QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator DOWLING (Tasmania) (14:26): My question is to the Minister for Finance, Senator Gallagher. Despite challenging global economic circumstances, last week Fitch reaffirmed Australia's AAA credit rating. That means Australia is one of only nine countries in the world to continue to hold a AAA rating from all three major ratings agencies.

Why is retaining our AAA credit rating important, and how is the Albanese Labor government's responsible economic management strengthening our economy, repairing the budget and supporting Australians with the cost of living?