Senator FARRELL (South Australia—Minister for Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State and Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:57): I thank Senator Colbeck for his question. My recollection, Senator Colbeck, was that you were sitting over here somewhere before the last election and you were making decisions that now contribute to all of the economic issues— The PRESID ENT: Minister Farrell, please resume your seat. Senator Colbeck? Senator Colbeck: On direct relevance: my question was about the Prime Minister's promises, not about where I was sitting in the last term of parliament, and I would ask you to draw the minister to the question. The PRESIDENT: I will draw the minister to the question, but I also remind you, Senator Colbeck, there was quite considerable preamble to that question, which the minister is also entitled to go to. Minister Farrell, please continue. I have drawn you to the question. Senator FARRELL: Unlike the former government, we do understand the pressure that's on households in all of the areas which you just mentioned. Can I say what this government, the Albanese government, is doing is putting downward pressure on all of those cost-of-living issues. Remember this: when you had the opportunity to put a cap on gas that would push electricity prices down, what did you do? You voted against it. One issue that you've mentioned is wages. What has this government being doing? Finally, we're getting some movement in wages, which your government—don't you remember Senator Cormann? He said it was part of your economic strategy to keep wages low. This government is all about trying to deal with the issue of cost of living, to push up wages and to assist those hardworking Australians— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Colbeck, a first supplementary?