Take Note Debate

Answers to Questions

Senate · Tuesday 11 February 2025

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

At a glance

Senators debated government responses to questions on car industry policies, environmental funding, and energy projects. Coalition senators criticised the government for restricting consumer choice in vehicles and delaying gas approvals for electoral reasons. Labor senators defended their record on housing supply and argued that previous coalition policies dismantled the domestic car industry. The debate concluded with the motion being agreed to.

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

James McGrath (QLD) (Liberal National Party) LNP

McGrath argued that the government was imposing an ideological focus on electric vehicles that punished families and tradies who preferred diesel or petrol vehicles. McGrath claimed the government was disconnected from the real-world needs of Australians and cited rising power bills as evidence of poor economic management. McGrath also criticised the government's defence of the Environmental Defenders Office, referencing a Federal Court judge's finding that the organisation's evidence lacked integrity. McGrath called for the withdrawal of taxpayer funding for the EDO and stated the coalition would ensure no money went to the organisation.

Raff Ciccone (VIC) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Ciccone argued that the coalition was responsible for the closure of the domestic car industry, citing decisions made during the Abbott government to award contracts to foreign manufacturers. Ciccone stated that the current government was opening the market to provide consumers with more choice, including hybrids and electric vehicles, while improving fuel standards. Ciccone highlighted that new cars were becoming more affordable and defended the shift towards hybrid technology as a practical transition.
Slade Brockman (WA) (Liberal Party) DPRES oppose

Brockman contended that Labor policies had caused inefficiencies in the car industry by forcing manufacturers to share components, leading to its downfall. Brockman argued that the government was making popular utility vehicles more expensive while incentivising electric cars, thereby reducing consumer choice. Brockman also criticised the two-month delay in approving the Woodside gas project extension, claiming it was done to appease political allies rather than support the economic interests of Western Australia and energy security.
Karen Grogan (SA) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Grogan argued that the coalition had no credibility on housing issues, noting they had blocked housing legislation and lacked a dedicated housing minister during their time in government. Grogan stated that the government was addressing the housing crisis by increasing supply, training tradies, and cutting red tape to accelerate construction. Grogan highlighted investments in social housing and a significant increase in rental assistance, while accusing the opposition of blocking further progress.
Linda Reynolds (WA) (Liberal Party) Liberal oppose

Reynolds argued that natural gas was essential for the energy transition and the economy of Western Australia, supporting the extension of the North West Shelf project. Reynolds claimed the federal government was delaying the decision to avoid conflict with the Greens, despite state approval and the project's importance for jobs and investment. Reynolds criticised the Minister for the Environment for approving high-density housing in fire-prone areas while allegedly hindering gas development.

Opened by

James McGrath (QLD) (Liberal National Party)

LNP

Speeches

5 speeches, 4 other contributors

Topics

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About Senate debates

The Senate debates bills, motions, matters of public importance and the answers given in Question Time. Senators from all parties and the crossbench take part, and a minister or the minister representing them usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.