Senator SIEWERT (Western Australia—Australian Greens Whip) (14:21): My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Social Services, Senator Fierravanti-Wells. Last week the government got its tax cuts through the Senate, giving people on the highest incomes an increase almost as much as the Newstart allowance itself, yet those on Newstart got no increase. When pushed, the government keeps pedalling the myth that the payment is sufficient because the majority of Newstart recipients are on another payment. Senator Ian Macdonald: Is there a question in this or is this just a speech? Senator SIEWERT: In fact, many of these receiving another payment are still living below the poverty line. Given this, why won't the government increase Newstart? The PRESIDENT: I remind senators: senators are given a minute to ask the first question, and they are allowed to use a preamble in asking that question. I ask for no interjections during questions.