QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Mr TED O'BRIEN (Fairfax—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:21): My question goes to the Treasurer. The RBA's forecast shows that, if it were to offer any further rate relief, inflation would not get back to the 2½ per cent target. Noting the national accounts show government consumption still growing faster than household consumption, will the Treasurer admit that, with his foot on the accelerator and the governor's on the brake, he is making it impossible for the RBA to offer further relief?