Senator HUME (Victoria) (14:13): My question is to the Minister representing the Treasurer, Senator Gallagher. On 11 December last year, Treasury was instructed to undertake work that included changes to the stage 3 tax cuts. Following that instruction, the Prime Minister and the Treasurer stated at least a dozen times that they hadn't changed their position on the stage 3 tax cuts, including when the Prime Minister said, 'We're not reconsidering that position.' But we know now that the government was lying. After repeated— The PRESIDENT: Senator Hume, withdraw. Senator HUME: Madam President, I am conscious— The PRESIDENT: Senator Hume, you're not in a debate with me. I've asked you to withdraw. That's what I want you to do. Senator HUME: Madam President, I would say I'm not impugning a particular member of the government, but the government was lying. The PRESIDENT: Senator Hume, I have just instructed you (1) to withdraw; and (2) not to argue with me. Please follow my directions. Senator HUME: I won't argue with you, Madam President, other than to say that perhaps we could look at the standing orders about this sort of phrase about a collective. Government senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order on my right! I am in charge of the chamber, and I will deal with this matter. Senator HUME: I will obviously withdraw, but I would like you to review the standing orders on referring to a collective as opposed to individuals. The PRESIDENT: Senator Hume, the implication is quite clear. Senator HUME: The implication was that the government was lying. The PRESIDENT: Senator Hume! Senator Wong, please resume your seat. Senator Hume, please resume your seat. Senator Hume interjecting— The PRESIDENT: I've asked you to resume your seat. Senators, whilst I acknowledge there has been a lot of debate in the media and certain words used, the Senate chamber has standing orders and precedents, and one of those relates to the word that I asked you to withdraw. I don't intend to go through question time reminding every senator who stands to ask a question, or, indeed, any senator who responds, to withdraw. I've made a ruling on that. It's within the standing orders. It's within the precedents. When I ask you to withdraw, it's not an open invitation to debate with me. I note you have withdrawn. Please continue with your question. Senator HUME: After repeatedly and egregiously misleading the Australian people, how can the Australian people ever trust you or your government again?