Senator GALLAGHER (Australian Capital Territory—Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Finance, Minister for Women, Manager of Government Business in the Senate and Vice-President of the Executive Council) (14:46): I think you'll see from our budget papers that we do want workers to get wage increases that help them deal with the cost of living. The senator is incorrect when he asserts that. There has been no change in position from this government. We are dealing with an inflation problem in this country right now, in case anyone over there hadn't noticed. If you haven't noticed— Senator Duniam: Oh, we've noticed. Senator GALLAGHER: You've noticed, have you? The reality here is that we are trying to deal with the inflation challenge and we are dealing in a sensible and responsible way with the after-effects of a decade of wage stagnation. You are the party of wage stagnation. The nerve of you to stand up and challenge us on our position to get wages moving— The PRESIDENT: Minister, please resume your seat. Senator Henderson, on a point of order? Senator Henderson: Once again, I would draw the minister's attention to the fact that she needs to make her comments through the chair. The PRESIDENT: I believe the minister is mostly making her comments through the chair. I also ask those on my left to stop calling out. Senator GALLAGHER: In fact, in the six months since we came into government, we have done a number of things—and I'm sure I will get opportunity to continue on this—including supporting increases to the minimum wage that you never did. (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Fawcett, a second supplementary question?