Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program

Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026

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

At a glance

Senator David Pocock moved a motion to take note of the Minister for Finance's answer regarding infrastructure funding. He challenged the government's denial of targeting marginal seats by seeking to table a report from the Centre for Public Integrity. The government refused leave to table the evidence. Pocock argued that funding should be based on community need rather than electoral advantage, stating that current practices damage democratic trust. The Senate agreed to the motion.

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

David Pocock (ACT) (Independent) Ind

Pocock accepted the minister's challenge to demonstrate that government commitments were targeted at marginal seats. Pocock sought leave to table a report from the Centre for Public Integrity titled Public money, political advantage? which alleged that nearly half of election commitment funding went to seats the Labor government sought to win. Pocock noted that the government refused to allow the evidence to be tabled. Pocock argued that residents should not need to live in marginal seats to receive necessary community infrastructure funding. Pocock contended that making election commitments based on electoral strategy rather than need damages democracy and reduces trust in institutions.