QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WATT (Queensland—Minister for the Environment and Water) (15:09): We know that for 10 years we had a Liberal-National party coalition government for whom low wages was a deliberate design feature of their economic policy. But things have changed under Labor. New data released by the ABS yesterday shows that annual nominal wages continue to grow above three per cent under Labor.

Annual wages are growing by at least three per cent in 14 of 18 industries. Our predecessors never achieved this. At best, they could only achieve three per cent wage rises in six industries for one lonely quarter.

Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Can we just stop the running commentary, particularly from you, Senator Hume—I've called you a number of times—and from you, Senator Sharma. That is extremely disrespectful. Senator WATT: Where does the incredible shrinking coalition stand now on these matters?

We know that Senator Bragg likes to reheat an old losing policy or two, old 'Fightback!' Bragg over there. This week I informed the Senate of his desire to bring back the Liberals' losing Fightback! policy. Today it seems that he's keen to bring back John Howard's losing Work Choices policy.

This morning on ABC Radio National, Senator Bragg doubled down, saying: I think we need to be looking again at the IR system. More lower wages, more cut conditions— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: I ask you to withdraw those comments about Senator Bragg. Senator Watt: I withdraw.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Sheldon, second supplementary?