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) (14:54): This is in addition to the investments that we are making in the budget paper, and I would say—and we have said it time and time again—that in focusing on cost-of-living pressures, we're working with the states and territories, delivering where we can in partnership to make a difference to the lives of Australians, and we will continue to do so. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order, across the chamber. Senator McKim! Minister, please continue. Senator GALLAGHER: The Prime Minister has made it clear and the Treasurer has made it clear that, where we can make a meaningful difference by delivering on easing cost-of-living pressures and easing disadvantage across this country, we will do so. These matters remain ongoing in front of the Albanese government, and, through our cabinet processes, we consider all of these issues in an ongoing sense, and this is no different. We see the need—we see great need—and we have been working with the states and territories. But we've got an obstructionist Senate that's refusing to allow the Housing Australia Future Fund, which is the fund that would allow this to be done, to be supported by legislation in this place. We've got states and territories advocating on their behalf about the pressures they are under, and you have a Commonwealth that wants to work with states and territories to deliver on outcomes for the Australian people. I know this is a novel approach— Senato r McAllister: What a novel approach! Senator GALLAGHER: yes, it is—considering the previous decade, in which the Commonwealth often did not work in partnership with states and territories. But this is a big priority for the states and territories. They have to deliver. They have to deliver on that, and they have two years to deliver on that. This government has committed $2 billion over the next two years to make sure they can invest in extra social and affordable housing to make the lives of people in this country better. We do not apologise for that. It remains on the agenda of every meeting of every committee of this government, how we can deal with some of these pressures and make a difference. The PRESIDENT: Senator Hume, first supplementary?