Question Time AU

General Debate

Taxation; Order for the Production of Documents

Senate · Monday 17 August 2026

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

At a glance

Senator Sean Bell moved a motion requiring the Minister representing the Treasurer to table documents related to industry consultations. The request sought correspondence between Treasury and significant financial institutions, including the Customer Owned Banking Association, concerning a specific policy decision. Bell argued that these records were necessary to verify claims that banks could adjust lending decisions before legislation passed. The motion was put to a vote and was not passed, with 26 votes against and 32 votes in favour.

Outcome

The motion was not passed, with 26 votes against and 32 votes in favour.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Sean Bell (NSW) (Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) One Nation

Bell moved that the Minister representing the Treasurer table all documents related to industry consultations mentioned by the Minister for Finance on 11 August 2026. The motion specifically requested correspondence and communication records between Treasury and significant financial institutions, including the Customer Owned Banking Association. Bell sought evidence confirming whether financial institutions had indicated they could account for the policy decision in their lending practices before the relevant legislation was enacted by Parliament.

Votes during this debate

Division 3: Taxation; Order for the Production of Documents Not passed 26–32