Question Time AU

Debates

2,448 debate items in the House of Representatives and the Senate

What is in the debates?

Everything debated in either chamber outside Question Time, one item per heading per sitting day. Each item is summarised in reported speech: who opened it, how the minister and shadow minister responded, what other members said, and the outcome.

  • A bill debated over several days appears once per day; its bill page puts every stage in order
  • Formal stages, condolences and first speeches are listed with who spoke, without a summary
  • Votes taken during a debate are linked to their division pages

Types of debate

Bill Debate:
Debate on a bill at one of its stages (second reading, consideration in detail or committee, third reading)
Matter of Public Importance:
A one-hour discussion on a topic proposed by a member, usually from the opposition or crossbench
Ministerial Statement:
A minister's statement to the chamber on a policy or event, often with a reply
Take Note Debate:
Senate debate taking note of answers given in Question Time or of a document tabled
General Debate:
Motions, statements and other business that is not one of the above
Condolence and First Speech:
Listed with who spoke, but not summarised
2026 - 19 Jan - 03 Feb (34 debates)
2025 - 27 Nov (16 debates)
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