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) (14:12): I have repeatedly and consistently said that our investments are contributing to the economy continuing to grow, and you could see that from the national accounts. Anyone who has read the national accounts will have seen that public demand is a contributor to economic growth. Now, on the point that Senator Hume makes around inflation, as I said, we inherited inflation with a six in front of it. It was increasing when we came to government. The decisions we have taken in every single budget to implement policies which actually put downward pressure on inflation, such as our investments in early education and care, our investments in rent, and our energy bill rebates, have all—and this comes from the ABS—put downward pressure on inflation. So the answer to that is no. The answer to the first question, 'Is public spending contributing to growth?' is: yes, it is. And I will continue to say that— Senator Hume interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Hume, you've asked the question. Senator GALLAGHER: because your economic plan is nuts! It's nuts! Your policy—yes, nuts! It is so out there that you can't even get your head around it. You argue for a contraction of investment, and you want to see the economy go into recession because it would suit your political purposes. But it would be terrible for the economy; it would be terrible for households. So we have made decisions, based on what is in the interests of households around this country—of families sitting around, trying to make ends meet. That is why we've repaired the budget, delivered surpluses, invested in cost-of-living relief and put the future markers down for growth. And you, those opposite, oppose every single step. The PRESIDENT: Senator Hume, first supplementary?