Federal politics live: Barnaby Joyce calls for Grace Tame's Australian of the Year title to be stripped over intifada chant
Barnaby Joyce has called for Grace Tame to be stripped of her Australian of the Year title over her intifada chant at a protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia.
Controversial Statement: But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue that Tame's words, while controversial, were a peaceful expression of her beliefs. Others believe that the title of Australian of the Year carries a responsibility to promote unity and respect, and that Tame's actions may have undermined these values.
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Key Events
34 minutes ago
Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 3:24am47 minutes ago
Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 3:11am3 hours ago
Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 12:09am
Dealing with the cost of living to be handled 'primarily through the tax system'
By Courtney Gould
We're back to the crossbench for another question on inflation. Allegra Spender is direct to Jim Chalmers, asking what he's going to do about it.
Thought-Provoking Question: The treasurer acknowledges that inflation is 'higher than anyone would like' and is a major challenge in our economy. But here's where it gets thought-provoking... How can the government balance the need for economic responsibility with the urgency of addressing the cost of living crisis?
- 9m ago Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 3:49am
Bowen back with another question on energy
By Holly Tregenza
Next question is from Nats MP Colin Boyce.
Emotional Appeal: He asks how many solar panels and wind turbines must be installed to meet the government's renewable energy target. Chris Bowen, with a touch of emotion, says the government's energy plan is not to be 100% renewable, but to have a mix of 82% renewable backed by gas. He adds that the policy is informed by our best and brightest minds at the CSIRO and will be driven by investment in renewable energy from the private sector.
- 13m ago Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 3:45am
Cost of living the focus for the Coalition
By Courtney Gould
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley is back on the mic. She takes up the issue of Australians skipping meals and maxing out their credit cards to deal with the cost-of-living crisis.
Controversial Interpretation: She puts this on the government's 'reckless spending' and economic management. Anthony Albanese, with a counterpoint, turns the table back on the opposition, asking why they oppose measures to address the cost of living if they truly care about Australians' financial well-being.
- 23m ago Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 3:35am
Bowen heckled as he's asked for renewable energy receipts
By Holly Tregenza
Nationals MP Michelle Landry has the floor and is asking the Energy and Climate Change Minister if he can lay out the total cost of the renewable energy policy to taxpayers.
Controversial Moment: As Chris Bowen starts his answer, he is met with heckling from the other side of the chamber. He explains that the majority of investment in renewable energy will come from the private sector, but he can't give a dollar figure due to commercial confidentiality. This sparks more opposition yelling, and after a point of order, Bowen clarifies his stance.
- 32m ago Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 3:26am
Chalmers ramps up attack on 'old mate' Taylor
By Courtney Gould
Shadow Treasurer Ted O'Brien asks when inflation will come down. Treasurer Jim Chalmers launches into an attack on O'Brien and his 'old mate' Angus Taylor, a former shadow treasurer, citing their lack of economic credibility.
Controversial Statement: 'The reason those opposite are in a real bind... because half of the party room supports the Member for Hume and the other half have met him.'
- 34m ago Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 3:24am
PM asks to 'turn temperature down' on Herzog visit
By Holly Tregenza
The PM addresses the chamber, supporting Herzog's visit as an important moment for the families of the victims of the Bondi terror attack. But he says we need to turn the temperature 'right down'.
Thought-Provoking Question: 'Including in the rhetoric that just took place in that exchange in this chamber.' How can we strike a balance between respecting different views and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all Australians, especially those affected by the Bondi attack?
- 46m ago Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 3:12am
McCormack walks out as PM asked about Herzog visit
By Holly Tregenza
Nationals MP Michael McCormack walks out of the chamber and yells 'no respect' during a question from Greens Member for Ryan Elizabeth Watson-Brown about the police response to a rally in Sydney protesting Herzog's visit.
Emotional Appeal: Videos have emerged of police punching protestors, with organisers saying it amounted to police brutality. Watson-Brown asks the PM if this police violence will send Herzog home.
- 47m ago Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 3:11am
Joyce calls for Grace Tame to be stripped of AOTY title
By Courtney Gould
One Nation recruit Barnaby Joyce has called for Grace Tame to be stripped of the Australian of the Year title. Tame attended a demonstration yesterday against Herzog's visit, reportedly chanting 'From Gadigal to Gaza globalise the intifada'.
