Senator KIM CARR (Victoria—Minister for Human Services) (14:08): I thank Senator Stephens for this question. This government has delivered the single biggest boost to pensions in 100 years. Since 2009, we have increased the maximum rate of pensions by $207 per fortnight. Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Kim Carr, just resume your seat. When there is silence on my left, we will proceed. Senator Kim Carr. Opposition senators interjecting— Senator KIM CARR: Mr President, those opposite do not want to hear this. Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Just resume your seat. On my left! Senator Cormann: You're raising it to undermine the Prime Minister. You're undermining the Prime Minister. You're just talking up Rudd. The PRESIDENT: Senator Cormann! Government senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: On my right! Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: On my left! Senator Carr. Senator KIM CARR: Since 2009, this government has increased the maximum rate of pension by $207 per fortnight, and from today the pension rate has increased again. Today that means an extra $35.80 per fortnight for those on the maximum rate. My department will be delivering these payment increases to over 2.2 million senior Australians. This includes the extra support through the Clean Energy Future Household Assistance Package. Pensioners have already received their clean energy advance. Today they receive the first of their clean energy supplements. This government recognises the enormous contribution that seniors have made to this country and to this society. We know those opposite do not share that view. We know those opposite would take money away from seniors in this country. We know that under an Abbott government every single pensioner in Australia would lose more than $350 per year. Every pensioner couple would lose more than $530 per year. Those opposite would take back more than $1 billion a year in extra support that this Labor government is delivering to pensioners. This government recognises that senior citizens have very specific needs, and we have extra support for accommodation, for income support— (Time expired) Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: When there is silence on my left, we will proceed. Senator Brandis interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! When there is silence on my left, we will proceed.