QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator HUME (Victoria—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:41): My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Yesterday, the Prime Minister dismissed warnings of higher rents as an 'absurd justification'. This morning, the Minister for Housing, Minister O'Neil, claimed that the impacts of Labor's taxes on rent rises would be very small, and Assistant Minister Hill questioned the motives of real estate agents who are speaking out.

Treasury says the impact of Labor's taxes on housing will be just $2 a week. Minister Butler said, 'We are very confident in our forecast.' Will the minister guarantee that no Australian renter will pay more than $2 a week more because of Labor's increased taxes on housing?