QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WALSH (Victoria—Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth) (14:29): Thank you, Senator Walker, for the question. How appalling that those opposite tried to shout down the youngest senator in this chamber as she asked her question. Unlike those opposite, Senator Walker knows more than anyone in this place the experiences of young Australians— Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order!

Whichever male senator made that comment in relation to Minister Walsh will withdraw it. If you don't think that was unparliamentary then you need to rethink it. You know it is not my practice to have repeat offences.

That again, in my view, demonstrates the level of disrespect this place has sunk to—that that comment by a male senator has not been withdrawn. Please continue, Senator Walsh. Senator WALSH: Unlike those opposite, Senator Walker, more than anyone else in this place, knows the experiences of young Australians and the challenges that they face.

Those experiences and those challenges matter to us, because we are a government that listen to all Australians, and that includes young Australians. We have handed down a budget that levels the playing field. Too many young Australians have been looking at the housing market and wondering whether the Australian dream of homeownership will ever be within their reach.

The Prime Minister has been clear. This generation shouldn't have to say goodbye to the Australian dream. That's why our budget takes responsible action to help more young Australians into their first home.

We are building on the most ambitious housing agenda in generations—more housing supply, more public and social housing, more support for first home buyers and now, under Labor, tax reform that levels the playing field for young first home buyers. Senator Henderson: It's in your own budget papers—it's a disaster! The PRESIDENT: Senator Henderson, I have had to call you personally a number of times.

You were yelling, without your microphone being on, louder than the minister. It is not funny, Senator Henderson. It's rude and disrespectful.

If you can't keep quiet, I invite you to leave. Minister Walsh, please continue. Senator WALSH: This is generational reform, so no wonder those opposite hate it.

This is reform to make sure young Australians can get their foot in the door and their keys to a home. If you are a young Australian in a position to invest, you can still get tax benefits for investing in new builds that add to supply for everyone. These changes matter because homeownership is more than a roof over your head; it is a secure future.

So we are doing what it takes for young Australians to be able to work hard, get into their first home and plan their secure future. The PRESIDENT: Senator Walker, first supplementary?