Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

Pensions and Benefits

Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026

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

At a glance

Senator Penny Allman-Payne moved a take note debate regarding the government's response to questions about suspending mutual obligations for income support recipients. She argued that high rents and fuel costs, exacerbated by a crisis involving conflict in Iran, were causing significant hardship for people on benefits. The senator contended that the government should suspend these obligations, citing precedents set during natural disasters and the pandemic. She criticised the requirement for recipients to travel to job services despite lacking public transport access in regional areas.

Outcome

The transcript does not state the final result of the debate motion.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Penny Allman-Payne (QLD) (Australian Greens) Greens

The senator argued that the government failed to address the financial strain on income support recipients caused by rising fuel costs and rents. Allman-Payne stated that these factors forced people to live in areas with poor public transport, necessitating car use for mandatory appointments. Allman-Payne noted that mutual obligations had been suspended during previous emergencies such as cyclones, floods, and the pandemic. Allman-Payne urged the government to implement a similar suspension to assist those struggling during the current crisis.