QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE: TAKE NOTE OF ANSWERS

Senator PAYMAN (Western Australia—Australia's Voice Whip) (15:30): I move: That the Senate take note of the answer from Minister Penny Wong on the interaction between Westport and AUKUS. I ask these questions in good faith, however, I can't help but feel it's lacking. I know there are conventions in this place, and a nonanswer is certainly a standard convention from this Labor government.

I can't say it was particularly courteous, not just to me but to the people of Western Australia who are concerned about both the Westport and AUKUS projects. I asked specifically whether the UK and the USA had raised any concerns. This was not answered.

I had asked for a dollar figure the Commonwealth would be providing to support the Westport project. This was not answered. I asked whether a risk assessment had been undertaken.

This was not answered. But I do note that the government has put their unconditional support behind both projects, which is a contradiction to what the people of Fremantle want. They support a working port, and they don't support AUKUS, and I'm sure constituents and workers alike will remember this in the coming election.

What we see from this government is the treating of opportunities like question time, when they're supposed to respond to questions of good faith and respond to the Australian people who deserve the answers, as chances to dodge the questions and focus on patting themselves on the back for things that aren't actually helping Australians and not listening to everyday Australians.

Every constituent that I've spoken to in Fremantle is strongly and vocally against the AUKUS project. I don't understand how and why they continue to put their heads in the sand and continue to fund a project that there's no groundswell support for. Being lectured by the government on courtesy and convention, when we really don't see it returned not just to me but to the rest of the crossbench as well.

All we want are answers to be provided during question time, not a theatrical show that everyday Australians are sick and tired of. Question agreed to.