Thursday 17 September 2026: Question Time

Migration

Taylor questioned why the government made no cuts to immigration in the budget, citing record arrival rates. Burke defended the government's immigration settings, arguing that cuts that are too deep would damage the economy and create skill shortages in key sectors like construction, agriculture, and education.

Migration

Hogan questioned the Treasurer about a reported $7 billion budget black hole from a migration policy announcement and accused Labor of denying and misleading the public on migration's budget impacts. Chalmers did not directly address the budget figure, instead defending the government's migration policy as properly managed and beneficial, and contrasted Labor's cabinet-determined approach with the Opposition's reliance on One Nation, while noting that net overseas migration numbers have nearly halved and are ahead of forecast.

Data Centres

Watson-Brown asked the Prime Minister whether the government would legislate to require data centres to build renewable infrastructure matching their energy consumption, or impose a moratorium on approvals. Albanese responded by outlining the government's plan to legislate Australian AI standards and stated that data centres would need renewables or alternative energy sources that don't increase power prices, but did not directly commit to either a renewable infrastructure requirement or a moratorium on approvals.

Economy

Tim Wilson questioned the Treasurer's use of productivity assumptions in budget forecasting, alleging the government had switched methodologies to inflate economic projections. The Treasurer responded by criticizing the previous government's productivity record and defending the current assumption as set by Treasury based on available data, noting that long-run assumptions are not frequently changed and that the current assumption is consistent with international comparisons.

Steel Industry

Tom Venning asked why Prime Minister Albanese wouldn't visit Whyalla to meet with 800+ workers who lost jobs, citing Labor's 'Future Made Offshore' policy. Albanese deflected by comparing his visits to Whyalla against opposition members, blamed the previous owners GFG for lack of investment, and noted the government is working with the Malinauskas government and administrators on the complex issue.

Veterans

Michael McCormack asked the Minister for Veterans' Affairs to apologise for multiple policy backflips that caused distress to veterans, including scrapping the cap on allied health services. The minister responded by emphasizing the government's commitment to veterans' welfare and explaining that after engaging with ex-service organisations and veterans, they decided not to proceed with the threshold policy while maintaining increased allied health fees to improve access.

Low-Carbon Liquid Fuels

Joyce asked how much the government has spent on green hydrogen projects. Minister Bowen did not provide a direct figure, instead explaining that government programs operate on a 'pay-for-production' basis with no expenditure if hydrogen isn't produced, and referencing the Fortescue Gladstone project funded under the previous government.

Members of Parliament: Staff

Bell asked whether Prime Minister Albanese provided a reference for Rhys Muldoon, an Australia Day ambassador whose comments were deemed unacceptable. Albanese did not directly address whether they provided a reference, instead focusing on condemning Muldoon's comments and stating they were unaware of them until media reports, and that Senator Dowling took immediate action.

Honours and Awards

The member asked when Eugowra flood heroes could apply for the National Emergency Medal. Prime Minister Albanese confirmed that approval from King Charles III has been obtained and nominations can now be submitted through the Australian Honours and Awards portal or emergency services organisations.

Members of Parliament: Staff

Tony Pasin asked the Prime Minister whether they provided a reference for Rhys Muldoon's Australia Day ambassadorial role. The Prime Minister directly answered 'No'.

Artificial Intelligence

Kate Chaney asked Prime Minister Albanese to commit to increasing funding for the AI Safety Institute from $8 million annually, citing rapid AI development and public concern. Albanese outlined the government's AI strategy including the creation of the institute and planned legislation for AI standards, but did not directly commit to increasing the institute's funding.

International Relations

Member for Moncrieff asked the Prime Minister how the Albanese Labor government is progressing Australia's international interests and why this matters domestically during a period of global uncertainty and conflict. No response from the Prime Minister is included in the provided text.