QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator McKIM (Tasmania—Australian Greens Whip) (14:19): My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Minister, Australians are being smashed at the petrol pumps while fossil fuel corporations rake in— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order on my right! Senator McKim has the right to ask his question in silence, and I expect there to be silence.

You can continue, Senator McKim. Senator McKIM: I'd like to start again. I'd like to properly— The PRESIDENT: Senator McKim, I am running this chamber.

Just continue your question. Senator McKIM: Well, I couldn't even hear myself, President. Senator Wong, could you hear my question?

The PRESIDENT: Senator McKim, I draw your attention to standing order 203. Senator McKim interjecting— The PRESIDENT: No, I haven't finished yet, and I haven't called you. Prior to me sitting you down, I called you two or three times, and you ignored me because you were interjecting as well.

I expect there to be silence. You're not in a debate with me, Senator McKim. Please continue your question.

Senator McKIM: Minister, today the Treasurer claimed Labor's bill to increase penalties in Australia's competition and consumer law will help 'tackle price gouging at its source'. You said something similar today in the chamber, and Senator Ayres said something similar yesterday. Is it actually the case that there are no provisions in Australian law to stop fuel companies price gouging, and the bill that you have introduced will do precisely nothing to change that because it simply increases penalties on existing offences?

Why are you, the Treasurer and Minister Ayres engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct against the Australian people?