Take Note Debate

Answers to Questions

Senate · Wednesday 16 September 2026

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

At a glance

Senators debated the government's responses to questions concerning economic management, gender equality policies, and the conduct of government staff. Opposition senators criticised the government for high inflation, damaging tax changes, and failing to protect women's biological rights in the Sex Discrimination Act. Government senators defended their record on reducing the gender pay gap, investing in women's safety and health, and managing the economy. The debate concluded with the motion being agreed to.

Outcome

Question 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

Maria Kovacic (NSW) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Kovacic moved the motion and criticised the government's claim of improved inflation, noting that average inflation under the current government was four per cent compared to 2.2 per cent under the previous coalition. Kovacic argued that Australia had experienced a significant collapse in living standards and had higher core inflation than other advanced economies due to mismanagement. Kovacic also raised concerns about offensive social media comments made by Rhys Muldoon, questioning why the Prime Minister only condemned them after they became public.

Ellie Whiteaker (WA) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Whiteaker defended the government's approach to women's safety and equality, arguing that the Sex Discrimination Act allows for special measures to achieve substantive equality. Whiteaker highlighted the government's record, including a majority female caucus, the lowest gender pay gap, and increased minimum wages. Whiteaker also noted investments in child care and women's health as evidence of the government's commitment to women.
James McGrath (QLD) (Liberal National Party) LNP oppose

McGrath expressed concern that capital gains tax changes were deterring investment and harming business confidence. McGrath argued that giving significant decision-making power to a single bureaucrat created uncertainty for investors who might move capital overseas. McGrath claimed these policies risked the Australian dream by undermining business growth and employment opportunities.
Marielle Smith (SA) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Smith highlighted improvements in gender equality metrics, noting Australia's rise in the gender gap index and a reduction in the gender pay gap to 11.3 per cent. Smith detailed government investments in women's safety, including over $4.4 billion in funding, and improvements in women's health access through the PBS. Smith argued that these outcomes resulted from deliberate policy choices to prioritise equality and support women-dominated industries.
Leah Blyth (SA) (Liberal Party) Liberal oppose

Blyth argued that the government failed to protect women's rights by not defining biological sex in the Sex Discrimination Act, citing concerns about safety in shelters and sports. Blyth referenced the High Court case involving Sall Grover to claim the current legislation was unfit for purpose. Blyth also criticised the government for employing Rhys Muldoon despite his offensive comments about women.

Opened by

Maria Kovacic (NSW) (Liberal Party)

Liberal

Speeches

6 speeches, 4 other contributors

Topics

Budget & Economy Family & Domestic Violence Tax Wages & Workplace Relations Women & Gender Equality

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About Senate debates

The Senate debates bills, motions, matters of public importance and the answers given in Question Time. Senators from all parties and the crossbench take part, and a minister or the minister representing them usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.