QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WATT (Queensland—Minister for the Environment and Water) (14:18): Thanks, Senator Allman-Payne. I think for some time now we have had some dialogue in Senate estimates and elsewhere about the fact that there is a philosophical difference between this Labor government and the Greens political party when it comes to matters involving mutual obligation, and your question goes to that point.

This government and the Labor Party for some time have had a policy supporting the concept of mutual obligation, wherein a government does have an obligation to support those out of work. I know that's something that is not supported by all members in this chamber, but Labor certainly respects that obligation. Equally, those who are out of work do have an obligation to seek work.

Governments have a responsibility to assist people in that regard. But the matters that you are asking about go to suspensions of payments that can be made involving people who do not fulfil the obligations that they owe to the Australian public. I'm happy to obtain some further information for you on the specific question about the suspension of those obligations.

I don't have anything in front of me at the moment, being the representing minister, but, if there is anything more I can provide, I'm happy to do so. The PRESIDENT: Senator Allman-Payne, first supplementary?