Australia’s natural environment through a nature positive approach, Program 2.2: Protect Australia’s cultural, historic and First Nations heritage, and Program 2.3: Accelerate the transition to a circular economy, while safely managing pollutants and hazardous substances, including the office of the Supervising Scientist,the committee discussed the following matters:
The Samuel review and the timing of revised Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) legislation;
Establishment of the Environment Protection Australia (EPA) and the staffing levels being moved from DCCEEW when the agency is formed;
Ministerial reconsideration of the Macquarie Harbour salmon farming approval, engagement with the community, and updated documents regarding the Maugean skate that inform actions taken in the harbour;
Trials for the oxygenation of Macquarie Harbour, the timeline for completion of the trials and data collection on the tonnage of oxygen required to stabilise the Maugean skate population;
Funding for projects assessments by DCCEEW and environmental approvals by the Minister;
Full time equivalent staffing levels for the Environmental Reform Taskforce;
Environmental conservation funding in the 2024–25 Budget;
Listing decisions for threatened species made during the 47th Parliament and species listed as a result of the 2019–20 bushfires;
Increased rate of species assessment by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee;
Funding for conservation organisations such as Landcare Ranges program and Conservation Volunteers Australia;
Engagement with state governments and officials on the EPBC reforms
Funding arrangements for the Nature Repair Market;
DCCEEW investigation of alleged compliance breaches relating to Defence Housing clearing at Lee Point in Darwin;
Funding provisions in relation to the Native Species Program;
Progress of the EPBC referral for the Stage 1 Coomera Connector Road upgrade;
Development of a national standard for engagement with First Nations regarding environmental decision making;
Dredging of the Darwin Harbour for the Darwin Pipeline Duplication project;
$5 million commitment to reduce the impact of Crown of Thorns Starfish on the Great Barrier Reef;
Offshore windfarms approval processes and interactions with the World Wide Fund for Nature throughout the process;
Status of the DCCEEW’s assessment of current coal–related projects;
Funding allocation to address the issue of feral cats and goats;
World Heritage listing nomination for Murujuga petroglyphs and the timeline for evaluation of the application by the World Heritage Committee;
A report detailing concerns surrounding the impact of Woodside’s industrial emissions on Murujuga petroglyphs;
Breaches of confidentiality in relation to the Murujuga custodians’ Section 10 Aboriginal Heritage Act application report;
The proposed Middle Arm industrial development precinct on Darwin harbour;
Monitoring of persistent PFAS chemicals across Australia;
Strategies for the minimisation of harm from asbestos found in construction waste and in other more uncommon sources;
Regulations regarding reporting of hazardous waste;
Recycled materials in Australia and the 2030 targets for the National Waste Policy Action Plan;
Protection of Kakadu national park from the effects of uranium mining, inclusion of Jabiluka in the park, and the role of the Supervising Scientist;
Proposals regarding the safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries and other e‑waste;
Government investment in recycling capability and capacity, with a focus on solid and complex plastics that are recyclable; and
Illegal dumping of tyres and strategies to monitor and reduce illegal dumping.
Bureau of Meteorology
2.7The committee called officers from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) and discussed the following matters:
Changes in budget figures for BoM from the 2023–24 Budget to the 2024-25 Budget;
Culture and morale within the agency reflected in the Australian Public Service census;
Details regarding a range of historic BoM contracts;
Acquisition of state-based flood warning systems and the deal struck between state and federal governments for maintenance and upgrade of the systems;
Discrepancies between BoM forecasts and observational weather data;
Updates to the Australian Climate Observations Reference Network - Surface Air Temperature (ACORN-SAT) in the long term; and
Impact of BoM forecasts on cattle prices in recent years.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
2.8The committee called officers from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and discussed the following matters:
Progress on the upgrade of the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium as part of the 2021–2041 Master Plan;
The impact of climate change on the health of the Great Barrier Reef;
Development of a categorisation system to understand the severity and impact of particular bleaching events;
Actions taken to prepare for summer in order to keep track of changes in the reef during high temperature periods;
Collaboration between government agencies and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to prepare the reef snapshots;
Information and reports provided to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation regarding its consideration of the status of the reef as a World Heritage site; and
Crown of Thorns Starfish management on the Great Barrier Reef.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts portfolio
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
2.9The committee commenced its examination of the Communications and the Arts outcomes of the Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts portfolio on 30 May 2024 with general questions of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA). The following matters were discussed during general questions:
Prominence and Anti-Siphoning regulatory scheme commencement date;
PM&C advice and guidance over the QoN clearance process, QoN timeline compliance for DITRDCA, and outstanding QoN answers from previous estimates rounds;
Process of QoN clearance between DITRDCA and the relevant Minister’s office;
Increases in the ASL of DITRDCA over the past two years and the related allocation of those staff;
Extra functions and resourcing needs across DITRDCA’s communications functions;
Progress on the preparation of online gambling legislation and deadline for implementation;
Length of process of obtaining security clearance across DITRDCA and temporary security clearance arrangements;
Consultation between DITRDCA officials and the Foreign Affairs Minister and Trade Minister in relation to the draft local content and streaming quota legislation; and
Meetings between United States companies and DITRDCA regarding the streaming quota legislation.
