Question Time descends into chaos over rates, inflation and Coalition split
Question Time descended into chaos as interest rates, inflation and the Coalition split dominated the chamber.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he takes responsibility for his role but blamed the Coalition for leaving Labor with what he described as “galloping” inflation.
Shadow treasurer Ted O’Brien pressed the government on inflation and interest rates, asking whether Chalmers would take responsibility for high inflation, rising rates, falling real wages and weakening consumer confidence.
Chalmers said he takes responsibility “for all aspects” of his job, before turning the attack back on the opposition, saying Labor inherited inflation “north of 6%” from the Coalition.
The exchange came as parliament awaited an imminent interest rate decision.
Opposition jeers as Chalmers calls rate hike ‘widely expected’
Opposition MPs jeered Chalmers after he described the Reserve Bank’s rate hike as “widely expected”.
Responding via a government question, Chalmers said the increase would be “difficult news for millions of Australians with a mortgage”.
He acknowledged the pressure on households but pointed to cost-of-living relief, including further tax cuts this year and next, both opposed by the Coalition.
Chalmers also rejected claims government spending was driving inflation, noting the Reserve Bank of Australiastatement made no reference to government spending.
‘I can’t hear you back there’, Chalmers snaps at Littleproud
Nationals leader David Littleproud, now seated on the crossbench, asked when Chalmers would apologise to mortgage holders.
Chalmers fired back, thanking “the leader of one of the three far-right parties in this country” for the question.
As Littleproud shouted in response, Chalmers retorted: “I can’t hear you back there.”
He accused the opposition of wanting interest rates to rise and said their outrage was “confected”.
Tim Wilson ejected as rates clash escalates
Opposition leader Sussan Ley returned to the dispatch box, asking whether the prime minister would take responsibility for the latest rate hike.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australians were “doing it tough” before attacking the Coalition for opposing Labor’s tax cuts.
Liberal MP Dan Tehan raised a point of order.
As Speaker Milton Dick responded, Liberal MP Tim Wilson interjected and was ejected under standing order 94a.
Hogan rebuffed on spending and inflation
Deputy Nationals leader Kevin Hogan cited economists including Shane Oliver in arguing government spending was adding to inflation.
Chalmers rejected the claim, again pointing to the RBA statement and saying inflationary pressure was coming from private demand.
‘They make the Beckhams look like a happy family’
Government ministers leaned into the Coalition split.
Transport minister Catherine King joked that Rex Airlines could get passengers anywhere — “including from the opposition benches to the crossbench”.
Education minister Jason Clare said the Coalition “make the Beckhams look like a happy family”, likening them to a couple stuck on a non-refundable holiday after breaking up.
‘His mate just asked the same question’
O’Brien again pressed Chalmers on interest rates, prompting the treasurer to respond: “One of the problems with them not talking to each other over there is his mate just asked the same question.”
Chalmers mocked the opposition’s internal disunity and again urged them to read the RBA statement, before attacking their economic record.
Crossbench turns to wealth, perks and racism
Greens MP Elizabeth Watson-Brown asked whether the government would introduce a billionaire wealth tax, citing an Oxfam report showing billionaires’ wealth rising by almost $30m a day.
Albanese acknowledged inequality but did not commit to a new tax.
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie questioned why the crossbench should not receive the same staffing and resources as the opposition.
Albanese said he would “wait and see what happens”, joking about the former “no-lition”.
Independent MP Nicolette Boele asked when the government would implement the Human Rights Commission’s anti-racism framework.
Albanese spoke broadly about antisemitism and social cohesion without directly answering, prompting Boele to rise on a point of order as time expired.
Second MP ejected as tempers flare
Nationals MP Alison Penfold was ordered to leave after repeatedly interrupting during a question to health minister Mark Butler about Medicare urgent care clinics.
Bowen turns to energy prices
Nationals MP Sam Birrell pressed the government on Labor’s abandoned $275 power bill reduction.
Energy minister Chris Bowen said wholesale energy prices had fallen 44% in the final quarter of last year, adding more work was needed to ensure the cuts flowed through.
Question Time ends
After a final government question to Albanese, Question Time concluded for the day.
