Question Time AU

Topic

Agriculture

Farming, biosecurity, drought and primary producers.

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93
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Recent Question Time Questions

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript.

  • Trade with the European Union

    Senate · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Raff Ciccone ALP

    The senator asked how the deal would deliver for Australian farmers, producers, miners, and exporters, and whether there were any risks to the agreement.

    Answered by Don Farrell

  • Avian Influenza

    House of Representatives · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Alicia Payne ALP

    The member asked how the government was coordinating a response to H5 bird flu, including vaccine distribution for native species.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Artificial Intelligence

    House of Representatives · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Kate Chaney Ind

    The member asked if the Prime Minister would commit to increasing funding for the AI Safety Institute, noting its current low budget compared to biosecurity.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • Migration

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Helen Haines Ind

    The member asked if the minister would urgently update his direction and reverse the go-slow on working holiday visas, citing desperate employer needs in nursing, fruit picking, and bushfire recovery.

    Answered by Tony Burke

  • Tasmania: Salmon Farming Industry

    Senate · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · Vanessa Bleyer Greens

    The member asked if the government would immediately require a decrease in stocking levels at Macquarie Harbour following the announcement. She later asked if the government would end industrial-scale fish farming to pro...

    Answered by Tim Ayres

  • Avian Influenza

    House of Representatives · Thursday 13 August 2026 · Tania Lawrence ALP

    The member asked for updates on H5 bird flu detections and how the government was working with industry and states to strengthen biosecurity.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Avian Influenza

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 11 August 2026 · Darren Chester Nationals

    The member thanked the minister for bipartisan cooperation and reassured the public about the safety of the agricultural sector.

    Answered by Julie Collins (Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)

  • Trade with the European Union

    Senate · Thursday 2 July 2026 · Ellie Whiteaker ALP

    The member asked what real change the new market access delivered for farmers, producers, and exporters, specifically for Western Australia and Queensland.

    Answered by Don Farrell

  • Agriculture Industry

    Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · Pauline Hanson One Nation

    The member asked why the government imposed new regulations on farmers but not on wind turbines in rainforests. She further asked when the minister would acknowledge double standards in the government's approach to agric...

    Answered by Murray Watt

  • Tasmania: Foreign Investment

    Senate · Monday 29 June 2026 · Richard Colbeck Liberal

    The senator asked why Tas Farmers had not received a response to his letters regarding the Rushy Lagoon farm purchase. He followed up by asking when the government would respond to concerns about the deal. Finally, he as...

    Answered by Katy Gallagher

  • Water

    House of Representatives · Monday 29 June 2026 · David Farley One Nation

    The member asked the government to request an urgent assessment of whether 2026 environmental water objectives had been met and, if so, to return surplus water to the temporary market for farmers to plant crops.

    Answered by Tony Burke

  • Avian Influenza

    Senate · Thursday 25 June 2026 · Charlotte Walker ALP

    The member asked for an update on the H5 bird flu detections and how the government was coordinating with states and industry. She sought details on preparedness measures, surveillance, and biosecurity arrangements.

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Avian Influenza

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Rebekha Sharkie Centre Alliance

    The member asked what rapid support would be provided to primary producers, tourism operators, and environmental groups affected by bird flu and algal blooms.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese; Julie Collins

  • Avian Influenza

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 23 June 2026 · Tania Lawrence ALP

    The member asked how the government is working with wildlife and agricultural industries, and state and territory governments, to respond to the H5 bird flu detection in Western Australia.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Housing

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 23 June 2026 · Jamie Chaffey Nationals

    The member asked whether the Prime Minister would exclude the possibility of accepting the Greens' call to levy a tax on the family home.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • Water

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 23 June 2026 · David Farley One Nation

    The member asked if Australia's irrigated water capacity is sufficient to secure food supply during the next prolonged drought and if water allocations have been negotiated for food production.

    Answered by Kristy McBain; Tony Burke

  • Avian Influenza

    Senate · Monday 22 June 2026 · Sarah Hanson-Young Greens

    The member asked whether the government would support a $200 million two-year boost for wildlife resilience and habitat protection. She sought information on modelling regarding the impact on native species and when a mo...

