QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:00): The Prime Minister and the whole government understand that Australians are under real pressure with cost of living, and we understand that people across this country are genuinely finding the cost of living and the cost of housing tough to deal with.

We understand that. We also understand how much the world has thrown at our country over the last few years, whether it's the global pandemic, the land war in Europe, the disruptions to trade, a new conflict in the Middle East and, of course, as I've spoken about on a number of occasions, the largest shock to global energy markets in history. That has had a real impact upon our economy and it's had a real impact on Australians and their families.

That is why the government is taking action and has taken action to deliver lasting relief—to help Australians with the pressure here and now and, at the same time, to make us stronger in the face of future shocks, whether it's making sure Australians can see a doctor for free and get the medicines they need for less, making sure we work to give first home buyers a fair crack or making sure we improve the opportunities available to Australians through free TAFE and paid prac.

When it comes to wages, I say to those opposite that we understand that we have to keep doing the work to grow wages. We are. It is a good thing that annual wages have grown above three per cent for 16 consecutive quarters.

It's a good thing that we have the lowest average unemployment rate in half a century. It's a good thing that we have had 1.3 million jobs created. But there is more to do.

We know that, and we are focused on— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Cash, first supplementary?