Outcome 5: Promote an innovative and competitive communications sector, through policy development, advice and program delivery, so all Australians can realise the full potential of digital technologies and communications services.
2.10In relation to Program 5.1: Digital Technologies and Communications Services, the committee discussed the following topics:
Timeline of the 3G network shut down, the extent of affected devices that wouldn’t be able to call 000, and industry consultation to understand the number of affected devices;
Modelling done by DITRDCA regarding the number of affected Australians impacted by the proposed revision to the anti-siphoning scheme and access to free-to-air sporting events;
Meetings between the Minister’s office and News Corp and Foxtel executives in relation to sport on free-to-air television;
Government response to the House of Representatives Murphy Report on online gambling advertising and ministerial directions to DITRDCA;
Issues with Australians still being able to place bets and gamble despite having signed onto the BetStop National Exclusion Register;
Funding allocated to closing the gap on digital inclusion for Indigenous Australians;
Funding allocations to the Mobile Blackspot Program rounds and the locations where the program has been delivered; and
Progress on the online age verification trials and determinations being made on age limits for types of content.
Office of the eSafety Commissioner
2.11The committee called officers from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner and discussed the following matters:
The role, responsibility, and powers of the e-Safety Commissioner;
Current status of age verification trials on social media;
Sexual extortion of children and young adults online;
Threshold for social media posts being classified as gender-based hate speech and therefore being considered harmful by eSafety guidelines;
Online guidance for parents when supervising their children’s use of social media;
Regulation regarding generative AI, including AI generated pornographic material; and
Various legal proceedings between the eSafety Commissioner and XCorporation.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
The committee called officers from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and discussed the following matters:
Progress on the independent workplace racism review at the ABC;
Comments made by Laura Tingle at the Sydney Writers Festival and the Melbourne Writers Festival;
Internal surveys regarding staff renumeration by demographic;
Rebranding of ABC channels surrounding children and family content and the introduction of new channels;
ABC coverage of and journalist guidance on the developing situation in Gaza;
Meta Corporation refusing to renew contracts under the Media Bargaining Code;
Staffing and news coverage in regional Australia following closure of regional news outlets;
Environmental impacts resulting from ABC operations and initiatives undertaken to move towards its emission reduction targets;
ABC TikTok journalists’ activities in relation to coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict;
Funding for emergency broadcasting services for the upcoming summer;
ABC Parramatta office staffing levels and progress made toward having 75per cent of ABC content makers working outside of the Ultimo office; and
Actions of certain individual journalists that may be in contravention of the ABC code of conduct.
Australian Communications and Media Authority
2.12The committee called officers from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and discussed the following matters:
AI deepfakes using the voice and likenesses of prominent figures in Australia to promote misinformation;
ACMA reporting on free-to-air television programs and Streaming Video on Demand (SVODs);
Expenditure for children’s drama on free-to-air television and SVODs;
Progress on the review of the telecommunications consumer protection code, funding for the review, and improvement of scam codes for telecommunications providers; and
ACMA investigation into the Tangerine Telecom data breach.
Outcome 6: Participation in, and access to, Australia’s arts and culture through developing and supporting cultural expression.
2.13In relation to Program 6.1: Arts and Cultural Development, the committee discussed the following topics:
Details surrounding the cultural promotion of Australia overseas;
Funding allocated to DITRDCA to work with France to facilitate the repatriation of Indigenous Australian remains;
Details surrounding the establishment of two new Indigenous language centres;
Additional Budget funding for arts and associated training organisations;
Modelling done to determine the level of funding for the location offset for Australian productions and requirements to receive the offset;
Details surrounding the funding for producer offsets, and reasons for their nondisclosure;
Funding for arts institutions, including Queensland Ballet, at a state level versus for federal agencies;
Allegations of antisemitism in the arts sector;
Budget funding allocated to preservation for audiovisual media stored in a non-digital manner;
Budget funding for the new National Cultural Policy—Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place; and
Funding for orchestras across Australia, and criteria for that funding.
Creative Australia
2.14The committee called officers from Creative Australia and discussed the following matters:
Progress on the development of the First Nations elements of Creative Australia;
Creative Australia funding arrangements for Queensland Ballet and Ballet Australia;
Protests and political statements made by the artists and performers from the Sydney Theatre Company;
Employment arrangements at Creative Australia and whether they follow the APS code of conduct;
Establishment and continuous investment in Music Australia; and
Regional arts expenditure.