    Answered by Murray Watt

  • Taxation

    House of Representatives · Thursday 4 June 2026 · Nicolette Boele Ind

    The member asked why BHP, which had after-tax profits over $1.512 trillion, received $622 million in diesel tax credits, particularly given the fuel crisis affecting regular Australians.

    Answered by Chris Bowen

  • Budget

    House of Representatives · Thursday 4 June 2026 · Pat Conaghan Nationals

    The member asked why small businesses and farming families should trust the Treasurer with sweeping powers to potentially scrap tax offsets, given previous assurances that such changes were not on the table.

    Answered by Jim Chalmers

  • Biosecurity

    House of Representatives · Thursday 4 June 2026 · Anne Urquhart ALP

    The member asked what actions the government was taking to strengthen biosecurity and get more fertiliser to farms, and what the response to these measures had been.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Budget

    House of Representatives · Thursday 28 May 2026 · Sam Birrell Nationals

    The member asked for a guarantee that farming families would not be negatively impacted by capital gains tax changes, referencing warnings from agricultural bodies.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Budget

    House of Representatives · Thursday 28 May 2026 · Rick Wilson Liberal

    The member asked for a guarantee that farming families would not be negatively affected by the proposed tax changes.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Budget

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 May 2026 · Darren Chester Nationals

    The member asked whether the minister could confirm that more than half of Australian farmers could not access the capital gains tax concession, leaving them liable for increased tax bills when transferring family farms.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Agriculture Industry

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 May 2026 · Dan Repacholi ALP

    The member asked how the government was collaborating with agricultural workers and manufacturers to obtain additional fuel and fertiliser to maintain a robust food production system.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Biosecurity: Hantavirus

    House of Representatives · Thursday 14 May 2026 · Joanne Ryan ALP

    The member sought an update on government measures to safeguard Australians and assist passengers impacted by the hantavirus outbreak.

    Answered by Mark Butler

  • Fertiliser

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Bob Katter KAP

    The member asked if the government would save the Mount Isa phosphate plant and 17,000 jobs, or if it would continue with a free-market approach leading to 100 per cent fertiliser imports.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese; Madeleine King

  • Taxation

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 12 May 2026 · Angus Taylor Liberal

    The member asked why Australians should trust future government commitments given reports that the administration was about to impose fresh levies on property, deposits, small enterprises, and agricultural producers, des...

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • Budget

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 12 May 2026 · Darren Chester Nationals

    The member asked why Australians should trust the government's commitments given reports of new taxes on farmers and small businesses, contrary to previous promises.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • Middle East

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 12 May 2026 · Trish Cook ALP

    The member inquired about government measures to assist farmers and producers with fuel and fertiliser availability and the industry's response to these measures.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Taxation

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 12 May 2026 · Angus Taylor Liberal

    The member asked whether the Prime Minister would raise taxes on housing, savings, small businesses, and farmers.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • Biosecurity: Hantavirus

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 12 May 2026 · Luke Gosling ALP

    The member inquired about measures to protect Australians and quarantine arrangements for passengers repatriated from the hantavirus-affected cruise ship.

    Answered by Mark Butler

  • Rural and Regional Australia

    Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Carol Brown ALP

    The senator asked the minister to outline what the government was doing to support farmers and regional communities and keep agricultural supply chains moving during the crisis.

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Agriculture Industry

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Jess Teesdale ALP

    The member asked how the government was helping farmers, fishers, and producers manage the impacts and continue production.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Fuel

    Senate · Tuesday 31 March 2026 · Ellie Whiteaker ALP

    The senator asked what the government was doing to protect regional communities from energy and supply chain shocks. She specifically asked about the importance of new Export Finance Australia powers for regional areas a...

    Answered by Tim Ayres

  • Agriculture Industry

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 31 March 2026 · Dan Repacholi ALP

    The member asked how the government was supporting farmers, producers, and exporters to maintain food production strength.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Agriculture Industry

    Senate · Monday 30 March 2026 · James McGrath LNP

    The member asked what the government's plan was if grain farmers were forced to halve their planting programs due to fuel shortages.

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Fuel

    Senate · Monday 30 March 2026 · Bridget McKenzie Nationals

    The member asked what the Prime Minister's plan was for managing jet fuel shortages and how this would be communicated, particularly regarding emergency responses like Cyclone Narelle.

