Question Time AU

Matter of Public Importance

Budget

Senate · Tuesday 12 May 2026

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

At a glance

Senator Pauline Hanson moved a matter of public importance criticising the Labor government for reckless spending, rising debt, and housing policies that she argued disadvantaged younger Australians. Opposition and independent senators supported the motion, citing failures in housing supply, increased taxes, and high immigration levels. Government senators defended their record, arguing they had consistently proposed supply-side solutions while accusing One Nation of voting against reforms and scapegoating migrants. The debate concluded with cross-party criticism of One Nation's policy positions and voting record.

Outcome

The motion was debated as a matter of public importance; no vote was taken.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Hanson argued that Labor's spending had driven inflation, increased mortgage costs, and pushed gross debt past $1 trillion. Hanson claimed disposable income had fallen by eight per cent since 2022 and that housing supply had not increased despite billions in funding. Hanson proposed cutting $90 billion in spending, scrapping net zero targets, reducing immigration, and banning foreign ownership to improve housing affordability. Hanson asserted that these measures would reduce debt and restore living standards for younger generations.

Opposition response

Bragg criticised the government for failing to increase housing supply despite spending $80 billion on housing initiatives. Bragg argued that tax increases and red tape, including changes to the National Construction Code and EPBC Act, had hindered construction. Bragg claimed the government had allowed 1.4 million migrants to arrive while building only 600,000 homes, creating a significant supply deficit. Bragg stated that the government needed to cut taxes and reduce bureaucracy to achieve a target of 250,000 new homes per year.