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) (14:19): As you've heard in my public comments where I have been asked about this—and I was, extensively, yesterday—I indicated that the comments made by the Prime Minister have been misinterpreted, misreported and weaponised by his political opponents.

What a surprise! Now, as the Minister for Women in this country— Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: I'm sorry, Minister. Please resume your seat.

Order! Senator McAllister, on a point of order? Senator McAllister: I'm simply making the point that you are making, which is that interjections are disorderly.

The PRESIDENT: Thank you. Senator GALLAGHER: The record of this prime minister will be seen as investments in women's safety, investments in addressing housing for women, addressing— Senator Henderson interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Minister, please resume your seat. Senator Henderson!

Senator Nampijinpa Price interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Excuse me, Senator Nampijinpa Price. I've called for order. Senator Henderson, I have called you repeatedly.

As I've said in this chamber before, I do not think it is appropriate for a president to name frontbench senators, but you will leave me no option if you do not take my direction, and that is to stop the interjections. Senator GALLAGHER: It can be seen in investments in housing, in addressing the inequality in care and how unpaid care is recognised in the economy, in lifting wages and in closing pay and super gaps.

That is what this government and this prime minister will be remembered for. In no recent times has women's policy been put front and centre of any government until he became prime minister.