Estimates Hearings: What you need to know

Mastercraft Webinar

On 17th July 2025 we hosted a deep dive into the Estimates Hearing process – a cornerstone of public accountability and parliamentary oversight in Queensland. This webinar was part of IPAA Queensland’s ongoing Mastercraft webinar series, which equips public sector professionals in Queensland with the tools and knowledge to navigate fundamental and essential public sector processes with confidence.

Whether participants are involved in the process or not, such as providing support for briefings in their departments, all public sector professionals need to understand that Estimates Hearings impact governance, policy, politics, and public confidence. Attendees did not miss the chance to hear from experts, learn best practices, and increase their knowledge of this essential process in our democracy.

At this Mastercraft webinar, participants:

  • Gained a comprehensive understanding of the Estimates process and its role in democratic accountability.
  • Learned from expert speakers who’ve been at the forefront of Queensland’s parliamentary system.
  • Enhanced their ability to support transparency and strategic decision-making within their agencies.
  • Increased their knowledge in the craft of public service.

IPAA Queensland’s individual members can watch the entire event recording on the members portal.

For more read our blog here.

About Our Speakers

Peter Bridgman

Peter Bridgman
Peter is a Barrister (Qld, NSW, High Court) handling matters in public law; policy design; legislation review; employment and industrial law; human rights; mental health; administrative and constitutional law; planning and environment; land and resources; commercialisation. He is a member of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) and was previously a Nationally Accredited Mediator, registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner; and member the Mental Health Review Tribunal.

Peter reviewed Queensland’s public employment laws, and delivered the Bridgman Review Report (A Fair and Responsive Public Service for All) in April 2019.

Peter has a First Class Honours degree in Law (QUT) and First Class Honours in Psychology (UQ). He was registered as a psychologist from 1980–2011. Before commencing private legal practice, Peter directed Decisive Consultants, a boutique consulting company, and worked in senior roles in government and business. Peter was Corporate Counsel for the Department of Primary Industries and Deputy Director-General in Education and the Premier’s Department. He was Head of Arts Queensland and also served as the Cabinet Secretary.

Peter’s presentation was supported with additional comments by:

Rebecca McGarrity PSM
A/Associate Director-General, Policy Division, The Cabinet Office
Department of the Premier and Cabinet

Rob Lloyd-Jones
Director, The Cabinet Office
Department of the Premier and Cabinet