Tim Ayres (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Pocock. First, I would just like to indicate that it seemed, from what you were saying, that, in regard to the amendments proposed by you that go to the age for the parenting payment, there's a similar amendment from the Australian Greens. It sounds like there's some coordination there, so I'm grateful for that efficiency and assistance. That will mean that we move in a more speedy and coherent way through this discussion.

In terms of the parenting payment itself, I'll wait and see if you have questions or if, in your remarks around that, the government needs to respond to it—except to say that it is a very substantial shift. I am aware and the government is aware that advocates have been arguing for more, but, almost unanimously, advocates out there in the community like Ms Edwards and Ms Mostyn have said that this is a very significant increase.

In terms of the government's approach to enforcing competition law and to supermarket and retail prices, it's a little bit outside the scope of the parameters of this bill, but it is a reasonable question. The ACCC has to do its work. If you need more information from the government on the government's approach in terms of supermarket prices and competition, I'm very happy to make sure that additional briefings are provided, either directly to you or to the parliament. There is a very important set of issues there and the government is focused on competition in that market and other markets.