QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator HODGINS-MAY (Victoria) (14:22): A complete insult to the intelligence of the industry and environmentalists and people who have been pushing for this—you've cited the cost of living as the reason for Labor's backflip— The PRESIDENT: Minister Wong? Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Minister Wong.

Senator Wong: On a point of order, what I was going to say was Senator Hodgins-May is entitled to make that contribution, but not as a— Senator Hodgins-May: This is not a point of order. The PRESIDENT: Order— Senator Wong: Point of order! The PRESIDENT: I'll decide that.

Senator Wong: On a point of order, this is not consistent with the standing orders— Honourable senators interjecting— Senator Wong: Are you allowed to just interrupt while I'm on my feet, when you complain about— Honourable senators interjecting— Senator Wong: Fine! The hypocrisy! An honourable senator interjecting— Senator Wong: Oh, the smartest man in the Senate is speaking again!

So good to hear from you— The PRESIDENT: Minister Wong, please resume your seat. Senator Hodgins-May, I'm going to ask you to get to your question, please. Senator HODGINS-MAY: You've cited the cost of living as the reason for Labor's backflip, but Australians are already paying for this broken system through higher council rates and waste charges.

Minister, this reform would put the costs of plastic waste back onto producers instead of households. It sounds fair to me. Does that sound fair to you, Minister?