Question time in federal parliament

WHAT WE LEARNED

* The April 2 budget will be the first surplus budget in 12 years.

* The government has set up a National Science and Technology Council.

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WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTED TO SPIN

Labor has a plan for $200 billion in taxes.

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WHAT LABOR WANTED TO TALK ABOUT

The government has given up on governing.

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WHAT THEY SAID

"If you have a go, you get a go." - Prime Minister Scott Morrison, road-testing an election theme.

"Can the prime minister confirm that since moving on Malcolm Turnbull, the government has cancelled parliament because they couldn't decide who is the prime minister, lost two government members and its majority, and next year will run a part-time parliament?" - Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

"Those opposite haven't delivered a surplus budget since the year Taylor Swift was born in 1989, and now they want to shake it off." - Morrison.

"Given the treasurer's recent success as a cinematographer, has the treasurer considered sending a video message to the G20 instead?" - Labor MP Anne Aly, on Josh Frydenberg cancelling his G20 summit attendance.

"This government is the natural government for Australian women." - Minister for Women Kelly O'Dwyer.

"While those opposite were staring into space, the coalition government was the government that made space a reality." - Science Minister Karen Andrews.

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TWEETED

@SwannyQLD Talk about being in the dog house. Not even Donald Trump wants to talk to Morrison despite his craven attempts to Trumpify Liberal policy. #qt #auspol