Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

I just draw to the attention of the chamber that Senator Siewert said that I had told her, in a previous question, to read the paper. I didn't actually say that; in fact, I said, to the contrary, to not believe everything you read in the paper. Actually listen to my responses to your questions, and listen to Senator Cormann and the Prime Minister.

In relation to who has dinner with whom in the government, I have no idea. I'm sure we all have dinner with each other on a regular basis. What I can say, Senator Siewert, is that this government takes very seriously its responsibility to look after Australians who are finding it very difficult at the moment because of the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on all Australians. We were all devastated to see the figures that Senator Cash had to announce this morning. As she said, they were not unexpected but they were nonetheless devastating.