Senator WATT (Queensland—Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) (14:44): Thanks, Senator Sheldon. With now one month, exactly, until Christmas, many Australians are turning their minds to their Christmas budgets—presents for the kids, travel costs to see loved ones, a Christmas ham, maybe even a few prawns for lunch—and the costs of getting together for Christmas can certainly add up. We understand that this Christmas will be tough for many Australians, even after the cost-of-living relief our government has provided and even after all of that was opposed by the opposition. Our government's economic plan is all about helping people with their cost of living, while fighting inflation. Just as we're focusing on bringing costs down, we've also worked hard to get wages up. I'm pleased to say that, ahead of the final pay cycles of the year, before the festive shopping season officially begins, Australians' wages are again higher due to strong action taken by the Albanese government. New figures show that this festive season the average Australian is now earning a six-figure salary, at more than $103,000—an increase of $8,372 per year, or $159 per week, since the election of the Albanese government. Opposition senators interjecting— Senator WATT: I'm surprised to hear the opposition so unhappy that Australians are earning higher wages, although I guess I shouldn't be surprised, because you've always opposed higher wages—and it would seem that you still do. Along with delivering a tax cut for every Australian worker, the Albanese government has changed the law on a range of issues that were stifling wage growth under the coalition— Senator McGrath interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator McGrath! Senator WATT: including our same job, same pay laws, getting tough on wage theft, pay rises for aged-care workers and early childhood educators, and three above-inflation increases to the national minimum wage. The result has seen wage increases recorded for both minimum-wage and award-wage workers in recent months. Senator Hume: Real disposable income is going backwards, mate. Senator WATT: Oh, Senator Hume, we'll get to you in the supplementary about what you think about wage rises. Just hold your horses. There are plenty of quotes to come, especially from Senator Hughes, when it comes to wages and helping working people. The PRESIDENT: Senator Sheldon, first supplementary?