QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:26): I thank Senator Hume for the question. She references the legislation that was just passed by this Senate, and I can confirm that that legislation will ensure that more Australians are able to buy their own home. It does deliver an additional tax cut to 13 million Australians, and I'm not surprised that Senator Hume stands when we talk about tax cuts— The PRESIDENT: Minister Wong, please resume your seat.
Senator Hume? Senator Hume: Madam President, a point of order on relevance. My question was about a widow's tax that has just been voted for.
The PRESIDENT: Thank you. The minister is being relevant. I'll continue to listen closely and, if she isn't relevant, I'll draw her to the question.
Senator WONG: I had 24 seconds in, and I appreciate that you don't like us talking about tax cuts for working people, Senator Hume, but that is the thing. What we on this side are very focused on is that these tax cuts will be delivered to working people, to 13 million Australians. And this ambitious change in our tax policies will ensure that more Australians are able to own their own home.
In relation to the issues that were raised by the senator—and I think Minister Gallagher discussed yesterday—I can indicate the government does intend to address these issues in subsequent legislation. Senator Cash: So you just legislated a widow's tax? Senator WONG: Well, I would just make the point that we've been upfront about there being a set of tranches, of changes, to the tax arrangements, just as we have been clear that we have cut taxes for working Australians five times—five times.
Opposition senators interjecting— Senator WONG: And what we know, what is striking about that, is that every single one of those times you opposed it. So, Senator Hume, don't come in here with that fake outrage when you are the person that has led the opposition to vote against cuts in the taxes of working people. The PRESIDENT: Order!
Senator Hume, resume your seat. I can assure senators, I am not having a question time where those on my left think it is your job to yell louder than the minister. The minister has an absolute right and should be given the same respect as the person asking the question.
If you can't sit in silence, leave the chamber. But I'm giving you a warning. I will name you today.
This is not a football match. It's not your job to yell louder than the minister. Senator Hume, first supplementary?