Question Time AU

Matter of Public Importance

Prime Minister

Senate · Monday 17 August 2026

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

At a glance

The Senate debated a matter of public importance regarding the Prime Minister's conduct, specifically focusing on his participation in a podcast and his history of policy reversals. Opposition senators argued that the Prime Minister failed to take responsibility for inappropriate remarks and had a pattern of breaking promises, particularly regarding tax policy and energy costs. Government senators opposed the motion, citing the administration's record on economic delivery, women's safety, and healthcare reforms. The debate concluded with the motion being defeated by a vote of 25 to 23.

Outcome

The motion was defeated by a division of 25 votes to 23.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Cash moved the motion, arguing that the Prime Minister displayed a pattern of poor judgement by participating in a podcast featuring crude content and making inappropriate remarks about female leaders. Cash contended that the Prime Minister refused to accept responsibility for these actions, instead relying on senior female ministers to defend his behaviour. Cash further asserted that the Prime Minister had destroyed public trust through a history of broken promises, specifically citing repeated assurances that negative gearing and capital gains tax would not be changed before the election, followed by policy reversals after taking office.

Votes during this debate

Division 5: Prime Minister Passed 25–23