QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator HUME (Victoria) (14:00): My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Gallagher. After three years of Labor, Australians are poorer. Because of Labor's failed policies, Australians have experienced the biggest drop in living standards in decades.

Real household disposable income— Government senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Hume has the right to be heard in silence, and that is what I expect. Senator Sterle: The shadow minister for train-wrecking! The PRESIDENT: It is absolutely inappropriate that, the moment after I called for silence, you called out, Senator Sterle.

Senator HUME: After three years of Labor, Australians are poorer. Because of Labor's failed policies, Australians have experienced the largest drop in living standards in decades. Real household disposable income has collapsed by eight per cent.

The average family with a mortgage is now $50,000 worse off since you came to government. Why is it that the only solution you can offer is a cruel hoax equalling 70c a day in a year's time that will do nothing to restore the living standards that Australians have lost?