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) (14:13): I thank Senator Bragg for the question. We know that Australians are doing it tough, particularly those with mortgages. I don't think it's any surprise that that would be the case after the interest rate increases that actually started under you, which is conveniently forgotten every time this is raised by you. But that has had an impact— Senator Birmingham: Take responsibility. Senator GALLAGHER: We take responsibility for the decisions the government makes, and we are doing that, which is why we are providing tax cuts, energy bill relief, cheaper medicines, investments to reduce student loans and support for wage increases, which those opposite consistently and repeatedly oppose, in order to make sure that households are given as much support as the government can provide them during this time. We recognise that households are under pressure and that particularly those with large mortgages are feeling the impact of those interest rate increases. We acknowledge that, which is why our cost-of-living measures, most of which you have opposed, have been calibrated and targeted to support those households as they are experiencing these tough times. So we are obviously making sure we do everything we can, in a time of higher inflation than we would like, so our decisions have to be— The PRESIDENT: Minister Gallagher, please resume your seat. Senator Birmingham? Senator Birmingham: Point of order on direct relevance: Senator Bragg's question was very precise about the rate of mortgage stress in Australia. Senator Gallagher has come nowhere close to addressing the precise question. If she's unable to answer then this is the type of question the minister should acknowledge and take on notice. The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Birmingham. There were also interjections, but I will draw the minister back to that part of the question. Senator GALLAGHER: Well, I am being directly relevant. I'm acknowledging that there are many households across Australia that are experiencing stress, particularly linked to their mortgages. I've already said that. Thanks for the patronising instruction from Senator Birmingham, but I have acknowledged— Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Minister Gallagher, I need you to withdraw that comment. Senator GALLAGHER: I didn't realise 'patronising' was unparliamentary, but I withdraw. Opposition senators interjecting— Senator GALLAGHER: No, I genuinely didn't. I'm sure I've heard it being yelled— The PRESIDENT: Senator Gallagher, it was a direct— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Take your seat, Minister Gallagher. That was a personal reflection on Senator Birmingham, so, as a personal reflection, you have withdrawn that. Senator Hume, I believe you then interjected with a personal reflection, which I will ask you to withdraw. Senator Hume: I withdraw. The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Hume. Minister, please continue. Senator GALLAGHER: I would use this time to just remind people that, if they are experiencing mortgage stress, they can engage with their lender and should engage with their lender where arrangements can be made. (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Bragg, first supplementary?