Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann

OURNALIST: Senator, how frustrated is the Government with the Senate? 

MATHIAS CORMANN: We are focusing on the important reforms to put Australia on a stronger foundation for the future. That involves a range of conversations with the Senate, some of them successful, some of them unsuccessful. Obviously we would rather if all of our conversations with the Senate were successful, but such is our democratic system. 

JOURNALIST: Frustrated enough to consider a double dissolution? 

MATHIAS CORMANN: We are focused on doing the job we were elected to do. There is a lot more work to be done. There is no doubt that we made a lot of progress in our first 18 months in Government, but the next election is not due until the second half of 2016. Our intention is to serve our full term and to continue with the important work to put Australia on a stronger foundation for the future. 

JOURNALIST: Did the Cabinet consider a double dissolution? 

MATHIAS CORMANN: I have not been part of any conversations in any meetings considering a double dissolution election. The meetings that I am part of are all focused on our plans to strengthen the economy and create more jobs.