QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (15:00): We have never downplayed the effect of the spike in fuel prices on our economy. But perhaps you should have a conversation with the other party in the coalition or, in fact, some of your frontbench colleagues, because those who are downplaying the effect of the conflict on inflation and prices in this country are your party and the Liberal Party.

You're saying: 'Actually, that doesn't matter—inflation. It's not about that; it's about the Albanese Labor government.' Actually, what you are asking is correct. We may differ on the response, but what you are asking is correct.

The reality is that the Middle East conflict—particularly the impact on global markets—is having an effect on our economy and it is cascading throughout our economy. We are very aware of that, and we always have been aware of that. With that, President, if I may, I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.