QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:59): I did respond directly to it, because I talked about what it is the government is seeking to do to support Australians at a time where the cost of living is very high. Mortgage payments are part of the reason that people have cost-of-living pressures—I think we all understand that—and one of the reasons why the government has been so intent on ensuring a range of tax cuts: five rounds of tax cuts.

If I might remind you, Senator, despite the fact that your party is supposedly the party of lower taxes, you went to the last election with an economic policy to increase taxes. Senator McKenzie: Interest rates are rising. Senator WONG: Senator, I think most Australians out there, if you want to talk to people about the cost of living, recognise that tax cuts are a part of how we can respond to cost-of-living pressures, including higher interest rates.

You opposed those tax cuts. (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator McKenzie, second supplementary?