Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

Defence Procurement

Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026

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

At a glance

Greens senators criticised the government for awarding contracts and investing in Palantir, citing concerns over national security, data privacy, and the company's role in military targeting and immigration enforcement. They argued that the government prioritised corporate interests over public safety and called for a public audit of these arrangements. The debate concluded with the motion being agreed to.

Outcome

The question was 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

Larissa Waters (QLD) (Australian Greens) Greens

Waters argued that the government had granted Palantir significant access to sensitive agencies, including Defence, the Australian Signals Directorate, AUSTRAC, and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, with minimal public scrutiny. Waters highlighted that these contracts were worth $60 million and were accompanied by a $100 million investment from the Future Fund. Waters contended that Palantir's technology had been used in lethal targeting in Gaza and for immigration enforcement in the United States, which should have triggered an immediate review. Waters asserted that the government failed to stand up to large technology corporations and prioritised corporate profits over the public interest.