Question Time AU

General Debate

Barton Electorate: Infrastructure and Economy

House of Representatives · Tuesday 15 September 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Ash Ambihaipahar raised three key grievances for the Barton electorate: unsafe local infrastructure, concerns over a proposed data centre development, and the closure of the Kingsgrove Post Office. The member argued that dangerous intersections and traffic congestion required immediate engineering reviews and investment from state and local governments. Regarding the economy, the member supported data centre development only if it included strong community consultation and renewable energy standards to prevent households from subsidising private industry. Finally, the member criticised Australia Post for closing the Kingsgrove branch without adequate consultation, arguing it disproportionately affected older and diverse communities.

Outcome

The debate concluded with the sitting suspended from 13:29 to 16:00.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Ash Ambihaipahar (Barton) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Ambihaipahar identified community facilities, economic conditions, and household expenses as the three main priorities for residents. The member highlighted specific safety hazards at intersections in Clemton Park, Earlwood, and Carlton, calling for urgent traffic modelling and investment to protect pedestrians and school children. On economic issues, the member expressed concern about a proposed $2.8 billion data centre development at the former Kogarah golf course, warning against placing industrial facilities near residential areas without proper safeguards. The member supported federal standards requiring data centres to contribute renewable energy and pay for network upgrades, ensuring households did not bear the cost. Regarding services, the member condemned the closure of the Kingsgrove Post Office, stating it ignored community petitions and harmed local businesses and vulnerable residents.