Question Time AU

Topic

First Nations

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs.

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Question Time Q&As
55
Debates
109

Recent Question Time Questions

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript.

  • Indigenous Australians: Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence

    Senate · Thursday 17 September 2026 · Jacinta Nampijinpa Price Country Liberal Party

    The senator asked what personal action the minister had taken to ensure the safety of these children, citing elder Doris Eaton's description of the dangerous conditions.

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Indigenous Australians

    Senate · Wednesday 16 September 2026 · Lidia Thorpe Ind

    The senator asked if the government agreed that a genocide had occurred on the continent. In supplementary questions, she cited the new research showing up to two million people were wiped out and asked if any federal go...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Indigenous Health

    Senate · Thursday 10 September 2026 · Glenn Sterle ALP

    The member asked how the government was effecting change through investment in community-led laundry facilities to enhance health and wellbeing in remote First Nations communities. He sought feedback on the impact of the...

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • International Relations: Australia and the United States of America

    House of Representatives · Monday 7 September 2026 · Emma Comer ALP

    The member asked how the government was strengthening the alliance with the United States.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Indigenous Australians: Early Childhood Education and Care

    Senate · Thursday 20 August 2026 · Jana Stewart ALP

    The senator sought an update on efforts to reduce disparities in early childhood education for First Nations children and how the government is working with communities. She then inquired about particular collaborations ...

    Answered by Jess Walsh

  • Indigenous Employment

    Senate · Tuesday 18 August 2026 · Dorinda Cox ALP

    The senator asked for an update on the Remote Jobs and Economic Development program. She asked for feedback from individuals working in these jobs and what obstacles stand in the way of further economic development in re...

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Indigenous Housing

    Senate · Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Lidia Thorpe Ind

    The member asked what actions the Minister had taken to prevent the 15 families from becoming homeless. She questioned why the Office of Indigenous Corporations had not intervened earlier despite requests for formal inte...

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Northern Territory: Housing

    Senate · Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Lidia Thorpe Ind

    The member asked why the promised funding had not been delivered and why the Northern Territory government had not provided progress reports. She sought confirmation that the NT government was failing to share data and s...

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Tertiary Education and Training

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Matt Smith ALP

    The member asked how the free TAFE program was backing Australians to get skills and what stood in the way of more opportunities.

    Answered by Andrew Giles

  • Nuclear Weapons

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Nicolette Boele Ind

    The member asked when the government would sign the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, citing Pacific concerns.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • Vanuatu-Australia Nakamal Agreement

    Senate · Monday 29 June 2026 · Dorinda Cox ALP

    The senator asked for an explanation of the Nakamal Agreement's significance for Australia and regional security. She followed up by asking how strengthening Pacific relationships makes Australians safer. Finally, she as...

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Indigenous Housing

    Senate · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Lidia Thorpe Ind

    The senator asked what emergency action the government was taking to prevent these families from losing their homes and whether emergency funding was available. She questioned when the minister was first briefed on the s...

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Indigenous Australians

    Senate · Wednesday 24 June 2026 · Corinne Mulholland ALP

    The senator asked how the government was supporting recovery in remote Indigenous communities through employment programs. She also asked how the government was easing cost-of-living pressures in these areas.

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Aboriginal Deaths in Custody

    Senate · Tuesday 23 June 2026 · Lidia Thorpe Ind

    The senator asked what actions the minister had taken to ensure state and territory governments were held accountable for deaths in custody. She questioned the effectiveness of the Closing the Gap agreement and suggested...

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • National Reconciliation Week

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 May 2026 · Marion Scrymgour ALP

    The member asked why it was important for all Australians to come together during Reconciliation Week to deliver better outcomes for First Nations people.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • National Reconciliation Week

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 May 2026 · Julian Leeser Liberal

    The member associated the opposition with the Prime Minister's comments on reconciliation and acknowledged the importance of improving outcomes for Indigenous people.

    Answered by Julian Leeser (Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians; Shadow Minister for Education)

  • Indigenous Australians: Cultural Heritage

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

    The member asked what actions would be taken to hold accountable those responsible for destroying a Wiradjuri cultural site and where accountability lies.

