There is a little thing for science week and then we get to the questions – and it is the same one as yesterday:

It’s the member for McPherson. (I have no room to learn their name right now and also, it is currently irrelevant.)

According to the ABS, there are now 34,000 more unemployed Australians than a month ago. Inflation is soaring above the RBA’s target band, leading to concerns about stagflation and every month, the average household is paying $1,800 more on their mortgage under this Labor Government. Is this what the Prime Minister meant when he promised no-one will be left behind?

Anthony Albanese:

I thank the member for his question. But it was an interesting use of statistics, because I was waiting for him to mention the fact that 1.1 million jobs have been created under this Government. I was waiting for him – and I forgive him because he wasn’t here, of course. If he was here in May of 2022, he would have known that inflation had a 6 in front of it and it was double what it is now.

He would known also that interest rates started to increase under the former government and that there have been, in fact, three reductions in interest rates this year, under this Government. He would have known, when it comes to fiscal policy, that they sat there, promised a Budget surplus in their first year when they were elected in 2013 and every year thereafter, and, in fact, they delivered just zero when it comes to surpluses but this, Treasurer, delivered not one, but two budget surpluses, the first consecutive Budget surpluses in 20 years.

He would also know when it comes to cost of living that this government has progressed a range of changes from cheaper medicines, the rolling-out of urgent care clinics, the tripling of the bulk billing incentive to lower health costs.

He would know that difference we’ve made in paid parental leave, in the superannuation guarantee have made a difference.

He would know that the minimum wage has increased everyone and every year under this government, something that is the direct result of the deliberations of the Fair Work Commission, but with the advantage of having submissions from a government that supports real wage increases, not opposes them, because the former government had low wage growth as a key feature of their economic architecture. He would know that as well. So the member is forgiven in his first term.

I congratulate him on his election for being here.

(Tim Wilson interjects and is told to shut it. If there is one thing that unites the whole parliament it’s despising Wilson, so then Albanese takes it as an easy win.)

Albanese:

From a bloke who spoke about the Wilson government online… (LAUGHTER) You know, you know, talk about fantasies! I think you’re safe there, Leader of the Opposition. I don’t know about the others behind you, but I reckon you’re pretty safe from this bloke. I reckon you’re pretty safe from this bloke.