QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:15): First, we recognise that the status quo in the housing market is not acceptable. That is why we have worked on both the supply side but also on the tax side—all of which you have opposed. Not only did you impose taxes, but you opposed the changes to taxation that actually gave first home buyers a crack at the market.

You opposed the changes to tax— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Minister McAllister, you were almost louder than the minister. I've asked for order across the chamber.

That is what I expect. Minister Wong, please continue. Senator WONG: Senator, what I said to you is, for you, the status quo is fine.

But I wonder who you've talked to. I wonder how many young Australians and how many first home buyers or people who aspire to be first home buyers you've actually spoken to. Because if you had, you wouldn't come in here and tell everybody it's all fine.

You wouldn't come in here and say the five per cent deposit scheme is rubbish. You wouldn't come in here and say the tax changes are rubbish. (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Colbeck, I think I've called you every day for the last sitting period.

There is no KPI to the number of interjections you can make. I've asked you I think every day this week not to interject, and you interjected constantly. I'm asking you again today.

If you can't listen in silence, leave the chamber.