QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator McDONALD (Queensland—Deputy Leader of the Nationals in the Senate) (14:55): My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Families in Australia have little choice but to rely on their cars to get to work, take their children to school, attend medical appointments and access essential services. Regional Australians are once again facing a spike in fuel prices, on top of the high costs of living.

The coalition has proposed a fuel price shield to automatically halve the fuel excise when global oil prices spike. When will Labor start addressing the challenges facing regional Australians, and why won't the government commit to meaningful relief for families who have no choice but to drive?