Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @birdy. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about a leaking tap.
I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing an issue with your new tap.
No silicone or other sealants are required at this location.
You might want to double-check that the hot and cold flexible hoses are screwed in completely to the tap. Typically they don't require a great deal of tightening, but it's best to nip them up with a tool and not screw them in by hand. However, I find it unusual that you'd see the leak here if it were a hose; the leak would more likely be under the sink. A leak at this location points more towards a faulty seal within the tap.
Provided the hoses are attached correctly, I'd recommend you return the tap and speak with one of our helpful plumbing team members in-store.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Thankyou Mitchell, I nip the hoses up before installation. Off to Bunnings again!