Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I'm not entirely sure whether those opposite are for the energy bill relief or against it. I think they were against it, and now they seem to be arguing to extend it. That's what I took from the question, so I think you're arguing to extend it. I noticed there wasn't an answer from the shadow finance minister when asked two or three times this morning about whether or not they would move to abolish the energy bill rebates. There wasn't an answer at all. They come in here and vote against it and complain about the extra spending, but then aren't able to answer the simple question of do they support it or do they not?

The reality is that when we came to government inflation had a six in front of it. It now has a three in front of it. Inflation is moderating, as the RBA has confirmed and as our Treasury forecasts confirm. The RBA has made a number of statements, including that running surplus budgets—something those opposite were unable to do despite the mugs being sent out as a fundraiser—are actually supporting the bank's work when they are using monetary policy.

In addition to that, I think the governor has pointed out that we are doing the job that we needed to do.

Well, the forecasts show, Senator Birmingham, that inflation continues to moderate.