QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator HUME (Victoria—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:10): My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Yesterday, the Prime Minister followed the coalition's lead and announced a temporary cut to the fuel excise—you're welcome! But, unlike the coalition, he couldn't point to a single dollar in savings to pay for it.

The Reserve Bank has been very clear: Australia's inflation problem is home grown. Inflation is well above the target band, and increasing fuel costs will push it higher still. Senator McKenzie interjecting— Senator HUME: Minister, how much will this unfunded decision add to inflation?

Or has the Prime Minister not even bothered to ask? The PRESIDENT: Senator McKenzie, you interjected the whole time that Senator Hume was on her feet, and I found it very hard to hear her question. Questions need to be heard in silence, as do answers.