Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

Defence Procurement: Submarines

Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026

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

At a glance

Senator Jacqui Lambie moved a motion to take note of the Minister's answer regarding AUKUS and its impact on the Australian Federal Police. She criticised the government for undisclosed increases in AFP headcount required to protect AUKUS assets, arguing this diverted resources from frontline duties. The debate concluded with the question 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

Jacqui Lambie (TAS) (Jacqui Lambie Network) JLN

Lambie expressed concern over the financial burden of the AUKUS program during a cost-of-living crisis and rising national debt. Lambie argued that the program had negatively impacted Defence procurement and reserve service days. Specifically, she highlighted a discrepancy between portfolio budget statements showing a headcount increase of 101 and the Minister's statement of an increase of 435 for AFP personnel. Lambie contended that recruiting these additional officers would disrupt frontline duties and degrade overall capacity to protect foreign-owned assets.