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Fuel Security

    House of Representatives · Monday 30 March 2026 · Darren Chester Nationals

    The member asked why the Prime Minister was always the last to lead, citing concerns from farmers about fuel prioritization if the crisis deepened.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • Agriculture Industry

    House of Representatives · Monday 30 March 2026 · Meryl Swanson ALP

    The member asked what actions the government was taking to support farmers and producers in managing disruptions from the Middle East conflict.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Fuel

    House of Representatives · Monday 30 March 2026 · Tom Venning Liberal

    The member asked the Prime Minister to inform the public how many service stations were out of fuel, citing a farmer's desperation.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • Fuel

    House of Representatives · Thursday 26 March 2026 · Angus Taylor Liberal

    The member asked the Prime Minister when he would demonstrate leadership to resolve the national fuel crisis, citing price hikes of over 50 per cent, empty service stations, and risks to food costs and health services.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • Fuel

    House of Representatives · Thursday 26 March 2026 · Barnaby Joyce One Nation

    The member asked if the Minister for Agriculture saw any impediments to the production, processing, and transport of food to supermarkets and what the contingency plan was, citing reports of funeral homes and farmers una...

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Fertiliser

    Senate · Thursday 26 March 2026 · Jana Stewart ALP

    The member asked for an update on the status of Australia's fertiliser market amidst global supply chain disruptions. She sought to understand how the government was ensuring national resilience in this sector.

    Answered by Tim Ayres

  • Fuel

    Senate · Thursday 26 March 2026 · Kerrynne Liddle Liberal

    The member asked how the government allowed the fuel crisis to escalate to the point of disrupting trade, jobs, food supply, and health services. She cited specific impacts on apprentices, vegetable growers, and police o...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Fuel Security

    House of Representatives · Thursday 26 March 2026 · Tony Pasin Liberal

    The member asked why a fourth-generation farmer from Eudunda had to wait four weeks for fuel needed for farming operations, despite being categorized as critical.

    Answered by Chris Bowen

  • Trade with the European Union

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Darren Chester Nationals

    The member asked whether the minister believed the agreement was beneficial for Australian farmers, given industry criticism that the deal was subpar and would impose long-term costs on the sector.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Sovereign Capability

    Senate · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Maria Kovacic Liberal

    The member asked what steps the government had taken to ensure offline ammonia facilities returned to operation, given their critical role in agriculture and mining. She later asked about contingencies for shortages and ...

    Answered by Tim Ayres

  • Agriculture Industry

    Senate · Monday 23 March 2026 · James Paterson Liberal

    The member asked what plans the government had to secure urea supplies for farmers and ensure food production was not threatened.

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Sovereign Capability

    House of Representatives · Monday 23 March 2026 · Darren Chester Nationals

    The member asked for the government's strategy to secure fertilizer supplies for Australian farmers, given price increases and shipment delays.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Fuel Security

    Senate · Thursday 12 March 2026 · Jessica Collins Liberal

    The member asked why fuel was not reaching Australians despite reported high stock levels. She questioned the location of the supplies and the reasons for the disconnect between national reserves and local availability f...

    Answered by Tim Ayres

  • Middle East

    House of Representatives · Thursday 12 March 2026 · Kara Cook ALP

    The member asked what actions the government is taking to support farmers in producing food and fibre during the Middle East conflict.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Agriculture Industry

    Senate · Thursday 12 March 2026 · Ross Cadell Nationals

    The member asked why the government was sacrificing farming jobs and land during a time of instability. He questioned the impact of carbon credit schemes and renewable energy infrastructure on agricultural production.

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Fuel Security

    Senate · Thursday 12 March 2026 · Dean Smith Liberal

    The member asked why farmers were being turned away if fuel supplies were strong. He questioned the government's grip on fuel distribution given local shortages.

    Answered by Tim Ayres

  • Fuel

    House of Representatives · Thursday 12 March 2026 · Tony Pasin Liberal

    The member asked whether the Minister would rule out changes to diesel fuel credit arrangements, noting that changes could increase costs for farmers and miners.

    Answered by Chris Bowen

  • Fuel

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Rebekha Sharkie Centre Alliance

    The member asked what actions the government was taking to stabilize fuel supply chains in regional communities like Mayo, where service stations were restricting sales.