National Museum of Australia
2.15The committee called officers from the National Museum of Australia (NMA) and discussed the following matters:
NMA processes and protocols for returning of Indigenous Australian remains to country;
Details regarding the display, rotation, and storage of museum articles; and
The processes of touring NMA exhibitions in rural Australia.
National Portrait Gallery of Australia
2.16The committee called officers from the National Portrait Gallery of Australia (NPGA) and discussed the following matters:
Portraits of individuals displayed in the gallery and negotiations surrounding the way they are displayed;
Use of AI in artwork and how the gallery is intending to address it in the future; and
Total number of items in the NPGA collection and the methods in which they are stored.
National Gallery of Australia
2.17The committee called officers from the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) and discussed the following matters:
Touring of NGA items in regional locations;
External pressure on the gallery regarding a Gina Rinehart portrait;
Details surrounding EOIs and upcoming locations for the sharing the National Collection Initiative; and
NGA storage facilities in Australia and associated ongoing costs.
Australian Postal Corporation
2.18The committee called officers from Australian Postal Corporation and discussed the following matters:
The closure of the post office in Campbelltown, South Australia;
Changes to the prohibited items list;
Reduction in letter delivery days by Australia Post;
Continuation of Bank@Post in regional towns including service, safety and security;
Efforts being made to meet post office closure targets nationally;
Development of postal services in Pacific Island nations; and
Performance standard of 90 per cent of residences in a metro area being within 2.5km of a retail outlet.
NBN Co Limited
2.19The committee called officers from NBN Co Limited and discussed the following matters:
NBN Co’s free cash flow;
Decrease in Sky Muster connection numbers and feedback from customers;
Cost of fibre to premises upgrade connections; and
NBN’s resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Cross portfolio Murray-Darling Basin Plan matters
2.20On 7 June 2024, the committee examined the water outcomes and agencies of the Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water portfolio, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organisation.
Inspector-General of Water Compliance
2.21The committee called officers from the Inspector-General of Water Compliance (IGWC) and discussed the following matters:
Usage of the $28.6 million allocated to the IGWC in the 2024-25 Budget;
The accreditation of 14 of 20 NSW water resource plans with a further two being assessed;
Developments in Queensland to bring water measurement standards in line with IGWC requirements;
Installation and ownership of measurement equipment/facilities in states, notably Queensland; and
Maintaining and improving community sentiment regarding the IGWC to help assist in engagement with the wider community.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
2.22The committee called officers from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and discussed the following matters:
ACCC progress on strengthening insider trading rules and making them more transparent;
ACCC interlocking responsibilities with the IGWC in relation to new regulations and future legislation that will affect the water market; and
Number of complaints received by the ACCC and the distribution of those complaints.
Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organisation
2.23The committee called officers from the Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and discussed the following matters:
Progress on the update and re-establishment of the Sustainable Rivers Audit following an increase in funding from the 2024–25 Budget; and
Progress on the five modules for the Murray Darling Basin (MDB).
Outcome 4: Improve the health of river and freshwater ecosystems and water use efficiency through implementing water reforms and ensuring enhance sustainability efficiency and productivity in the management and use of water resources.
2.24In relation to Program 4.1: Water Reform the committee discussed the following matters:
Progress on and costings of water infrastructure construction projects in NSW;
Greater Southeast Irrigation Scheme and decisions surrounding projects in Tasmania as well as other water infrastructure projects in Tasmania;
Restoring our Rivers—funding utilised, draft framework, consultation with industry stakeholders;
Funding spent on advertisement campaigns for the Murray Darling Basin;
Rationale behind the increases in the sustainable diversion limits in NSW;
Issues surrounding the quality of drinking water within the MDB;
Funding allocated to the Resilient Rivers Water Infrastructure Program;
Water infrastructure management for ensuring that the Warrego River continues to flow and remains connected to the Murray Darling Basin;
Health of the Coorong basin due to higher levels of algae and salinity;
Arrangements surrounding using the water within the Snowy Hydro project as a contingency for low water levels in the upper Murrumbidgee;
Concerns surrounding the use of images that are not from the MDB or are digitally altered;
Plan for the $17 million allocated to support water birds that were affected by flooding events;
Steps that the Australian Capital Territory has taken to meet its water recovery obligations under the Murray Darling Basin Plan;
How the government intends to meet its yearly 100 gigalitre target of water that they wish to reclaim and how much of it comes from voluntary water purchases;
Impact of fracking in the Beetaloo Basin on the health of water tables;
Research on threats to the Macquarie perch in the Upper Murrumbidgee;
First Nations consultation on the Aboriginal Water Entitlement Program; and
State of the Barmah Choke, and potential steps to be taken to mitigate the water loss over time that will happen due to the narrowing of the choke.
Senator Karen Grogan
Chair