Mr DUTTON (Dickson—Leader of the Opposition) (13:59): My question is to the Prime Minister. Respected independent economist Chris Richardson has said the RBA 'is sending up a distress signal' to the government, warning it can't do the job of reducing inflation on its own. Under Labor, inflation is at a 33-year high. Interest rates have gone up eight times in eight meetings of the Reserve Bank. Every decision Labor has made has increased inflation and pushed interest rates higher than they need to be. Prime Minister, is this why interest rates are always higher under Labor? Dr Chalmers: They were higher under Howard. When you were the Assistant Treasurer, they were higher. The SPEAKER: The Treasurer will cease interjecting or be warned.