Question Time in federal parliament

WHAT WE LEARNED

- Household debt has never been higher.

- Militant union activity adds about 30 per cent to the cost of building schools and hospitals.

WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTED TO SPIN

- The coalition is supporting rural communities impacted by the drought.

WHAT LABOR WANTED TO TALK ABOUT

- The prime minister does not give straight answers to questions.

WHAT THEY SAID

"When you meet with the farmers and with the families who are affected by this drought, they tell you that this is the worst drought in living memory." - Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

"Isn't it true that, under this government, the number of Australians doing an apprenticeship or a traineeship is lower than it was a decade ago?" - Labor's Tanya Plibersek.

"He is proof that a trade can be incredibly valuable, rewarding, and successful." - Education Minister Dan Tehan on the appointment of TV host Scott Cam as national trade careers ambassador.

"Did the prime minister or his office seek to have (prominent pastor) Brian Houston invited to the White House?" - Labor deputy leader Richard Marles.

"It is not my practice to go around commenting on unsourced reports." - Prime Minister Scott Morrison.