Alicia Payne (Canberra, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the moment, Senate estimates is going on. This is a really important accountability mechanism of government, where departmental officials come to be questioned by senators—in this session, about the recent budget. If anyone ever wanted any proof of how hardworking and dedicated our public servants are, Senate estimates is a good place to start. These hearings run from first thing in the morning to 11 pm each night, with departmental officials required to be ready to answer just about anything about the portfolios they work in.

So you'd expect, during budget estimates, that we might have some serious questions from the coalition—perhaps, about the budget. But instead we saw a line of questioning from Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson to the secretary of the department of infrastructure, Jim Betts, about why he wasn't wearing a tie. Now, this shows two things: first of all, how disgracefully out of touch these people are, but, secondly, their absolute lack of respect and even contempt for our public servants and their professionalism. It is an absolute disgrace.

I am so proud to represent so many members of our Australian Public Service who live in my electorate. These are some of the most dedicated, hardworking and professional people in this country, who work every day to get the best outcomes for the Australian people. I saw this firsthand when I worked at the Treasury, and I saw it in my father's career and everything he taught me about the principles of frank and fearless advice and getting the best policy outcomes for Australia. And I see it every day in this—

Sharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for New England.