Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

United States of America

Senate · Thursday 6 February 2025

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

At a glance

Senators from the Australian Greens criticised the government for failing to clearly condemn US President Donald Trump's proposals regarding military action in Panama and Greenland, as well as his comments on Gaza. They argued that the Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and Foreign Minister avoided stating principles against illegal wars and ethnic cleansing. The debate highlighted concerns about Australia's alignment with the US under the AUKUS agreement given the new administration's policies. The motion was agreed to by the Senate.

Outcome

Question agreed to.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

David Shoebridge (NSW) (Australian Greens) Greens

Shoebridge moved the motion to take note of the Foreign Minister's answer regarding the Trump administration. Shoebridge argued that the government failed to uphold principles by not condemning Trump's threats to use military force in Panama and Greenland, actions Shoebridge compared to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Shoebridge stated that the Defence Minister avoided criticising these threats and instead expressed a desire to work with Trump. Shoebridge also noted that the Prime Minister refused to comment on Trump's suggestion of ethnic cleansing in Gaza, and the Foreign Minister provided a non-answer focusing on the two-state solution rather than condemning the threats.