James McGrath Queensland, Liberal National Party, Shadow Special Minister of State
2:00 pm
My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Australians are paying record prices for energy, for fuel and for groceries. Everywhere they turn, they are paying more. In the middle of all of this, the government is proposing to spend hundreds of millions of dollars creating over 40 new politicians and increasing the size of parliament. Minister, who is asking for this—the Australian people or the Australian Labor Party?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Can I say, as a general proposition, that the Australian Labor Party is pretty happy with the size and composition of the current parliament. I think that would be the approach we would take, but I am aware—was it Senator Canavan who was keen or the National Party who was keen on increasing the size of the parliament? But I think that's a matter for them.
James McGrath Queensland, Liberal National Party, Shadow Special Minister of State
2:01 pm
PBO costings show that expanding parliament by over 40 politicians will cost taxpayers more than $600 million. Minister, how can the government justify spending more than $600 million on more politicians when Australians cannot afford to fill their cars?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Again, I would say that we on this side are happy with the current size and composition of the parliament. It is—
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Hon. Senators:
Honourable senators interjecting—
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
If I may—
Honourable senators interjecting—
Sue Lines President
Order across the chamber!
Senator Farrell, come to order. I think that's the first time I've ever called you to order. Minister Wong.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
It is, of course, standing practice for the—
Honourable senators interjecting—
Oh, boy! I'll just wait.
Sue Lines President
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
It is, of course, standard practice that the multiparty JSCEM undertake a review after every election to consider what we can learn from those elections and the matters that affect our democracy. It's a routine process that is still underway. I don't believe it's even tabled an interim report, so I think you're jumping the gun a bit.
If I may, while I'm on my feet, I congratulate you for taking the top of the Senate ticket, Senator McGrath. But we would say to you that you probably have some self-interest in not wanting the parliament changed. (Time expired)
Honourable senators interjecting—
James McGrath Queensland, Liberal National Party, Shadow Special Minister of State
2:03 pm
Minister, no party took this to the last election, no voter was consulted and no Australian asked for this. Will the government rule out expanding the size of parliament—yes or no?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
2:04 pm
Again, we are happy on this side of the chamber with the size and the composition of the parliament. I would say to you, Senator, though, it does seem slightly odd that I have had lectures from you about being out of touch, but, in the middle of a fuel crisis, a conflict in the Middle East and the largest global shock to energy markets in Australian history, you want to talk about yourself.
Sue Lines President
James McGrath Queensland, Liberal National Party, Shadow Special Minister of State
On a point of order, I seek to table the costings from the PBO showing $600 million of taxpayer—
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Yes, thank you.