STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator WATT (Queensland—Minister for the Environment and Water) (13:59): The Albanese government is taking action every single day to assist Australians with their cost-of-living pressures. Despite the fact that, consistently, we have the Liberal, National and One Nation parties voting against cost-of-living relief, the Albanese government remains determined to focus on the needs of Australians.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Dean Smith? Senator Dean Smith: It's pretty unorthodox for ministers on the frontbench of the government to use two-minute statements— The PRESIDENT: Senator Smith, why are you on your feet? Senator Dean Smith: It is though, isn't it?

It is. The PRESIDENT: Thank you. Senator WATT: I am quite an unorthodox senator, Senator Smith, but I'm not unorthodox in representing to Australians how much work the Australian Labor Party is doing to assist them with their cost of living.

That is something that every senator in the Labor Party is proud to defend— (Time expired) Senator McGrath: Tell us about the funding cuts to councils. The PRESIDENT: Order, Senator McGrath! Order across the chamber!