QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:01): I'll make a few responses to the very many aspects of that question. Firstly, in relation to energy, I would make the point that you were amongst those who opposed the additional assistance for energy for working Australians and their families. In relation to tax cuts, I would refer you, Senator Hume, to the reason why you are known as the senator for higher taxes.

It is that you not only opposed tax cuts but actually referred to those tax cuts as 'egregious'. When it comes to relationships with other countries, I would refer you to the statement by the Japanese ambassador, which spoke about the personal trust between the two leaders. What I would say is we know what those opposite are seeking to do.

They have done everything they could this week to create a diplomatic issue between Australia and Japan, whether it was by the media stunt by Senator Paterson or, and I will say this, the shadow foreign minister's extraordinary move in summoning the Japanese ambassador as part of attempts to political point score. That you would actually seek to bring the ambassador in, in order to add to your political stunts and to confect a diplomatic issue between Australia and our very good friend in Japan—it is astounding that the shadow foreign minister would seek to do this and undermine the interests of his own country, which of course is to have a strong, trusted relationship with the government of Japan.

That is what this government has done, and I would refer you to all that has been said by the leader. Senator Ruston interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Ruston, you will withdraw those comments. Senator Ruston: Withdraw.

The PRESIDENT: Thank you. Senator Hume, first supplementary?