The mystery of the missing money: Labor's secret funding cuts from the ASD

[@DavidNotSolomon]

These bureaucrats cannot give a simple yes or no to any question.

[@typetersen8809]

Either of those definitive answers would be considered "vulgar" to career beaurocrats! Refer to Sir Humphrey Appleby in either Yes Minister or Yes Prime Minister.😅

[@andrewcorrell5000]

Or letting their minister a pollie to protect them??

[@Grinddownunder]

Sell outs not bureaucrats. They are scum

[@godoggies1249]

There is a massive wall between the public and "government".

[@franmahy5782]

Dancing and dodging..they should gavecall those answers ready in their books

[@Heisthelightoftheworld]

Well didn't we change the titles from the public service (emphasis on service) to buracrates

[@gregbuckley1078]

Smug and over payed. But never ever held accountable. They are all so self centred and protective of each other.

[@mclanaford2957]

Thanks James. They are all bloody crooks.

[@robeastham5357]

On fire Senator Paterson!

[@bolge7777]

Once again people in prominent positions go brain dead when asked serious questions !!!

[@DavidNotSolomon]

That is why they get paid the big bucks! Because of their massive brain capacity and their ability to have all the information at the tip of their fingers. (NOT it seems).

[@AC-mq6ll]

So very true.

[@bolge7777]

@@jondoe5536 To hide the truth..!!

[@reeenareeena]

and what are you gonna do about it coward?

[@MelodyMan69]

The mere fact that these inquiries are needed clearly shows that polies are so useless. Missing money should NOT require all this 'catch me if you can' crap. These people are working like crooks and scammers.

[@RealGoldRealWealth]

because they are?

[@tonidantonio9877]

Well done senator Paterson, they seem to be throwing it around almost as if there is something to hide. Keep them honest.

[@notimeliketoday9414]

They are hiding something, look at what is happening in America with the FBI, this is happening in Australia as well with our agencies

[@reallyskeptical]

Honesty and politicians don't go together. Think we need to fill these prisons up.

[@diabz]

Explain this comment

[@tonidantonio9877]

@@diabz good morning, the two women were throwing the answer backwards and forwards, an “over to you for an answer”, in other words they didn’t want to answer or didn’t know. If that makes sense.

[@diabz]

@@tonidantonio9877 Is this your first time watching senate estimates? That's a very unremarkable thing.

[@lockl9255]

Absolutely outrageous these public servants think they are above answering questions about what is happening to the citizens money, which is also paying their salaries. If this isn't the true & accurate definition of narcissism, then I don't know what is. The massive wall between the public and these bureaucrats needs to be dissolved.

[@jsbtools7026]

Pleaseee the point of covert security is just that, to be covert. Loose lips sink ships.

[@lockl9255]

@@jsbtools7026 Are you forgetting they are "public servants" and its OUR money?

[@john8443]

@@jsbtools7026 Not asking what operations they are running, asking where is the money and who has it, not hard. Just another black hole covered by taxes.

[@lillysnet9345]

@@lockl9255 ... and they call people not citizens but taxpayers...

[@katetanti2114]

We are SOVEREIGNS ,Common Law = Constitution ..Not Citizens (Corporate & private Law/elites )=Vatican Unidroit

[@leannevitale3228]

kick all the public servants out and start again, preferably with a lot less of them

[@letmeexplain1816]

There's so many government agencies, servants, communities, and sectors now, growing and growing....

[@dukejet6997]

I love this guy!.. Good, well thought out questions in the most annoying way possible. Well done

[@Grinddownunder]

See how those women indirectly telling him to shut up and play along with the other sell outs...ohh I mean politicians

[@Austrendsjournal]

😂10/10

[@truthvoice9945]

Don't you love how they look to their work colleagues for answers? Talk about corruption, fraudulent money laundering. Keep up the great work.

[@chrisjohn8967]

Rotten ro the core

[@conformitytofact5224]

Please keep up the good work.

