Senator HUME (Victoria) (14:05): Earlier today the Treasurer told journalists: … we have made it very clear that we are interested in a temporary, meaningful, responsible, sensible intervention in the energy market … Minister, why is it that the government, which couldn't make up their mind prebudget, couldn't make up their mind before the sittings this week, now can't commit to doing so before the parliament rises for this year? Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Before I call the minister, I'll remind senators that the person asking the question has the right to be heard in silence, as does the minister. Minister Gallagher.