On the Importance of Engaging with MYEFO and Senate Estimates

A quick rundown of the upcoming processes that examine expenditure in Australian government portfolios, and how crucial it is to remain attentive - despite intentional befuddlement.

Next week is Australia's federal-level Senate Estimates—technically, the Supplementary Senate Estimates. It is one of the few times that the Australian government's officials, together with their portfolio Minister, are publicly held to account for the expenditure of taxpayer funds via questions from selected and interested members of Parliament.

Senate Estimates are a critical part of the Budget cycle, across both the federal and State/Territory governments, as part of Australia's version of the Westminster system of government. At the federal level, it would ideally be useful to hold Supplementary Senate Estimates after the Mid-Year Economic Forecast and Outlook (MYEFO), which has evolved over time from fiscal adjustments and forecasts to act more like a mini-Budget.

MYEFO timing, however, is at the behest of the Treasurer and can be released any time between October and January in a standard Budget cycle (usually in late November or early December). Last year it was released mid-Dece…