Emotional Statement: Joyce says the comments were unacceptable and that Tame's words, if followed through, bring about the death of people. He questions Tame's intentions, asking, 'Is that what you want, Grace Tame?'
- 50m ago Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 3:08am
DFAT has apologised 'unreservedly' for failure to communicate with methanol poisoning victims' families
By Courtney Gould
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley begins with a question about the families of two young women who learned 10 people linked to their deaths were fined less than $200 for destroying evidence.
Emotional Appeal: Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, both 19, died after a mass methanol poisoning incident in Laos. Their families have expressed frustration over the lack of communication from both Lao authorities and the Australian government.
- 58m ago Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 3:00am
Question Time is about to begin 🚨
By Courtney Gould
Welcome to the politics blog! MPs are filing into the House of Representatives for Question Time. I'll be your guide through today's hot topics, and my friend Holly Tregenza will join us for the fun.
- 1h ago Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 2:27am
Waters says suggestion Herzog visit would improve social cohesion 'delusional at best'
By Joshua Boscaini
Greens Leader Larissa Waters calls suggestions that Herzog's visit would improve social cohesion 'delusional at best'. The Greens have called for the federal government to rescind the president's invitation.
Controversial Statement: 'He [Isaac Herzog] should immediately be sent home. This is not creating social cohesion. It is importing division to the nation.'
- 1h ago Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 2:20am
Larissa Waters defends Grace Tame's attendance at Herzog rally in Sydney
By Joshua Boscaini
Greens Leader Larissa Waters defends Grace Tame's attendance at the rally, saying her 'every fibre of her being' is defined as being a social justice 'warrior'.
Emotional Appeal: 'I think Grace Tame is an incredibly powerful advocate on this issue, and like so many others, and I am proud of her and she deserves every accolade that she's received as a great Australian.'
- 1h ago Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 2:12am
Actions of NSW Police at Sydney protest 'state-sanctioned violence', Greens say
By Joshua Boscaini
The Greens criticise NSW Police for punching protesters at the rally. Greens Leader Larissa Waters labels the actions as 'absolutely horrific'.
Controversial Statement: 'This is state-sanctioned violence. This violence now needs to be independently investigated. Those protest rights must be restored and respected.'
- 2h ago Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 1:50am
Department confirms it has data on the impact of a proposed gambling ad ban, but won't disclose specifics
By Romy Stephens
The government is under pressure to respond to a committee report urging a blanket ban on gambling advertising. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young asks the communications department about the cost to TV broadcasters if such a ban were implemented.
Controversial Moment: The department's Margaret Lopez acknowledges receiving data requests from Nielsen, but refuses to disclose specific figures, citing commercial sensitivity.
- 2h ago Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 1:34am
Abbott says police filmed appearing to punch protesters should be commended
By Maani Truu
Former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott commends police officers who punched protesters, calling for tear gas and rubber bullets at future demonstrations. He references footage of an officer on a bike and questions the need for disciplinary action.
Emotional Appeal: 'As for thoughts that the police who punched a protester who dragged one of their colleagues off a bike, I think those police should be given a quiet commendation, not face disciplinary investigation.'
- 2h ago Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 1:27am
Plibersek won't comment on footage from protests until there has been 'proper investigation'
By Joshua Boscaini
Member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek is asked about the rally against Herzog's visit. She acknowledges the government's awareness of the controversy and mixed views but emphasizes the need to consider the context of the Bondi attack.
Thought-Provoking Question: 'You've got a community that is frightened, that is grieving, that is looking for comfort.' How can we ensure that Herzog's visit brings comfort to a community affected by tragedy while respecting the right to protest in a democracy?
- 2h ago Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 1:16am
PM thanks Labor caucus for 'discipline and dignity'
By Jane Norman
The prime minister thanks the Labor caucus for its 'discipline and dignity' in addressing a widely-panned and 'misogynistic' opinion piece about Sussan Ley and the increase in violent threats against parliamentarians.
Emotional Appeal: 'Can you feel the unity, tonight?'
- 2h ago Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 1:10am
Wells still waiting for outcome of IPEA audit of travel expenses
By Joshua Boscaini
Communications minister Anika Wells awaits a response from the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA) regarding an audit of her travel expenses, which were referred after a revelation of nearly $100,000 spent on last-minute flights.
Thought-Provoking Question: 'What kinds of things can we do when we're not in a crisis mode, reacting to things like the Optus breach in September? What can we do to restore public confidence in the 000 system?'
