QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:20): The Treasurer and the government have been upfront about—first, in terms of housing, I've explained our policy. In terms of— Senator Cash interjecting— Senator WONG: The Treasurer was upfront on budget night. We are changing the arrangements for taxation of assets.

That is because we need to ensure, as a country, that we get a better alignment between the treatment of income from Labor and the treatment of income from assets. I think most Australians would understand that is pretty fair. We are providing additional tax benefits to working Australians on top of the previous tax cuts that Australians— Senator Cash: When do they get it?

Jack's paying. Senator WONG: I don't mind a bit of interjection, but Senator Cash—I know she is very upset with the way that things are going on that side, but she has actually not drawn breath in this answer. I just wonder if she could draw breath.

The PRESIDENT: Yes. Senator Cash, please stop the running interjections. Minister Wong, did you wish to continue?

Senator WONG: I do wish to continue, thank you. We are offering additional tax cuts on top of the income tax cuts that we went to the election with, and, if I may remind you, Senator Paterson, they're income tax cuts you opposed. (Time expired)