Question Time AU

Topic

Defence & AUKUS

The ADF, AUKUS, submarines and defence spending.

We email you only about this, and every email has an unsubscribe link. Privacy

Question Time Q&As
94
Debates
177

Recent Question Time Questions

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript.

  • Aged Care

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Monique Ryan Ind

    The member asked if it would be better to tax oil or gas, cut the diesel fuel rebate, or reconsider AUKUS spending rather than looking for savings in pensioners' pockets.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • Australian Defence Force: Recruitment

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Tania Lawrence ALP

    The member asked how the government's investments were improving recruitment and retention figures for the Defence Force.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Defence Recruitment

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Emma Comer ALP

    The member asked how the government was growing the Defence Force and what difficulties had been faced in the past.

    Answered by Matt Keogh

  • Defence Procurement: Submarines

    Senate · Tuesday 15 September 2026 · Jacqui Lambie JLN

    The senator asked what additional annual funding the AFP would need for AUKUS security from 2027-28 to 2035-36 and how much would be met by the defence budget.

    Answered by Murray Watt

  • Defence Industry

    House of Representatives · Thursday 10 September 2026 · Tom French ALP

    The member asked the Deputy Prime Minister how the government was supporting skilled jobs in the defence industry and delivering continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia, contrasting this with the previous deca...

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Veterans: Health Care

    Senate · Monday 7 September 2026 · Michaelia Cash Liberal

    The senator asked why the government had not reversed cuts to veterans' health services despite the protest. She cited the disappointment expressed by fourth-generation soldier Andy Cullen, who felt betrayed by the gover...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Defence

    Senate · Monday 7 September 2026 · David Shoebridge Greens

    The senator asked why the government had allowed the US to use Australian bases in a way that could draw Australia into US conflicts. He cited fears from residents near bases and asked for an example of the government de...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Veterans

    House of Representatives · Thursday 20 August 2026 · Michael McCormack Nationals

    The member asked who brought forward the plan to cut $750 million from veterans' allied health support, given the Royal Commission's recommendations.

    Answered by Matt Keogh

  • Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel

    Senate · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Michaelia Cash Liberal

    The senator asked whether the Prime Minister retained confidence in Minister Keogh given that veterans described his conduct as disrespectful and indicated they had lost trust in him after he initially refused to meet wi...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel

    Senate · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Bridget McKenzie Nationals

    The senator asked how many times Minister Keogh needed to admit mistakes or reverse policies before the Prime Minister lost confidence in him, given veterans' ongoing concerns.

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Veterans

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Michael McCormack Nationals

    The member asked how the minister could continue in his role if he could not uphold Defence values, citing specific criticism from a veteran.

    Answered by Matt Keogh

  • Veterans

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 19 August 2026 · Phillip Thompson LNP

    The member asked whether the minister was calling the veteran a liar after disagreeing with the characterization of his behavior.

    Answered by Matt Keogh

  • Humanitarian Visas

    Senate · Tuesday 11 August 2026 · David Pocock Ind

    The senator asked whether the government was satisfied it had kept its word in getting those who served Australia to safety. He sought a commitment to bring every certified LEE home and a timeline for their arrival.

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Defence

    House of Representatives · Thursday 2 July 2026 · Tony Zappia ALP

    The member asked how the government is delivering defence reforms and why this is important for national security.

    Answered by Pat Conroy

  • Defence Procurement

    Senate · Tuesday 30 June 2026 · David Shoebridge Greens

    The member asked what it would take for the government to say no to Palantir. He further asked if the minister would commit to a moratorium on new contracts and a public audit of existing ones, and confirmed whether any ...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Australian War Memorial

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Luke Gosling ALP

    The member asked about the significance of the opening for the commemoration of military service in Australia.

    Answered by Matt Keogh

  • Australian Defence Force

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Sam Lim ALP

    The member asked how government investment in defence was delivering well-paid, secure jobs after a decade of perceived waste.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Defence Industry

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Matt Burnell ALP

    The member asked how the government was delivering defence capability and creating jobs, and how this compared to the inherited situation.

