Without Notice

Take Note Debate

International Relations: Australia and the United States of America

Senate · Tuesday 13 October 2026

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

At a glance

Senators from the Australian Greens debated the government's response regarding relations with the United States. The speakers criticised the current US administration's policies and the Prime Minister's personal interactions with US leadership. They argued that the government failed to adequately oppose authoritarian trends and aligned too closely with figures they described as dangerous. The motion to take note of the answer was 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

Nick McKim (Tasmania) (Australian Greens) Greens TAS

McKim argued that the Australian government claimed to share values with a US administration that he characterised as dangerous and destructive. McKim stated that this administration threatened global safety through climate inaction, artificial intelligence risks, and support for war and genocide. McKim contended that governments exposing people to such dangers for political power lacked legitimacy. McKim asserted that the primary responsibility of government is to keep citizens safe, which he believed was not being fulfilled.

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