Question time in federal parliament

WHAT WE LEARNED

* Question time began with a moment's silence for the late former prime minister Bob Hawke.

* Claressa Surtees is to become the first woman appointed Clerk of the House of Representatives.

* Australian student Alek Sigley has been released from detention in North Korea and is safe and well.

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WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTED TO SPIN

The government is focused on job creation.

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WHAT LABOR WANTED TO TALK ABOUT

Cuts to penalty rates are undermining tax cuts being delivered by the government.

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WHAT THEY SAID

"Which of his policies on wages, consumer demand, interest rates and productivity is working the best?" - Anthony Albanese's first question as Labor leader.

"All of them are all working together." - Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

"We couldn't be more pleased that we not only know where Alek is, but that he is safe." - Mr Morrison on the freeing of Alek Sigley.

"I have allowed him to go for a minute. He needs to address himself to the question." - Speaker Tony Smith sternly advises Energy Minister Angus Taylor.

"Someone has to." - Mr Albanese, when Speaker Smith observes the opposition leader can't answer his own questions.

"The government has no plans to increase social security payments for Newstart, beyond the normal six-monthly indexation." - Mr Morrison.