QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator GALLAGHER (Australian Capital Territory—Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services and Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (14:11): I thank Senator Dowling for that very good question as well. New data released by the ABS today showed that wages grew in the June quarter, and annual nominal wages have now grown above three per cent for all of the four years under this government.

Opposition senators interjecting— Senator GALLAGHER: I hear those opposite laughing. Under Labor, we have had 16 consecutive quarters, or four years, of wages growing above three per cent. There was not one quarter during 35 long quarters of the previous government where wages grew above three per cent.

Thirty-five quarters—and not one quarter above three per cent. What we have on this side is 16 consecutive quarters, or four years, where wages have grown above three per cent. Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order!

Senator Colbeck, order! Perhaps you didn't hear me, but I called order at least five times. When the minister sat down at the end of her question, you still continued your interjections.

That is disorderly.