QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WATT (Queensland—Minister for the Environment and Water) (14:54): Thanks, Senator Smith, who, again, is one of the very active members on this side of the chamber who've put a lot of work into wage rises for Australians over the years. In good news for Australians and particularly good news for Senator Hume as the shadow spokesperson, new data released by the ABS today shows real wages grew in the June quarter and annual nominal wages have now grown above three per cent for all four years under this Labor government.

Senator Hume, I look forward to your press release welcoming the fact that Australian wages are increasing. Real wages were up this quarter, but we acknowledge they were down through the year—not because wages have been too low but because inflation is still too high, something that the government is playing its role to drive down. The ongoing wage increases for Australian workers is a direct result of the Albanese Labor government's workplace laws, which were consistently opposed by the Liberals, the Nationals and One Nation.

Let's recognise how much pressure many Australian families are under right now due to the global inflation shock that they are dealing with. Can you imagine how much harder life would be for those Australian families if we still had a government in Australia that wanted to see wages remain low and dedicated its entire economic policy apparatus to keeping wages low?

That's the situation that Australian workers and their families would have been in. We're helping to deliver higher wages for workers because we know this is one of the best ways to help with the cost of living. We're helping to boost wages for workers, giving every taxpayer a tax cut, and strengthening super at the same time as we're helping to address inflation.

If you want an indication about where the Liberals, Nationals and One Nation stand on these issues, just think about the fact that Senator Hume famously claimed that wage increases 'would be the worst thing for Australians'. Senator Hume: When did I say that? Senator WATT: How out of touch with the reality of Australians!

Senator Hume: Is that a lie? Senator WATT: Senator Hanson is no different, saying: 'You can't just say, 'We're going to give you a rise. The reality is'— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Smith, first supplementary?

An honourable senator: Hang on. The PRESIDENT: Senator McAllister? Senator McAllister: Senator Hume's interjection was disorderly and she ought to withdraw.

Senator Hume interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Just a moment, Senator Hume. I did not hear an interjection. I'm sure, if Senator Hume made an interjection, she will withdraw it, but I did not hear it.

Senator Hume? Senator McAllister interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator McAllister, you've made your point. I've invited Senator Hume— Senator Hume: There was a reflection made upon me, and I don't think it's unreasonable to respond to that.

Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order. I believe I'm running the chamber. Senator McGrath interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Who said that?

That can be withdrawn, that comment. Senator McGrath: I withdraw. The PRESIDENT: Thank you.

Senator Hume, I didn't hear the comment. I've invited you to withdraw. If you don't wish to, that is your decision.

Senator Hume: Thank you, President. I will withdraw, but I would ask you to consider exactly what was said by the minister in his response. The PRESIDENT: Thank you.

Please resume your seat, Minister Watt. As I said at the beginning, I did not hear the interjection. I can't consider something I did not hear.

I've invited you to withdraw. You've asked me to consider it, but I cannot consider something I did not hear. Senator Hume: Again, I reiterate that I do withdraw.

However, it does seem to be an increasingly common occurrence that those opposite are reflecting on those on this side of the chamber, and that goes unchecked by you, President. The PRESIDENT: Senator Hume, please resume your seat. Senator Hume interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Hume, please resume your seat.

You're not in a debate with me. I've asked you to withdraw— Senator Hume: And I have withdrawn. The PRESIDENT: Well, you've also added a caveat.

I would simply ask you, if you're going to withdraw, to withdraw the comment without any other additions. Senator Wong interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Just a moment, Senator Wong. Senator Hume, I'm inviting you, once again, as I do with every senator in this place— Senator Hume: I withdraw.

The PRESIDENT: Thank you. Sometimes I hear interjections and sometimes I don't. You will find, if you reflect on my record, if I hear an interjection, I ask for it to be withdrawn.

Minister Wong? Senator Wong: Thank you. The PRESIDENT: Is this on the point of order?

Senator Wong: It's on the point of order. We accept Senator Hume's point of order. We accept that Senator Hume has withdrawn.

We are happy for you to consider the matter that Senator Hume has averred to. I would make the point there are existing provisions in the standing orders, if senators feel that something incorrect has been said, that they can avail themselves of. It's not a matter for the President to censor what every senator says.

I would suggest that those opposite would understand that having said some of the things they have said over the years. The PRESIDENT: I will inform the chamber, once again, that the only comment I can have a look at later is what Senator Watt said. Now, that doesn't give it a context.

I did not hear what Senator Hume said. She has withdrawn in the interest of the chamber. I thank her for that.

I'm happy to listen to what Senator Watt has said, but I'm not sure it gives me much more to go on. Senator Ruston interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Ruston, you're not in a debate with me. Senator Smith, first supplementary?