    Answered by Pat Conroy

  • Defence

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 23 June 2026 · Emma Comer ALP

    The member asked how the government's defence investment provides critical capability and creates export opportunities, and why this is better than other approaches.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Defence: Over-the-Horizon Radar

    House of Representatives · Monday 22 June 2026 · Matt Burnell ALP

    The member asked how the historic signing of Australia's largest defence export to Canada would deliver high-paid secure jobs.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Defence: Water

    House of Representatives · Thursday 4 June 2026 · David Farley One Nation

    The member asked if the Department of Defence had provided input into water reviews and food security strategies, and if the minister considered water security a core defence capability.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • AUKUS

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 3 June 2026 · Matt Burnell ALP

    The member asked what progress had been made in delivering Australia's future AUKUS submarines.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Defence Properties

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 3 June 2026 · Zali Steggall Ind

    The member asked why the government was selling parts of HMAS Penguin against community wishes and whether it would commit to conserving remnant bushland and keeping historic buildings in public hands.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Defence

    House of Representatives · Thursday 28 May 2026 · Tania Lawrence ALP

    The member asked how defence investments were enhancing Australian Defence Force capabilities and requested a comparison with other strategies.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Defence

    House of Representatives · Thursday 28 May 2026 · Lisa Chesters ALP

    The member asked how the government was providing defence capabilities and building a local defence industry.

    Answered by Pat Conroy

  • Defence and Veterans Workshop

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 26 May 2026 · Andrew Wilkie Ind

    The member asked whether the government would commit to keeping the workshop at its current location or funding a new facility, citing its importance for veteran wellbeing and Royal Commission recommendations.

    Answered by Matt Keogh

  • Defence Industry

    House of Representatives · Monday 25 May 2026 · Tony Zappia ALP

    The member asked the Deputy Prime Minister how the government was securing well-paid jobs in South Australia through defence investments and what uncertainty the industry had previously faced.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Veterans

    House of Representatives · Monday 25 May 2026 · Phillip Thompson LNP

    The member asked the Prime Minister how many veterans would be out of pocket due to a $5,000 annual cap on allied health services, alleging a broken promise.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese; Matt Keogh; Tony Burke

  • Defence Industry

    House of Representatives · Thursday 14 May 2026 · Rowan Holzberger ALP

    The member asked how the government's record investment in the Defence Force improves capability and how it compares to other approaches.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Middle East, Budget

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Claire Clutterham ALP

    The member asked how Australia was engaging with other countries regarding the Strait of Hormuz and how the budget improved ADF capability.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Australian Defence Force

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 12 May 2026 · Matt Burnell ALP

    The member inquired how the government was delivering significant investment in the defence force.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Fuel Security: Australian Defence Force

    House of Representatives · Monday 30 March 2026 · Gordon Reid ALP

    The member asked what actions the government had taken to secure fuel for the Australian Defence Force.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • International Relations: Australia and Germany

    House of Representatives · Thursday 26 March 2026 · Luke Gosling ALP

    The member asked how Australia and Germany were enhancing cooperation between their defence forces and industries and the significance of this relationship.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Trade with European Union

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Libby Coker ALP

    The member asked why these agreements were important and how they would deliver benefits to Australians.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • Australia-European Union Security and Defence Partnership

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · Luke Gosling ALP

    The member asked how Australia and the EU would strengthen cooperation through this new partnership.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Middle East

    Senate · Tuesday 24 March 2026 · David Shoebridge Greens

    The member asked if the government still supported the war in the Middle East, citing consequences for Australians. He later asked if the minister would oppose an Israeli invasion of Lebanon and why Australia was not joi...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • AUKUS

    House of Representatives · Monday 23 March 2026 · Louise Miller-Frost ALP

    The member asked about the delivery of AUKUS projects nationwide, with a focus on South Australia, and requested a comparison with alternative political approaches.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Middle East

    Senate · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Larissa Waters Greens

    The member asked whether Australia was at war. She also questioned when and how the US requested Australia's deployment, accusing the government of bowing to US demands, and asked why there was a double standard in prote...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Middle East

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 11 March 2026 · Andrew Hastie Liberal

    The member asked how long military efforts would take to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, given its importance to global oil and LNG supplies.