    Answered by Chris Bowen

  • Indigenous Australians

    Senate · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Lidia Thorpe Ind

    The member asked if the minister agreed that the Northern Territory legislation should be paused until an inquiry was complete. She further questioned whether the inquiry should be led by Aboriginal experts or a former p...

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • United Nations

    Senate · Tuesday 12 May 2026 · Lidia Thorpe Ind

    The senator asked if the government accepted that upholding international agreements was a federal responsibility. Supplementary questions asked what the government was doing to stop the jailing of Indigenous children, g...

    Answered by Don Farrell

  • Kumanjayi Little Baby

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 12 May 2026 · Marion Scrymgour ALP

    The member asked how the parliament and government were standing in solidarity with the family and community during sorry business following the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • Tasmania: No. 34 Aboriginal Health Service

    Senate · Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Tammy Tyrrell Ind

    The senator asked what had happened to the funding for No. 34 and why the service had lost its financial support, resulting in the loss of full-time roles.

    Answered by Jenny McAllister

  • Donations to Political Parties

    Senate · Thursday 26 March 2026 · Lidia Thorpe Ind

    The member asked if the minister would cancel a fundraising event in Sydney to avoid perceptions of corrupt conduct, citing research that such cash-for-access events are viewed negatively by the public. She questioned th...

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Disaster and Emergency Management

    Senate · Thursday 26 March 2026 · Dorinda Cox ALP

    The member asked what support the government was providing to remote and First Nations communities affected by natural disasters. She sought details on initiatives supporting these communities during the wet season.

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Indigenous Health: Diabetes

    House of Representatives · Wednesday 25 March 2026 · Bob Katter KAP

    The member asked the minister to act immediately to stop what he described as genocide, citing diabetes deaths and the abolition of mission market gardens and restrictions on local food sources.

    Answered by Mark Butler

  • Indigenous Australians: Cultural Heritage

    Senate · Thursday 12 March 2026 · Lidia Thorpe Ind

    The member asked if the minister would scrap the project in light of Territory Labor's opposition. She questioned whether the government would listen to its NT colleagues or proceed with the development.

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Indigenous Australians: Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence

    Senate · Tuesday 10 March 2026 · David Pocock Ind

    The member asked how much funding would be invested in Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) in the ACT. He further asked if there would be a net increase in support given reported cuts to the Canberra Ra...

    Answered by Katy Gallagher

  • Indigenous Australians

    Senate · Tuesday 3 March 2026 · Jana Stewart ALP

    The member asked how the government was working with communities to close the gap. She followed up by asking about investments in mental health services like 13YARN and how investments were strengthening remote stores du...

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Closing the Gap

    House of Representatives · Thursday 12 February 2026 · Marion Scrymgour ALP

    The member asked about the priorities outlined in this year's report.

    Answered by Amanda Rishworth

  • Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 10 February 2026 · Marion Scrymgour ALP

    The member asked how the government was helping to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children.

    Answered by Tanya Plibersek

  • Illegal Fishing

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 10 February 2026 · Matt Smith ALP

    The member asked what the government was doing to combat illegal foreign fishing in the Torres Strait.

    Answered by Tony Burke

  • International Relations: Australia and Indonesia

    House of Representatives · Monday 9 February 2026 · Sam Lim ALP

    The member asked about the importance of the treaty and how it would strengthen Australia's relationship with Indonesia.

    Answered by Richard Marles

  • International Relations: Australia and Indonesia

    House of Representatives · Thursday 5 February 2026 · Julie-Ann Campbell ALP

    The member asked about the objectives of the Prime Minister's visit to Indonesia and the importance of regional relationships for Australians.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • Indigenous Employment

    Senate · Wednesday 26 November 2025 · Jana Stewart ALP

    The senator asked how the new service would help people in remote communities develop skills and find work.

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Aged Care

    Senate · Tuesday 4 November 2025 · David Pocock Ind

    The member asked what could be done for families unable to secure aged care placements. He also asked if residential facilities would be required to accept difficult cases under the new act and whether means testing for ...

    Answered by Jenny McAllister

  • Indigenous Australians

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 4 November 2025 · Marion Scrymgour ALP

    The member asked how the government was supporting remote First Nations communities through jobs, cost-of-living relief, and infrastructure.

