Hollie Hughes (NSW, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Yesterday, when Senator Farrell was asked for a second time what the Labor government defined as 'mortgage stress', you interjected, 'Why didn't you ask me?'

So, in that spirit, I ask again: what is the Albanese government's precise definition of 'mortgage stress'?

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

As you might recall, Senator Hughes, I actually made sure I had the opportunity afterwards to say what I wanted to say, which is that, unlike those opposite, we don't need definitions to understand how hard it is that Australians are doing, which is why we are focused on the $23 billion worth of cost-of-living measures that we have put in place, so many of which you opposed and which are about assisting Australian families.

I would just make this point because there's been a lot of discussion about inflation: the statement of monetary policy that the RBA has released has confirmed what the ABS has previously said. Our cost-of-living measures have shaved half a percentage point off inflation.

You should listen to this. Remember what inflation was like under you? The ABS has said that our cost-of-living measures shaved half—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Wong, please resume your seat. Senator Hughes?

Hollie Hughes (NSW, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Point of order: if you could remind Senator Wong to direct her comments through the chair rather than screaming abuse at Senator Hume, it would be appreciated.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Hughes, the minister is directing her comments appropriately.

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

I did respond directly to Senator Hume, who was, to be fair, being feisty towards me, and that's fine. I don't mind. I don't think it was abuse, and I certainly wouldn't want it to be perceived in that way.

But I would make this point: the ABS has said that our cost-of-living measures shaved half a percentage point off inflation in the September quarter. That was confirmed by the RBA again today. So I would make the point to those opposite: if you're serious about worrying about mortgage stress, if you're serious about cost of living and if you're serious about inflation, you should have supported the measures that the government brought in.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Hughes, before I come to your first supplementary, I remind you that a minister is entitled to respond to interjections. Your first supplementary?

Hollie Hughes (NSW, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, I'm not sure there was a definition in there since maybe you don't know either, but, given the Minister representing the Treasurer was unable to answer, despite being asked twice, can you confirm how many Australian households are currently experiencing mortgage stress and how many more will as a result of this latest interest rate rise under Labor?

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

We know that Australians are struggling and we know that households are struggling, which is why we're so focused on doing what we are able to do in terms of cost-of-living measures and delivering the first budget surplus in 15 years, to put downward pressure on inflation. What I would say is this: given we know from the ABS and the RBA that the government's approach shaved half a percentage point off the inflation rate in the September quarter, Senator Hughes, if you care about inflation and interest rates, maybe you should make sure that those opposite support the things the government is doing.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Hughes, second supplementary?

Hollie Hughes (NSW, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Despite the Minister representing the Treasurer being asked this basic question yesterday and the day before, you still can't or won't confirm for the Senate the number of Australian families experiencing mortgage stress under your government. Will the Albanese Labor government take responsibility for its role in skyrocketing mortgage stress and apologise to those Australians?

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

We will take responsibility, as the government, for doing everything we can to put downward pressure on inflation, which is why we brought into this chamber the measures to cap energy price rises, why we brought into this chamber bulk-billing changes, why we brought into this chamber cheaper medicines—why we brought into this chamber a whole range of measures that you opposed. What I'd say to all Australians is that we understand you are doing it tough and we will continue to do all we can to try and ensure there is downward pressure on inflation and to assist on cost of living.

But what we do know is that the Dutton opposition is the party of more expensive medicines and higher energy prices.