[@robynhegwein1]

This is unbelievable it's taxpayer's money and they can't answer where it has gone...labor thirves

[@robynhegwein1]

*THIEVES

[@typetersen8809]

​@@robynhegwein1They are both!😂

[@notimeliketoday9414]

Why is there a cut to oversight of the intelligence agencies? After what is happening in America I feel we need more here in Australia and a Royal Commission into the activities upon us Australians here from these agencies

[@maralfniqle5092]

Well now we know some 10 months later, ccp setting up shop in our police and much more

[@suemcc36]

They never want to answer the question. Keep up the pressure Senator Patterson. 💪

[@MonAmour48]

Oh my gosh , they really duck & weave almost all questions! Thanks for sticking with it Senator! Such a good Man ! 💫

[@sugarplumfairy420]

Senator Paterson is a legend. His manner of enquiry is exemplary. Its very satisfying to have these shady characters shown up for who they truly are on record. Its beyond concerning that these people think its entirely okay to be in positions of authority and power in Australia, and totally misuse and abuse them. We need people like Senator Paterson to help bring back integrity and professionalism to Australia.

[@rachaelcourtnell7275]

just love the way ALP play around with the taxpayers money, without a care in the world of what the cost is TO US. "We have a plan" but we are not going to be telling you. One way to grow the bureaucracy again.

[@Heisthelightoftheworld]

Gone is accountability to the public...we know what we're doing so don't challenge us!

[@rvrski1]

Doesn’t look like much equality in that line up…….You’re a legend Paterson, expose the corrupt bastards.

[@ytthecommunistplatform.2675]

Just like our petrol tax not going to our roads and all going to other things . Isnt this theft of money not going where its ment to go .

[@gerrycooper56]

Slippery public servants should be made to answer or be held in contempt of the committee.

[@jadehobson751]

Thankyou Senator Patterson for bringing this to the public domain. I wonder how much of the "undisclosed" $$$. Transferred to an "undisclosed" department. For an "undisclosed" reason/usage. Will be funding the "Yes" campaign?

[@Ambrolite]

Welcome to debate in the age of the Safe Space. Keep it up Senator James Paterson! You've got my support!

[@CharlesOwenVALUEOFEVERYTHING]

Where are our tax paying dollars going?

[@ytthecommunistplatform.2675]

More than likely going to terrorists to push the gov wef agenda .

[@userllt55]

Wouldn't we love to know 😡

[@macmacgregor7232]

Senator Paterson is a people's MP 100%

[@cameronjohnston5748]

The Rats need something to hang on to as the ship sinks.

[@creekers1135]

Australia does not want a One world Govnt. Australia does not support the World Economic Forum.

[@dawnstead3329]

Australia doesnt want it but Labor and puppets do.

[@letmeexplain1816]

Great response, and I agree with you wholeheartedly 💯%

[@lloydsingline340]

That's the problem nearly all the politicians ( Labor / Greens, Coalition, Teals )are globalists and Australia's interests are secondary. It emanates from the UN, which has failed so miserably in its main original aim of keeping world peace.They give the orders our obsequious politicians carry th

[@lloydsingline340]

them out. We,the people lose.

[@sonofthesoutherncross1836]

Lies all lies. Why the rest of Australia struggling to live they keep taking 😤

[@stevephone4957]

There is absolutely no way this woman ( I think) called Jenny Mcallister is "Honourable", she comes across as one very 'shifty" person. As for the other woman she is like a "rabbit in the headlights", knows she is wrong but does whatever she can to "hide it".

[@sugarplumfairy420]

Absolutely agree. What a thoroughly unpleasant and disagreeable woman she is, quite shady indeed.

[@kriztov265]

Her entire portfolio is completely unneeded it is driven by overseas investment of Australian Tax and foreign wealth not by any need by or for the Australian taxpayer.

[@johnfisher2468]

Saddens me to think our hard earned taxes are totally wasted.

[@glenbelson5485]

Any men left in senior public service positions?

[@bolge7777]

Their ability to lie is not as astute as the ladies !!!!

[@DavidNotSolomon]

Having men in these positions would not fit with their 'equality' agenda.

[@davidhales8799]

Not real one's.

[@colinmeehan791]

LMAO,seems not.

[@cbisme6414]

Yes, however they always seem to throw the women under the bus! What Is like to know, if the men can't answer the questions, why are they being paid!

[@philliponeill1473]

I was encouraged to watch this by a highly qualified friend. This is compulsory viewing, executive public service leadership at its best.

[@debradelarue9717]

Hold them to the fire Senator Paterson. Don't let them weasel out with their deceptive language.

