QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:11): Thank you, Senator Bragg. In anticipation that you might ask me some questions, I did get some information about what was particularly happening in your home state of New South Wales, and I thought it would be good— Senator Bragg: That wasn't the question.

Senator WONG: I would hope that you would actually want to know—are you not interested in what happens in New South Wales? More than 40,000 Australians have bought their first home in New South Wales thanks to Labor's five per cent deposit scheme. More than 40,000—I'm surprised you're not interested.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Bragg on a point of order? Senator Bragg: On relevance, the question was about completions under the former government and under this government. The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Bragg.

I listened carefully to your question and I'm listening to the minister. As she's only just begun her answer, I'll continue listening carefully. If the minister doesn't address your question, I will draw her to the question.

Senator WONG: I can indicate that over 660,000 homes have been built since Labor was elected and that new home starts are up—26 per cent higher than a year ago. Approvals are up three years in a row and there are more first home buyers under Labor compared to the coalition. Those are figures— Senator Cash interjecting— Senator WONG: I'm sorry?

Senator Cash: So completions are down? Senator WONG: What I would say to you, Senator, is that I'm advised that more have been built since we were elected, new home starts are up, approvals are up and construction cost inflation has been reduced—and, as importantly, more people are now owning their first home under our government as compared to the Liberal Party.

I would hope that you would be very pleased that more than 40,000 Australians have now bought their first home in your home state of New South Wales, thanks to Labor's five per cent deposit scheme. We can provide you with more information around the 40,000 and where they are, and I'm sure Senator McAllister would be very happy to take you to some of the projects as well that we are supporting through the work that we are doing.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Bragg, first supplementary?