While remote attendance at hearings has long been an option for both witnesses and committee members, its use expanded significantly due to COVID-19. Restrictions and safety measures necessitated a broader adoption of virtual hearings to ensure that parliamentary business could continue without interruption.

A notable instance of this shift occurred during the estimates hearings in October 2020. During a two week period, four committees held their hearings simultaneously each day via videoconference, allowing the Senate to continue to exercise its important accountability role even under challenging circumstances.

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Witnesses appearing before the COVID-19 Select Committee in April 2020

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