In this estimates session with the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), I asked whether they can attribute any measurable improvements in education outcomes (such as academic performance or attendance) to its 17-year history. Mr Gniel defended ACARA’s role, clarifying that its KPIs are tied to its legislative functions, namely, developing the national curriculum, […]
These Appropriation Bills allocates an additional $9 billion in spending for the current financial year, with roughly one-third ($2.9 billion) directed toward “net zero” measures. This Labor government is using an accounting trick by borrowing money and on-lending it, keeping $33 billion in “off-the-books” expenditure out of the formal budget deficit. This money will result […]
We first brought this issue to light several years ago, urging stronger safeguards to protect children from explicit, graphic and pornographic books, comics and other harmful publications. Recognising the validity of our concerns, the department acknowledged the problem and is working to reform the classification system for these materials. During this session with the Classification […]
I am extremely concerned that the EPBC Act harms economic growth. Data from the Minerals Council shows average resource project decision times increased from 2.3 years in 2019 to 3.8 years in 2025. This imposes a heavy financial penalty on applicants. Minister Watt countered that the reforms passed last year (which we opposed) are specifically […]
Prompted by a glossy, heavily illustrated 57-page clean energy report for the Wide Bay-Burnett region that could easily have been a 10-page document, I questioned department officials regarding its substance and design. I asked for the exact cost of this publication, whether similar reports were produced for other regions across Australia and what the cost-benefit […]
Who read the reports? Who considered the warnings? Who signed off on the risks? At Senate Estimates, I asked officials from the Department of Defence whether the officer responsible for operational airworthiness had read key reports, considered critical safety assessments, and reviewed evidence relating to the approval of TopOwl 5.10. Did he read the German […]
I wanted to get some clarity regarding UN General Assembly Resolution A/80/L.65 and the International Court of Justice’s 2025 advisory opinion. Specifically, whether the ICJ’s ruling is merely advisory and non-binding and that any enforcement action would require another country to successfully prove direct economic harm, something that has never occurred regarding greenhouse gas emissions. […]
I questioned Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and Inland Rail officials regarding the cancellation of the Inland Rail project, specifically the lack of consultation and the government’s refusal to consider private sector alternatives. ARTC officials admitted they were only formally notified of the cancellation right before the federal budget, having previously worked on scope changes […]
I acknowledge that the Office of the eSafety performs effective work against child sexual exploitation and abuse material and adult exploitation material. However, I challenge the Commissioner’s controversial overreach, and high legal costs. Given that the Commissioner is stepping down soon, I asked whether the government would save money and depoliticise the office by leaving […]
I questioned Comcare officials on the details of their investigation, confirming that they had identified two matters warranting a brief of evidence to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP), though they failed to identify any individuals responsible for systemic issues. When I asked about conflicts of interest among witnesses or within the Defence Flight […]
Casual Coal Wage TheftFebruary 21, 2024 - 2:09 pmOver $30,000 a year being stolen, and it’s been signed off by the union and the government. Find out about the largest wage theft from casuals in Australia.
My Other IssuesFebruary 16, 2021 - 12:08 pm
Murray Darling BasinMarch 23, 2020 - 3:05 am
Foreign OwnershipOctober 16, 2019 - 4:58 am
Property rightsOctober 16, 2019 - 4:39 am
United Nations #AUSEXITOctober 16, 2019 - 2:31 am