    Answered by Pat Conroy

  • Middle East

    Senate · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Raff Ciccone ALP

    The member asked for an update on the conflict and the government's response, specifically regarding the safety of Australians in the region and the deployment of defence assets.

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Australian Defence Force

    Senate · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Larissa Waters Greens

    The member asked if the deployment was requested by the US administration and how the decision was made. She further questioned how weapons could be used solely for defensive purposes and why Iranian visa holders were be...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Middle East

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · Matt Gregg ALP

    The member asked how the government was supporting Gulf countries in their defence against Iranian reprisals.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Defence

    Senate · Thursday 5 March 2026 · David Shoebridge Greens

    The member asked whether any Australian personnel were on the US submarine that sank the Iranian frigate. He questioned if the government could confirm the presence of Australian Defence Force personnel on the vessel.

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Nuclear Weapons

    Senate · Thursday 5 March 2026 · Lidia Thorpe Ind

    The member asked whether the government would require the US to declare if visiting platforms, such as B-52 bombers or Virginia-class submarines, were carrying nuclear weapons. She referenced Labor's platform on nuclear ...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Middle East

    Senate · Monday 2 March 2026 · Raff Ciccone ALP

    The member asked for the Australian government's response to the military actions taken by the US and Israel against Iran.

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Middle East

    Senate · Monday 2 March 2026 · Michaelia Cash Liberal

    The member asked whether the Prime Minister believed that holding services to commemorate the death of the Iranian leader was beneficial for social cohesion in Australia.

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Defence

    House of Representatives · Thursday 12 February 2026 · Mary Doyle ALP

    The member asked about Defence delivery and alternative approaches.

    Answered by Matt Keogh

  • Defence

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 11 February 2026 · Emma Comer ALP

    The member asked how the government was delivering for defence and what alternative approaches existed.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Defence Properties

    House of Representatives · Monday 9 February 2026 · Tony Zappia ALP

    The member asked how the government is reforming the Defence estate and how the response compared to other approaches.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Australian Defence Force

    House of Representatives · Monday 9 February 2026 · David Smith ALP

    The member asked what the government is doing to grow ADF capabilities in new domains and why this is important.

    Answered by Matt Keogh

  • Defence Properties

    House of Representatives · Thursday 5 February 2026 · Justine Elliot ALP

    The member asked how the government was delivering a future Defence estate for the Australian Defence Force and what alternative approaches existed.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Defence Properties

    Senate · Thursday 5 February 2026 · Claire Chandler Liberal

    The member asked if the minister agreed with the assessment that the defence asset sales fundamentally altered Tasmania's role in national defence. She further asked how the government could claim to strengthen defence r...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • National Anti-Corruption Commission

    Senate · Thursday 5 February 2026 · David Shoebridge Greens

    The member enquired whether Commissioner Brereton had stepped down from his role as assistant IGADF, and if that was the case, what the timing and circumstances were. He then questioned whether the government retained co...

    Answered by Don Farrell

  • Defence Properties

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 4 February 2026 · Rowan Holzberger ALP

    The member asked how the government was securing the defence estate's future and what this meant for defence capability.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Australian Defence Force

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 4 February 2026 · Tania Lawrence ALP

    The member asked how the government was backing defence forces with necessary investment and infrastructure, and what approaches were rejected.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • Defence Equipment

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 4 February 2026 · Louise Miller-Frost ALP

    The member asked how the government was delivering defence capability and what approaches were rejected.

    Answered by Pat Conroy

  • Defence Properties

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 4 February 2026 · Andrew Wilkie Ind

    The member asked for assurance that Anglesea Barracks would remain part of the defence estate and receive funding.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Veterans

    Senate · Tuesday 3 February 2026 · Jacqui Lambie JLN

    The member asked for clear examples of government actions to address veteran suicide and mental health issues identified by the Royal Commission.

    Answered by Jenny McAllister

  • Defence

    House of Representatives · Thursday 27 November 2025 · Sharon Claydon ALP

    The member asked how the government was delivering critical defence capabilities and how this compared to other approaches to national security.

