Australian politics live: PM grilled again over golf club grant; Bowen says he’s ‘triggered’ opposition

Asked by the about interest rate rises, the treasurer says takes another jab:

I find it bizarre, frankly, that those opposite won’t acknowledge what was factually the biggest driver of yesterday’s inflation figures, which was higher petrol prices.

It’s this weird post-truth stuff that they get engaged in, where they see the same ABS data that we see, and the biggest driver of yesterday’s inflation number – which was too high – was fuel.

It’s a triple combo for speaker, Milton Dick.

In one fell swoop he has punted the shadow treasurer, Tim Wilson, the member for Herbert, Phillip Thompson, and the former Nationals leader David Littleproud.

Tribute to Queensland police officers who lost their lives at Wieambilla

The prime minister and the home affairs minister, Tony Burke, have paid tribute to a number of police officers, including Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, who died while conducting a check at the property in Wieambilla.

The opposition leader, Angus Taylor, agrees:

I’d like to associate the Coalition with the fine words of the prime minister and the minister of home affairs, and pay tribute alongside them to those brave police officers who put themselves in harm’s way, to all our police officers, preventing, detecting, responding to or investigating crime.

Chalmers is asked about spending and inflation

Asked by shadow treasurer, Tim Wilson, whether Jim Chalmers will “take responsibility and admit his out of control spending is forcing Australian families to pay more for everything”, the treasurer hits back.

Chalmers:

“Their argument about spending and inflation, like the Liberal party itself, is falling down all around them.”

As he continues his answer, listing government promises, he mentions “Medicare”, and the opposition begins jeering. Tim Wilson is seen laughing and pointing while those around him make faces.

Another one bites the dust.

MP for Forrest, Ben Small, has been pulled up for interjecting throughout treasurer Jim Chalmers’ answer to a dixer on the impact of tax reform during times of economic uncertainty.

Independent for Kooyong, Monique Ryan, asks: “Will the government legislate to ensure that new datacentres are not permitted to use expensive, polluting backup diesel generators?”

Energy minister, Chris Bowen, says the government is ensuring datacentres bring their own new energy, and “that energy should be the cheapest form of energy”.

While giving his answer, he says there will be a focus on renewable energy, attracting a barrage of discontent from across the aisle.

Bowen says:

I’ve triggered them. That’s my fault, Mr Speaker.

EU free-trade deal ‘in Australia’s national interest’, Albanese says

First dixer of the day as Trish Cook, the MP for Bullwinkel, asks how the proposed free trade agreement with the EU benefits Australia’s economic and security interests.

Through a rabble of Coalition complaints, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, points to improved diversification, quotes support from the Business Council and other bodies, and finishes with:

This is in Australia’s national interest. It should be agreed, and everyone in this parliament should back it.

In case you were wondering, the MP for Cook, Simon Kennedy, asked about the Marrickville golf club grant.

He said:

Yesterday, the prime minister claimed the sewerage works were originally part of the $6 million invite-only taxpayer funded grant to Marrickville golf club.

Can the prime minister explain, with a straight face, why there’s no mention of the sewerage works in the prime minister’s own announcement on March 2025?

The prime minister answers: “on the 27th of April, 2025, we made an election commitment, building and securing the Marrickville Golf Club precinct that went to a range of activities … and ensure this inner west institution can be enjoyed for decades to come.”

First ejection from question time

First ejection of the day before we even finished the opening question.

The member for Perth, Patrick Gorman, has been kicked out of the chamber.

We’re running it back one last time for this sitting week.

Australia’s free trade deal with the EU is sure to spark some spats, and no doubt yesterday’s inflation figures remain at top of mind.

The opposition could tee up a few more questinos about a $6m grant for the Marrickville golf club.

Get your QT bingo cards ready.

Bowen proposes ‘last resort’ penalties on datacentres flouting power usage rules

Energy minister, Chris Bowen, said new rules to potentially cut off the power supply to AI datacentres would only be a “last resort” if operators consistently flouted rules.

As part of the Labor government’s new rules on power-hungry datacentres, Bowen has floated that the Australian Energy Market Commission be able to turn off supply if certain facilities disregarded national rules requiring the use of renewable energy.

Power supply to datacentres has been a key policy debate, with the federal government initially insisting on the AI factories being powered entirely by renewables, but later relenting with dispensations for gas-rich Queensland and Northern Territory.

Bowen’s office has asked the AEMC to assess a number of options, including financial penalties, but there are concerns that fines could not be enough to force such change. The government is still keen to hear feedback from developers, industry and the community, and remains open to what penalties could apply.

‘Makes no sense’ for Australia to miss out on trade opportunities, Steggall says

Crossbencher Zali Steggall has backed Australia’s free trade agreement with the EU, saying it creates opportunities for Australian businesses, strengthens ties and diversifies markets.

In a statement she said:

Climate denialism must not stand in the way of Australia’s trade future.

Europe is a $30 trillion market and it makes absolutely no sense for Australia to miss out on the opportunities a free trade deal would bring … Claims that the free trade deal would take away Australia’s right to set its own climate policies are simply wrong.

Steggall said the agreement requires parties to uphold their commitments under the Paris agreement, which itself does not dictate Australia’s emissions targets. The targets are determined through Australia’s laws and processes.

Nationals condemn EU trade deal

The Nationals leader, Matt Canavan, has said his party is opposed to Australia’s free trade deal with the EU.

The agreement would allow 98% of Australia’s goods exported to the EU to enter duty free and includes a binding commitment to respect the Paris climate agreement, which Australia is already a signatory to.

But Canavan claims it is “no good in its current form”, telling reporters at a press conference:

From day one, we said this is a bad deal … The Coalition wants to see a successful EU [free trade agreement] concluded, but it has to be in the national interest.

We cannot have a situation where our farmers, our producers, our business people end up being penalised because Australia misses the target set by the Albanese government with respect to climate.