[@mspenelope6874]

Bravo 🎉well said 😂

[@squidslayers3931]

“I don’t feel comfortable”………having my taxes pay these clowns wages

[@mspenelope6874]

Bravo 🎉u nailed it😂😂😂

[@typetersen8809]

"I don't feel comfortable (insert lame excuse).....answering that question" Or for that matter, any question which may uncover inconvenient truths. It's beaurocrats current Get out of Jail Free card!

[@JasonGeoffrey]

It seems practically anybody could do this job, they have no idea.

[@grumblesmudie3141]

Thank senator Paterson for shinning a light on the shady back room dealings they are trying to hide.

[@DavidNotSolomon]

They can suddenly find work for 6 'average salaried' people (I take it as $100,000 - $200,000 for these types) who did not move with the budget that paid their salaries? How much excess is in these departments?

[@suegibson8914]

I was just about to write that myself.

[@lillysnet9345]

They operate with the budget of 600 billion. That is 600 000 millions. Eh... 9 million or 12 million... who will know where they gone. There 920 640 people on Job seek, Yout allowance, Apprentice payments and students payments. To support this number of people they spend 5,7 billion that is < than 1% of the government spending. I have been lodging med certificates for 4 years. Waited 1 year to see specialist, 2.5 years for operation and half year that my dr agreed that I have to see specialist. All this time I was registered as job seeker... when in actually I wasn't that. And when I ask where the old sick allowance is god... they ask me what is that.

[@johfu4705]

Why do I feel less safe after seeing these women who are in charge of security and defence?

[@sugarplumfairy420]

Agree. These women are a total embarrassment to themselves and to all women generally, especially that creepy McAllister. Apparently there is a new wave of business women in town who think that the only way to achieve success and recognition in the big world is to behave deceitfully and dishonourably.

[@bluejhaygrl]

This is the reason women have been put in these positions...very agreeable, will do almost anything they are told.....and now we have a country at the beginning of its death throws.

[@mspenelope6874]

Not just an agreeable stereotype… there’s some pretty hard core organised dishonesty, manipulation and incompetence going on here, don’t you reckon?

[@cbisme6414]

If the male department heads can't answer the questions, and obviously don't know the answers, why are we paying them??

[@VG-cz7yg]

Passing the buck as usual and refusal to answer the Senator’s question. Very frustrating to watch and as usual zero transparency and accountability.

[@geob8172]

In other words these Criminals Stole it and are Laundering it Secretly.

[@vernonwhite4660]

Cannot tell you anything ! is all to do with security ! All our taxes at work here???

[@1977ajax]

Oh - I didn't realize that informing the public about govt. spending or keeping it secret was all about some woman's comfort levels.

[@mrchams]

How the hell do these slimy, lying bureaucrats get into these positions… these lying criminals need to be put in jail

[@truthvoice9945]

Are these people for real? Talk about how to disguise money laundering. They look as guilty as children that have been busted for doing something wrong. Keep up the great work James.

[@pomaze1]

Do these public servants do anything? Because they always know nothing when asked what they should know to inform ‘we the people’ about how they spend Australian citizens money.

[@kaynine31]

Imsgine if i worked in the bank and spent the banks money on irresponsible or private matters which I deem private and confidential. Can I just be evasive and obstructionist and plead privacy, confidential, when asked where the money went. Why do they have no respect for tax payers money. Our hard earned money given to them and this is the appreciation we get. It's shameful and a disgrace.

[@tlb2970]

Liars, that money is in your pockets

[@tonyhanley9458]

I dint feel comforable expressing an opinion. You work for us yiu criminals. Stop avoiding legit questions- playing poker with our taxes

[@ronmurray4191]

Another Government agency and employee ducking and weaving...mmmmmmm

[@aggressivecalm]

We wouldn't refer to those incidents as cuts. Senator Paterson stares at camera (Jim Halpert the office) 1:01 Just to clarify there are no other measures that reduce the ASD’s funding…

[@davidscott5209]

Whose money do they think it is. Sack the lot of them and shutdown the department

[@michaelpears4611]

You’re the Best Man for the job. A lot of drawers in That desk or cabinet.

[@littemisscarrage2909]

snakes squirming around in a pit

[@tfsupp]

Why can't we just sack public servant that won't answer questions.

[@squidslayers3931]

Equality Of Outcome……….on full display

[@philliponeill1473]

Outstanding work James

[@graemewillie2138]

Your a smart man senator, love your style

[@user-rl5nd3ys8p]

You got Womansplained

[@neverleverland5685]

Senator Paterson runs circles around these half wits, he needs more power.