    Answered by Pat Conroy

  • Ukraine

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 26 November 2025 · Sally Sitou ALP

    The member asked how the government was continuing to support Ukraine, including through military aid, and why a consistent approach was important.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Defence Procurement: Submarines

    House of Representatives · Monday 24 November 2025 · Meryl Swanson ALP

    The member requested an update on the implementation of AUKUS and inquired about other strategies being considered.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Middle East

    Senate · Tuesday 4 November 2025 · David Shoebridge Greens

    The member asked why it took two years to send emails stopping direct exports to Israel. He also asked if similar emails would be sent to F-35 supply chain companies and if the government monitored end-users of weapons w...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Veterans

    House of Representatives · Monday 3 November 2025 · Darren Chester Nationals

    The member asked whether the 20-year time limit on Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal inquiries would have excluded Teddy Sheean's gallantry from review, referencing a past media release by the Prime Minister.

    Answered by Matt Keogh

  • Defence

    Senate · Thursday 30 October 2025 · David Shoebridge Greens

    The member asked whether the government had ever refused requests from the United States or Donald Trump regarding defence spending and critical minerals. He questioned if there were limits to the government's support fo...

    Answered by Jenny McAllister

  • International Relations: Australia and the Indo-Pacific

    Senate · Tuesday 28 October 2025 · Ellie Whiteaker ALP

    The senator asked the minister to outline the government's actions to deepen relationships with regional countries. She subsequently asked how the government is navigating international uncertainty through partnerships, ...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Woodside Barracks

    House of Representatives · Thursday 9 October 2025 · Rebekha Sharkie Centre Alliance

    The member asked when the Minister would reveal the future of Woodside Barracks, given the lack of response to the Defence estate audit and her previous correspondence.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 7 October 2025 · Matt Smith ALP

    The member asked what the historic signing of the mutual defence treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea meant for the nation.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 7 October 2025 · Luke Gosling ALP

    The member asked about the importance of the defence treaty and its impact on the Australian Defence Force.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 7 October 2025 · Louise Miller-Frost ALP

    The member asked how the agreement would contribute to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.

    Answered by Pat Conroy

  • Andrews, Hon. Daniel Michael, AC

    House of Representatives · Thursday 4 September 2025 · Sussan Ley Liberal

    The member asked whether the Prime Minister would join the coalition in condemning the former premier's attendance at the event with dictators and war criminals.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • Defence Industry

    House of Representatives · Thursday 4 September 2025 · Tania Lawrence ALP

    The member asked how the government was supporting the defence industry and ADF through AUKUS and export reforms, and what barriers had been overcome.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • National Security

    House of Representatives · Thursday 4 September 2025 · Alex Hawke Liberal

    The member asked if the Attorney-General was aware of whether Daniel Andrews had complied with the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme and to report on his compliance status.

    Answered by Michelle Rowland

  • International Relations: Australia and China

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 3 September 2025 · Angus Taylor Liberal

    The member asked if the Prime Minister would condemn Daniel Andrews for attending the parade. He also asked if the Prime Minister or his office provided personal or consular assistance for the visit.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • International Relations

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 3 September 2025 · Angus Taylor Liberal

    The member asked if the Prime Minister would condemn Daniel Andrews for attending the parade.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • Defence

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 2 September 2025 · Jodie Belyea ALP

    The member asked how the government was delivering on ADF recruitment and retention and what difficulties had been faced.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Hamilton Island: Mrh-90 Taipan Crash

    Senate · Monday 1 September 2025 · Malcolm Roberts One Nation

    The member questioned the failure of the Commonwealth prosecutor to bring charges in light of Comcare's findings. He sought the disclosure of the prosecutor's rationale to offer closure to victims' families.

    Answered by Don Farrell

  • International Relations: Australia and the United States of America

    House of Representatives · Thursday 28 August 2025 · Angus Taylor Liberal

    The member asked whether the meeting with Secretary Hegseth was a formal meeting or just a photo opportunity and if there was any outcome beyond the photo.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Defence Procurement

    House of Representatives · Thursday 28 August 2025 · Tom French ALP

    The member asked how the decision on new frigates helps build a future made in Australia and keeps Australians safe, and why this was important after a wasted decade.

