Question time in federal parliament

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

Simon Birmingham

Education Minister Simon Birmingham led the government during Senate Question Time. (AAP)

WHAT WE LEARNED

* With the House adjourned due to the Liberal leadership saga, only the Senate held question time.

* Backbenchers were made to sit on the frontbench to hide the fact only four ministers were left in the Senate, after a string of resignations.

* Education Minister Simon Birmingham represented the prime minister and treasurer.

--

WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTED TO SPIN

The next election will be fought on the track record of the government.

--

WHAT LABOR WANTED TO TALK ABOUT

The government is in chaos, with no certainty over the prime minister or his ministry.

--

WHAT THEY SAID

"Who is the prime minister of Australia?" Labor senator Anthony Chisholm.

"The coalition government's plan for a stronger economy is working and is delivering." - Senator Birmingham.

"When will the prime minister, whoever that may be, let the Australian people cast their judgment on this broken government by going to an election?" - Labor senator Malarndirri McCarthy.

"The Senate has no confidence in the government," - Labor senator Penny Wong moving a motion during question time.

"There are many things this parliament will be remembered for." - Senator Birmingham


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world