[@georgeedmond3401]

I'd vote for this guy to lead the Liberal party.

[@jeffmcdonnell1179]

Good work Senator Paterson. Lots of double-speak from these people.

[@streetlight3860]

context and accountability are some of the basic requirements we are asking from those we employ, and yes, sometimes there are costs that need to be deemed 'confidential on national security grounds' but we still need to know where the funds are being allocated to and this can be done without compromising the security aspect.

[@lostinspace699]

I don't feel comfortable because i am Useless

[@russallchin5552]

Bureaucrats unbelievable and unaccountable. Think they need some real KPI's. Disgraceful

[@HalKW]

these parasitic bureaucrats MUST be made transparent and sacked for wasting public money !

[@tonyhanley9458]

We object to the term cuts😂 of course its an adjustment you owm. Its dirty money

[@thehealthymindsethub]

Brilliant Senator follow the money trail, where did the funding cuts go?

[@tbonemc2118]

As tax payers are funding everything how about total transparency of all staffing numbers in various depts and what they are being paid. A gender breakdown would be interesting too. My guess is bureaucrat wages dwarf politicians and how is that justified?

[@rosssutherland4470]

Might as well say "I cant recall" that worked a treat for teflon Dan

[@barryjones4973]

Green/Labor are like uncontrolled kids in a confectionary factory.

[@brucejohnston3521]

i just shake my head 🦨

[@elizabethlynch3226]

Dear god! Makes me shudder that these bureaucrats are actually being paid. Does not give me confidence!

[@jeffgale64]

It appears that the primary qualification to be a snr bureaucrat is to waffle on for as long as possible while never actually answering a direct question from the govt, who is representative of the very people who pay them! This class have become answerable to no-one and spend their entire time covering for each other!!

[@glenmacdonald3477]

2:29 Bahaha, love it: "Some unknown quantity of money has gone... to some unknown agency for some unknown purpose" Gold. Edit: for accuracy and added timestamp

[@mspenelope6874]

Prize-winning comment 😂😂😂

[@patrussell8917]

Enjoy watching bureaucrats wriggle squirm and scratch around for correct file and then waffle some kind of answer Good one

[@belongda6032]

Don't trust anyone that speaks with there hands

[@baddaddy8718]

The intel agencies (five eyes) are running our country, not our elected officials. Sort it out asap

[@wefsux]

Have absolutely no confidence in these women

[@telebruel]

It’s been paid to the CIA as our regular extortion charges from USA

[@tamaveirene]

"I don't feel comfortable" listening to these halting, evasive answers. These public servants are not fit for purpose!

[@thejedaru1383]

Labor is corrupt as hell.

[@Austrendsjournal]

I’m sick of listening to bureaucrats on half a million dollars try to justify their existence. Our country is out of balance. High end bureaucrats need to go, and fast!

[@tadeuszmichaelwlodarczyk3120]

Slush fund for Labor retirement. It's our money where is it. When they stuter their lying 🤥

[@chopperking007]

These women are evil .

[@giridharbg]

Key phrase .. "I dont feel comfortable answering the question"

[@rge24491]

Why are they so nervous about being asked this?

[@soulstripper]

Disgustingly criminal!

[@jobail01]

A simple question is asked, provide a simple answer without all the excuses. If this was private enterprise, they would be sacked, so why are we putting up with this disrespect they show the Australian Tax payer ?

[@Birch37]

Why is the Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Water even in the room? Where is the Minister for Defence?

[@burglar42]

Wheres the 3 million Brittany Higgins got?????

[@woodrow60]

That’s right - reduce spending on the signals directorate as dangerous foreign behaviour expands. What are the implications for our ASD’s effectiveness of these cuts? Or have functions moved from ASD to other agencies? If so, is it clear that will improve our security? Etc, etc.

[@messianicmuse]

It's essential to fund these intellence agencies properly, especially in our current climate.

[@samgiacca8408]

Legend Mate 💙

[@jamesbond-sv9ur]

bring Jim Jordan Back to question those liars

[@selwyn500]

What about the millions SCUMO & co spirited away? Where is that at? 🤔

[@jamesziegler-xl4bz]

Seems a little sus to me...

[@lizjohnston3446]

What could be so secret that" we shareholders" can't handle?? Orrr.. are there some other.. shareholders..