Question time in federal parliament

What we learned, heard and were amused by in Question Time on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during question time

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has pushed the government's tax cuts in parliament. (AAP)

WHAT WE LEARNED

* The wage price index rise of 0.6 per cent in the June quarter is the fastest quarterly increase in more than four years.

* The government has paused part of its "robo-debt" welfare debt recovery system after concerns were raised that vulnerable people, such as those with severe mental illness, were being targeted.

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WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTED TO SPIN

Relatively modest wage growth shows why the government's personal income tax cuts and lower company taxes are so important.

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WHAT LABOR WANTED TO TALK ABOUT

Why does the prime minister only ever look after the top end of town?

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WHAT THEY SAID

"Why is the prime minister making it harder for working Australians to make ends meet by supporting unilateral cuts to penalty rates?" - Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

"We were able to reduce personal income tax for middle-income and lower-income Australians." - Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

"We're about to reduce the numbers in the House if members keep interjecting." - Speaker Tony Smith.

"The leader of the opposition is 'short on' ideas." - Revenue Minister Kelly O'Dwyer.

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TWEETED

"The PM says his tax cuts are important because of low wages growth. But he opposes Labor's tax cuts which are almost twice as big for low and middle income earners. #qt" - @Bowenchris

"Today the Australian Parliament condemned Senator Anning and the rancid, racist things he said. At the last election he only won 19 votes . He doesn't represent us. He barely represents anybody. #auspol" - @JasonClareMP


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Source: AAP


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