QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:04): Senator—through you, President—the budget will be delivered tonight, and I'm sure you will have plenty of opportunity to consider the excellent budget that the Treasurer has prepared, a budget which is about resilience and reform, a budget which is built— Senator Cash: How many broken promises?

The PRESIDENT: Senator Cash! Senator Wong, did you wish to continue? Senator McKenzie interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator McKenzie, I've just called the Senate to order.

Senator Canavan: If it sounds focus grouped, it is focus grouped. The PRESIDENT: Senator Canavan! Senator Watt interjecting — The PRESIDENT: Senator Watt!

Senators, we have barely started question time, and I've had to stand up to regain order. I've called the Senate to order; that is what I expect, not having to call out senators like it's the school roll. Minister Wong, please continue.

Senator WONG: Our budget will be true to Australian values: fairness, aspiration, opportunity for all and an economy that works for people, not the other way around—an economy that is more resilient and more self-reliant and an economy in which young Australians can get a fair crack at a good job and a good home for themselves. I've made this point about those opposite.

I know that those opposite never believed that it was the job of government to try and ensure there was more housing supply. I am sure those opposite never believed that it was the job of government to make sure there was more fuel security in Australia. I am sure those opposite never believed that fair wages and conditions were actually part of government's job.

But, you see, Labor governments believe in these things. We believe in decent wages and conditions. We believe Australians should get the opportunity to get a good job and to own a house.

We think governments have a role in ensuring an economy and a community in which young people have that opportunity. In the aftermath of the Farrer by-election— Senator McKenzie: That you didn't run for. Where were you?

Senator WONG: we again see it demonstrated that those opposite clearly have no vision for the country other than teaming up with Senator Pauline Hanson. That is the sum total of your vision for this country. Senator McKenzie: Cooee!

The PRESIDENT: Order! I'm not sure who it was. Senator McKenzie interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator McKenzie, I didn't hear what you said.

You are to simply withdraw it, not make a statement. Senator McKenzie: I withdraw saying 'cooee'. Senator Sterle interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Sterle, you will also withdraw.

Senator Sterle: Most certainly, President. I withdraw. The PRESIDENT: I would now ask that the chamber come to order.

We just had the first question, and the place is like a football field. Senator Cash, first supplementary?