Question Time AU

General Debate

Australian Senate

Senate · Wednesday 9 September 2026

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

At a glance

Senator Michaelia Cash moved a motion to reinforce the constitutional authority of the Senate and its committees. The motion asserted that only the Senate or relevant committees could determine the conduct of proceedings and whether objections to questioning should be upheld. It rejected attempts by executive government bodies to impose vetoes on the recording or broadcasting of committee evidence. The motion also called on the government to remind public servants of their duty to cooperate with inquiries. The Senate agreed to the motion without further debate.

Outcome

The motion was agreed to by the Senate.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Michaelia Cash (WA) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Cash argued that the Senate and its committees hold essential constitutional functions regarding scrutiny and accountability. Cash stated that the determination of committee conduct and the upholding of objections to questioning must rest solely with the Senate or the relevant committee, not with individual witnesses or executive agencies. Cash contended that public servants have a duty to cooperate with inquiries in line with the Public Service Act 1999 and Australian Public Service values. Cash opposed any attempt by executive departments to impose consent requirements or vetoes on the recording, broadcasting, or reporting of committee proceedings. Cash called for the government to ensure that executive guidance does not diminish the powers or privileges of the Senate.