Politics Live: May 12, 2014

With that, it is time we headed for the hills, for a quick meditation retreat before budget day.

Before we do, what did we learn today?

• There are a lot of things Mark Arbib does not recall;
• There are a lot of things Ralph Blewitt  does;
• Not that anyone will focus on that, because, Bruce Wilson; 
• Clive Palmer reckons he's got a better idea about the budget than Joe Hockey;
• And a better lunch.

It has been a long day for Mark Arbib in Brisbane (he has said as much himself) but he has now been given the rest of the afternoon off.

The hearing for the Royal Commission into the Home Insulation Program has wrapped up for the day.

Things will kick of again tomorrow morning, with Arbib once more in the chair first thing at 9.30am.

It is a big ol' week for Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen as well.

He will not do the budget reply address on Thursday (that's Bill Shorten's job), but he also needs to lead the charge for Labor this week.

Bowen is warming up with an appearance on Sky News.

Over the border, Mark Arbib continues to answer questions about the home insulation program.

They are not getting any less tough as the afternoon wears on.

Michael Windsor QC, who is appearing for the home insulation industry, has asked Arbib if he took responsibility for the failure of the program.

The trade union royal commission changes tack.

When did you actually first meet Ms Gillard?

Blewitt says the first time was in Melbourne in February 1992, during a meeting to establish the AWU Workplace Reform Association.