QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:49): I thank Senator Canavan for the question. Senator Canavan speaks about taxes, and I do remind Senator Canavan that he was part of a coalition that went to the last election with a mandate for a commitment to higher taxes. Senator Canavan: That's the difference.
We actually went to the election. Senator WONG: I would just make the point: you committed to higher taxes, and so I think— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Minister Gallagher? Senator Gallagher: It's very hard to hear the answer to the question, from those opposite interjecting.
Senator McKenzie: You're a liar. The PRESIDENT: It is indeed hard. I am going to—Senator McKenzie, you need to withdraw.
Senator McKenzie: Withdraw. The PRESIDENT: Senator McKenzie, I would like you to stand properly and withdraw. Senator McKenzie: I withdraw.
The PRESIDENT: Thank you. I would ask those on my left to allow me to hear what the minister has to say. Order!
Minister Wong, please continue. Senator WONG: Those opposite might want to play the outrage, but I make the point again: you went to the election, under the senator who is now a deputy leader of the Liberal Party, being very clear that you would increase taxes, and now you tell people you don't want to increase taxes. So I would— Honourable senators interjecting— Senator Watt: On a point of order, that is persistent interjection from Senator McKenzie.
The PRESIDENT: I have called the chamber to order. Senator McKenzie, I'm asking you—order! Minister Wong, please continue.
Senator WONG: Perhaps the two of you would like a debate by yourselves in the Senate? What do you reckon? The other point I'd make, Senator, is that it is important to continue to work to improve people's economic position.
I would make the point that annual nominal wages have gone above three per cent for 15 quarters in a row. That is the longest streak in more than a decade and a half. I don't believe they grew above three per cent under the coalition, and we all know the coalition's position on minimum wages.
The gender gap is at an all-time low. I know, Senator Canavan, you yourself, in particular, have made comments where you were somewhat dismissive of the gender pay gap, but narrowing it actually means better outcomes for women across this country. We do understand Australians are under pressure, which is why the government has focused on cost-of-living relief, including tax cuts for every Australian taxpayer this year and next year, as well as the working tax offset and instant tax deduction.
(Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Canavan, first supplementary?