    Answered by Anthony Albanese

  • First Nations Australians: Environment

    Senate · Monday 3 November 2025 · Lidia Thorpe Ind

    The senator asked if the minister would commit to introducing a standalone First Nations engagement standard before EPBC reforms were legislated. She raised concerns about violations of free, prior and informed consent a...

    Answered by Murray Watt

  • Indigenous Health

    Senate · Thursday 30 October 2025 · Jana Stewart ALP

    The member asked about the progress of the First Nations Health Worker Traineeship Program and how it was delivering on commitments to improve health outcomes. She sought details on workforce development.

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • 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

  • 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

  • Closing the Gap

    Senate · Thursday 4 September 2025 · Lidia Thorpe Ind

    The senator asked what plan the minister had to address state non-compliance with Closing the Gap commitments and whether federal powers would be used to intervene in the Northern Territory's laws regarding Indigenous in...

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Indigenous Australians

    Senate · Tuesday 2 September 2025 · Kerrynne Liddle Liberal

    The senator asked why the government had eliminated a dedicated session for Indigenous issues across portfolios during the upcoming supplementary budget estimates, contending this prevented accountability. She also queri...

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Indigenous Australians

    Senate · Monday 1 September 2025 · Dorinda Cox ALP

    The member asked how First Nations people are contributing to the government's economic agenda. She framed the question around the government's commitment to building a stronger future for Indigenous Australians.

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Waste Management and Recycling

    House of Representatives · Tuesday 26 August 2025 · Zali Steggall Ind

    The member asked the Environment Minister if the government would update the National Plastics Plan as recommended by the Drowning in Waste report, given the lack of consensus on a global treaty.

    Answered by Tony Burke

  • Closing the Gap

    Senate · Thursday 31 July 2025 · Kerrynne Liddle Liberal

    The senator asked how the government could claim success when the report showed failures in critical areas, and specifically requested data on new Indigenous housing funded in the Northern Territory since 2022.

    Answered by Penny Wong

  • Environmental Conservation

    Senate · Wednesday 30 July 2025 · Peter Whish-Wilson Greens

    The member questioned whether the absence of federal prohibitions on single-use plastics, mandatory waste-reduction goals, or producer responsibility legislation damaged Australia's international standing. He urged the m...

    Answered by Murray Watt

  • Aboriginal Deaths in Custody

    Senate · Wednesday 30 July 2025 · Lidia Thorpe Ind

    The member asked what action the federal government would take to hold states and territories accountable for breaking commitments to reduce incarceration. She asked when the government would withhold funding from states...

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Indigenous Employment

    Senate · Thursday 24 July 2025 · Dorinda Cox ALP

    The senator asked the minister to outline the work being undertaken to deliver on the commitment to create jobs in remote areas.

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Victoria: Juvenile Detention

    Senate · Wednesday 26 March 2025 · Lidia Thorpe Ind

    The member asked for a yes-or-no answer on whether jailing more people on remand, including children, was a good thing. She followed up by asking for the government's concrete actions on bail.

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Murujuga Cultural Landscape

    Senate · Wednesday 12 February 2025 · Dorinda Cox Greens

    The member asked why the government was allowing emissions from the Woodside gas plant to accelerate and destroy rock art at Murujuga, despite commitments to net zero and environmental protection.

    Answered by Jenny McAllister

  • First Nations Australians

    Senate · Monday 10 February 2025 · Jacinta Nampijinpa Price Country Liberal Party

    The member asked why practical outcomes for Indigenous Australians were not a priority, noting that the Productivity Commission highlighted a lack of data on clean drinking water access in Indigenous communities.

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Closing the Gap

    Senate · Monday 10 February 2025 · Jana Stewart ALP

    The member asked what steps the government was taking in partnership with First Nations communities and other governments to deliver real change.

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • Indigenous Australians: Truth-Telling

    Senate · Monday 10 February 2025 · Dorinda Cox Greens

    The member asked why the government was abandoning its 2022 commitment to federal processes for truth-telling and treaties.

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

  • First Nations Australians: Youth Justice

    Senate · Wednesday 5 February 2025 · Lidia Thorpe Ind

    The member asked why state governments were ignoring federal efforts to reduce remand rates, citing Victoria's review of bail laws.

    Answered by Malarndirri McCarthy

Recent Debates

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