    Answered by Chris Bowen

  • Agriculture Industry

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Lisa Chesters ALP

    The member asked how the government was supporting farmers and producers during the Middle East conflict, particularly regarding fuel and fertilizer supplies.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Fuel Security

    Senate · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Sarah Henderson Liberal

    The member asked if the government accepted that fuel shortages were forcing transport operators and businesses to shut down, citing warnings of crop losses and livestock deaths. She challenged the government to admit th...

    Answered by Tim Ayres

  • Fuel

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Jamie Chaffey Nationals

    The member asked what action the minister was taking to address fuel supply issues for businesses and farms, citing a specific supplier in Gunnedah and Mungindi.

    Answered by Chris Bowen

  • Fuel

    Senate · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Sean Bell One Nation

    The member asked if the Prime Minister had confidence in the Energy Minister's management and why farmers were not prioritized for diesel. He further questioned why the fuel security system had broken down and compared f...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Food Security

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Meryl Swanson ALP

    The member asked how the government was working with farmers to manage the conflict's impact and improve food security.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Fuel

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · David Littleproud Nationals

    The member asked when farmers in Allora could expect normal fuel supplies to return, citing severe restrictions for a local distributor.

    Answered by Chris Bowen

  • Fuel Security

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Rick Wilson Liberal

    The member asked the minister to assure a specific farmer and fuel distributors that they would receive necessary fuel supplies.

    Answered by Chris Bowen

  • Trade

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Lisa Chesters ALP

    The member asked how the government was ensuring farmers benefited from trade and rebuilding Australia's global standing. She also asked about threats to this trade.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Tasmania: Salmon Fishing Industry

    House of Representatives · Monday 2 March 2026 · Andrew Wilkie Ind

    The member asked what penalties would be imposed for the contamination and whether the government would let salmon companies off the hook.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Trade

    House of Representatives · Monday 9 February 2026 · Meryl Swanson ALP

    The member asked how the government is rebuilding trading relationships to deliver opportunities for farmers and why strong relationships are key.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Agriculture Industry

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 26 November 2025 · Andrew Gee Ind

    The member asked if the Minister would support his Protecting Australia's Prime Agricultural Land Bill and visit the Calare electorate to meet with local farmers.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Bureau of Meteorology

    Senate · Tuesday 25 November 2025 · Ross Cadell Nationals

    The member asked how the government justified spending $96 million on a website that performed worse than free apps, particularly given its impact on food security and safety.

    Answered by Murray Watt

  • Cattle Industry: Methane-Reducing Feed Additives

    Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Tyron Whitten One Nation

    The senator asked if the government was considering mandatory methane-reducing additives for livestock, similar to Denmark. He raised concerns about consumer right-to-know regarding food contents and potential health ris...

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Humanitarian Visas

    Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Malcolm Roberts One Nation

    The senator asked for the specific countries of origin for the majority of humanitarian visa grants during the specified period. He subsequently inquired about the total number of visas issued and the specific counts for...

    Answered by Murray Watt

  • Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025

    Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Steph Hodgins-May Greens

    The senator asked if the government had received legal advice regarding higher corruption risks under the new laws, given the lack of an independent EPA. She followed up by asking if the government would close loopholes ...

    Answered by Murray Watt

  • Biosecurity

    House of Representatives · Monday 3 November 2025 · Trish Cook ALP

    The member asked how the government was strengthening biosecurity preparedness and response capabilities to protect farmers and regions from pests and diseases.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Renewable Energy

    House of Representatives · Thursday 9 October 2025 · Dan Tehan Liberal

    The member asked the Minister to commit to tabling a map detailing areas of biodiversity and agricultural land at risk from the renewable energy rollout.

    Answered by Chris Bowen

  • Biosecurity

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 8 October 2025 · Bob Katter KAP

    The member asked the Prime Minister to allow rugby league players licensed access to national parks to hunt feral pigs and other pests to protect fauna.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese; Julie Collins

  • Trade with the United Arab Emirates

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 7 October 2025 · Meryl Swanson ALP

    The member asked how the free trade agreement would expand opportunities for farmers and producers and benefit regional communities.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Renewable Energy

    Senate · Monday 1 September 2025 · Bridget McKenzie Nationals

    The member asked if the Prime Minister's 'no-bullshit' policy meant releasing modelling on the true cost of the 100 per cent renewable rollout. She questioned the impact on regional communities and energy bills.

