Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I'll make a few points. The first is we know and we understand how tough these interest rate increases are for Australian families. I'll be very clear about that. Those on this side of the chamber and the government have made the cost of living a priority in the budget and the measures in which we are investing and applying taxpayer funds, to try and work with and assist Australian families who are struggling with cost-of-living increases.

Again, I'll make the point that those opposite voted against the energy relief plan, which was obviously a key factor in terms inflation and price increases.

In terms of the broader question, obviously monetary policy is run independently. That is the position the government takes; it's the position governments of both persuasions have taken. (Time expired)