Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Stewart for her supplementary question. I would say this: this senator and all senators are very focused on cost-of-living relief for Australians in a way that is responsible and effective. Our priority is to provide cost-of-living relief without adding inflationary pressure to the economy, so we will include $14.6 billion in tonight's budget in responsible, targeted cost-of-living relief. It builds on—those opposite might remember this—an increase to award wages for aged-care workers, improvements to paid parental leave, and cheaper child care. But, as the Treasurer has flagged, it will forecast a surplus for this year, a deliberate result of the Albanese government's responsible bottom line. Unlike those opposite, we will deal with this responsibly. We won't be wandering around like those opposite did, with the 'Back in Black' mugs. We will deal with this budget responsibly. (Time expired)