QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator GALLAGHER (Australian Capital Territory—Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services and Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (14:13): I don't know who handed you that question, Senator Ruston, but if it were me I might have politely declined. I'm very proud to work for a prime minister who has put women's economic security front and centre of a federal government for the first time ever.

I am very proud to work for that leader. I work with him every day. I work with him across my portfolios, including in the ministry of women.

I know that this is a leader that always stands up for women and always respects women. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order across the chamber! Order!

The minister is entitled to be heard in silence. Senator GALLAGHER: The Prime Minister is a leader that always prioritises addressing gender inequality and unfairness for women when he sees it and always respects women both in the decisions he takes and in the engagements he has. I am proud to work for him.

I think there's been a lot of discussion. I can see those opposite are, of course, not focused on the issues like cost of living and helping households— Opposition senators interjecting— Senator Henderson: It is disgusting that you don't want to call it out. It is disgusting.

The PRESIDENT: Order! Minister McCarthy on a point of order? Senator McCarthy: I'm finding it very difficult to hear the amazing words of my colleague.

Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Henderson interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Henderson, which bit of 'order' does not apply to you?

I ask that the minister be heard in silence. Senator GALLAGHER: This is a prime minister who has overseen a caucus where more than 50 per cent of the caucus members are women and a cabinet of Australia that, for the first time ever, is 50 per cent women. In areas of government such as foreign policy, law, finance, housing, social services—you name it—women are leading the portfolios and that is because of this prime minister.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Henderson? Senator Henderson: Madam President, I raise a point of order on direct relevance. Will the Minister for Women apologise for the Prime Minister's disgusting behaviour?

The PRESIDENT: Senator Henderson, almost every question time I remind you that it's not your opportunity to call a point of order and make a statement. There is no point of order. Please continue, Minister Gallagher.

Senator GALLAGHER: The record of achievement of this Prime Minister in investments in women's safety, in investments in housing support for women, in areas like income support, single parenting payment, Commonwealth rent assistance, wages, aged care, early education and care—and I could go on— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Ruston, a first supplementary?