MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT ( Senator Ciccone ) (17:19): The Senate will now consider the proposal, under standing order 75, from Senator Dean Smith, which is also shown at item 13 of today's Order of Business: The continued rise in inflation and the growing risk of another interest rate increase is placing further strain on Australian households and businesses facing cost of living pressures.

Is consideration of the proposal supported? More than the number of senators requ i red by the standing orders having risen in their place s— The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT: With the concurrence of the Senate, the clerks will set the clock in accordance with the informal arrangements made by the whips.