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Taxation

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · Kevin Hogan Nationals

    The member asked the Assistant Treasurer if the government would rule out tax changes to family trusts.

    Answered by Daniel Mulino

  • Taxation

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · Anne Webster Nationals

    The member asked the Assistant Treasurer if the government would make any changes to the tax treatment of farming families this term.

    Answered by Daniel Mulino

  • Foreign Investment

    House of Representatives · Monday 25 August 2025 · David Littleproud Nationals

    The member asked if the Treasurer would review foreign investment thresholds to allow farming families to compete for Australian land.

    Answered by Jim Chalmers

  • Renewable Energy

    Senate · Tuesday 29 July 2025 · Richard Dowling ALP

    The member asked the minister to outline the government's record on approving renewable energy projects and whether more approvals were in the pipeline. He also asked why policy consistency was important for enticing inv...

    Answered by Murray Watt

  • Trade with the United States of America

    Senate · Tuesday 29 July 2025 · Paul Scarr Liberal

    The member asked whether the beef import ban was discussed during the Prime Minister's meetings with US officials, given the Prime Minister's correction of a minister's earlier statement. He questioned why the Prime Mini...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Disaster and Emergency Management

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 29 July 2025 · Alison Penfold Nationals

    The member asked the Minister for Emergency Management why Category D funding was still unavailable for flood-impacted small businesses, despite being available for primary producers.

    Answered by Kristy McBain

  • Beef Imports

    Senate · Monday 28 July 2025 · Susan McDonald Nationals

    The senator asked why there was urgency in allowing US-processed beef from Canada and Mexico without transparent consultation with primary producers, and whether there were biosecurity risks.

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Beef Industry

    Senate · Monday 28 July 2025 · Tyron Whitten One Nation

    The senator asked why the government was crushing livestock industries by lifting restrictions on US beef imports and banning live exports, and what other rural industries were targeted.

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Trade with the United States of America

    House of Representatives · Monday 28 July 2025 · David Littleproud Nationals

    The member asked whether the Inspector General of Biosecurity's recommendations for scientific oversight had been applied when deciding to lift US beef import bans.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Beef Industry: Biosecurity

    House of Representatives · Thursday 24 July 2025 · David Littleproud Nationals

    The member asked if biosecurity standards for US beef imports would be equivalent to those required for Australian beef exported to the US.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Agriculture Industry: Trade

    House of Representatives · Thursday 24 July 2025 · Trish Cook ALP

    The member asked how the government was supporting agricultural jobs and opportunities through strengthened trade ties.

    Answered by Julie Collins

  • Superannuation

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 23 July 2025 · David Littleproud Nationals

    The member asked for clarification on how the super tax on unrealised gains would operate for farmers with self-managed super funds experiencing income loss.

    Answered by Daniel Mulino

  • Superannuation

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Kevin Hogan Nationals

    The member asked for confirmation on the number of farmers and small businesses impacted by the super tax on unrealised gains.

    Answered by Daniel Mulino

  • Environment

    Senate · Wednesday 26 March 2025 · Jonathon Duniam Liberal

    The member asked when the government decided to use Tasmanian jobs as leverage in internal party negotiations regarding environmental laws. He referenced reports of heated caucus meetings and promises to reinstate the EP...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Queensland: Floods

    Senate · Wednesday 26 March 2025 · Pauline Hanson One Nation

    The member asked what specific assistance the federal government was providing to flood-affected communities in Queensland. She noted that some areas were cut off and livestock farmers were impacted.

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Environment

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 25 March 2025 · Sussan Ley Liberal

    The member asked if the Minister retained the power to stop salmon farming at Macquarie Harbour after the next election, given recent legislative amendments to the EPBC Act.

    Answered by Tanya Plibersek

  • Environmental Legislation

    Senate · Tuesday 25 March 2025 · Nick McKim Greens

    The member asked why the Prime Minister was working with the opposition to weaken environmental protection laws for multinational corporations during an environmental crisis.

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Agriculture Industry

    Senate · Thursday 6 February 2025 · Perin Davey Nationals

    The senator asked why the government was making it harder for farmers to supply food and when the Prime Minister would admit farmers were not better off. She followed up by citing higher electricity prices, insurance cos...

    Answered by Penny Wong

Recent Debates

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