QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:37): First, I would make the point that, when we announced the budget, we said we would consult with small business and startups and the government have done that. Since then, we've announced support for more small businesses, more incentives for innovation and further implementation details.

But I'm asked about taxes and I would again make the point that you're on the side that voted for higher taxes, and your deputy leader has described the tax cuts for 13 million Australians as egregious. So I think, whenever the coalition come in here and talk to us and to the Australian people about tax, people should always remember that they did not want 13 million Australians to get a tax cut—not only that but, after the fact, they complained about it and said it was egregious.

So, Senator, I would say to you that it would have been better, if you really were pro tax reduction, if you didn't vote with your colleagues when they voted against it. (Time expired)