We've heard a lot about jobs in relation to this motion. What the senator should be taking note of is that wages have increased across the economy by 2.3 per cent in the past year. So, while the inflation rate is only 1.6 per cent, wages are going up in very real terms. As the senator should know, wages can only go up when conditions are set that way. And, with the headwinds we're facing, our economy is very well set to perform better than all others.

 I note that, while this is the first time I rise to speak in the chamber, this is not my official first speech. I want to thank the Senate for allowing me to speak on a tragic event in advance of my first speech. I rise to raise awareness of an issue of significance in light of a recent tragedy, and I thank the Senate for indulgence to speak on this important matter.