    Answered by Pat Conroy

  • Defence

    Senate · Thursday 31 July 2025 · Jessica Collins Liberal

    The senator asked why the government abandoned its 2022 commitment to raise defence spending targets given the deteriorating strategic environment. She also questioned why the Prime Minister had not attended military exe...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Veterans

    House of Representatives · Thursday 31 July 2025 · Andrew Gee Ind

    The member asked if the minister would meet with local veterans in Bathurst and Orange to consider a proposal for establishing wellbeing hubs in the Central West of New South Wales, given the lack of such facilities in t...

    Answered by Matt Keogh

  • Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial Consultations

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 30 July 2025 · Anne Stanley ALP

    The member asked about the key outcomes of the AUKMIN meetings and achievements in progressing AUKUS.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Defence Procurement: Submarines

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 29 July 2025 · Allegra Spender Ind

    The member asked the Deputy Prime Minister what alternative plan the government had to ensure Australia's submarine capability if the US could not double production in time, and why no such plan existed if that was the c...

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Veteran Suicide

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 29 July 2025 · Libby Coker ALP

    The member asked the minister how the government was implementing the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

    Answered by Matt Keogh

  • Middle East

    Senate · Monday 28 July 2025 · David Shoebridge Greens

    The senator asked when the government would take material action to enforce international law in Gaza, such as joining South Africa's genocide case, imposing Magnitsky sanctions on the Netanyahu cabinet, and ending milit...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • International Relations: Australia and the United States of America

    House of Representatives · Thursday 24 July 2025 · Sussan Ley Liberal

    The member asked why the Prime Minister had not met with the US President in person, despite the Coalition's role in establishing the AUKUS agreement and the US being Australia's most important ally.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • AUKUS

    Senate · Thursday 24 July 2025 · David Shoebridge Greens

    The senator asked for justification for providing $1.6 billion to the United States for nuclear submarines that might be cancelled, with no clawback provisions.

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Middle East: Defence Exports

    House of Representatives · Thursday 24 July 2025 · Helen Haines Ind

    The member asked the Minister for Defence to guarantee that Australia was not involved in war crimes in Gaza by manufacturing or exporting weapons to Israel.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • International Relations: Australia and China

    House of Representatives · Thursday 24 July 2025 · Angus Taylor Liberal

    The member asked if the Prime Minister was suggesting that Chinese warships are free to conduct live fire exercises near Australia because Australia participates in the South China Sea.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Defence

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Emma Comer ALP

    The member asked how the government was keeping Australians safe through defence investment and engagement with partners.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • International Relations: Australia and China

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 23 July 2025 · Angus Taylor Liberal

    The member asked what assurances the Prime Minister received from the Chinese president that PLA vessels would stop conducting surveillance and live-fire exercises off the Australian coast.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • Defence Procurement: Submarines

    House of Representatives · Thursday 27 March 2025 · Zoe Daniel Ind

    The member asked about the government's plan B for the AUKUS submarine deal, given concerns about the Australia-US relationship under the Trump administration and reports that submarines may never be delivered.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • Defence Procurement: Submarines

    House of Representatives · Thursday 27 March 2025 · Peter Dutton Liberal

    The member supported the Prime Minister's stance on AUKUS, stating that nuclear-powered submarines were a safe and necessary investment for national security in an uncertain century.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese (Prime Minister)

  • Syria: Human Rights, Australian Defence Force

    Senate · Wednesday 5 February 2025 · Gerard Rennick Ind

    The member asked why the government had not condemned human rights abuses by the new Syrian regime, suggesting Australian foreign policy was controlled by intelligence agencies interested in imperialism.

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Campbell, General Angus, AO, DSC (Retd)

    Senate · Tuesday 4 February 2025 · Jacqui Lambie JLN

    The member asked for the terms of appointment, salary, and benefits for General Campbell, citing concerns about his record during his time as Chief of the Defence Force.

    Answered by Penny Wong

Recent Debates

Latest 20 of 177