QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:11): Thank you, Senator Collins. That question, if I may say, sounds very similar to a question that Senator Bragg asked me, but I suppose he's happy to have others ask questions for the moment. What I would say to you, Senator, is that we don't agree with many of the political assertions in your questions.

First, our housing package will boost supply by at least another 30,000 homes and give 75,000 young people the chance to own their own home. We think that is a good thing. We are being clear that we are working to build more homes and we are working to back first home buyers.

That is what not only the supply-side measures that the government has put in place do but also the tax changes, which tilt the scales back in favour of first home buyers for the first time in a generation. Second, more than 660,000 homes have been built since Labor was elected, and approvals are up three years in a row. I know that those opposite do not regard housing as something the federal government should focus on.

We think it is something we need to focus on, and we have. Most of the people in this chamber have been able to realise that great Australian dream of owning your own home. Increasingly, younger generations have not been able to do so and have found it harder to do so.

We think it is an imperative that we ensure more first home buyers can enter the market. Senator McKenzie interjecting— Senator WONG: Senator McKenzie, you might not want more people entering the market. We do.

We think more young families— The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Wong. Please resume your seat. Senator McKenzie, Minister Wong's time has expired, so I'll hear you on your point of order.

Senator McKenzie: If she's going to reflect on something I've said, she should do it accurately. The PRESIDENT: Senator McKenzie, you need to inform me if you are standing on a point of order, and that is not a point of order. Senator Collins, first supplementary?