Can you imagine my surprise, Prime Minister? A very pleasant surprise it was, too, while it lasted.

There we were, my little family on holiday in Singapore, and the credit card just wouldn’t run out.

A miracle, I thought, remembering the parable of the loaves and fishes from Sunday school back in the village.

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann was questioned about a family holiday in Senate estimates on Tuesday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Well, I announced, no mere street-stall noodles on this holiday! Chilli crab all round. And a Singapore ice-cream sandwich for afters.