QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator AYRES (New South Wales—Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science) (14:29): I thank Senator Grogan for that question as well. We're cracking down on petrol price gouging. While the ACCC is allowing the major fuel suppliers to coordinate their activity to get fuel to the parts of the country and to businesses that are facing shortages, it doesn't mean that they can jointly agree on prices or share information about prices.

In fact we have doubled penalties up to $100 million for false or misleading conduct and for cartel behaviour. Senator McKenzie interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Minister Ayres, please resume your seat. Senator McKim interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator McKim!

If I sit the minister down, the obvious response from senators is to not continue to interject. Senator McKenzie, you have constantly interjected. Minister Ayres, please continue.

Senator AYRES: We are cracking down on price gouging, providing the ACCC with the right powers and amending their approach. They have opened an investigation, for example, into diesel availability in regional Australia. This is an opportunity and a necessity for Australians to work together to deliver the right outcome—in particular, for our farmers and regional businesses.

(Time expired) Senator Shoebridge interjecting— Senator McKenzie interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Perhaps, Senator Shoebridge and Senator McKenzie, you would like to step outside the chamber and continue your rude and disrespectful interjections somewhere else. Senator Grogan, second supplementary?