Senator CORMANN (Western Australia—Leader of the Government in the Senate, Minister for Finance, Special Minister of State and Vice-President of the Executive Council) (14:18): On our side of politics, we understand that policies that support the free market help deliver the best outcomes for individuals, their families and the communities they live in. On this side of parliament, we understand the historical failure of socialism. We understand that socialism makes everybody poorer. And you know who it makes poorer first? Low-income earners have the most to lose from a socialist agenda. We understand that the modern Labor Party and the Greens are all in favour of going back to the old class-warfare, socialist agenda of the past, but, let me tell you, history around the world has proven— Senator Whish-Wilson: I have a point of order on relevance, Mr President. I know Senator Cormann's on a roll today, but he hasn't come anywhere near my question about: did they do a survey or consultation with Business Council members before they adopted their policy? The PRESIDENT: As I constantly remind those who ask questions, ministers are allowed to answer parts of questions and preambles to questions and to address the complete terms of the question asked. I cannot instruct the minister which part of a question to answer. Senator CORMANN: On this side of politics, we don't believe it's the job of the government to run private-sector businesses. It's not up to us to tell private-sector businesses what to do. Senator Carr thinks it's the job of government to run private-sector businesses and sort of nationalise them. We know that that leads to inferior outcomes for people around Australia. We happen to believe that encouraging individuals to work hard, stretch themselves and be the best they can be, and that supporting the free market, free enterprise, reward for effort and risk taking are actually the key to making sure that we can maximise our living standards in a sustainable fashion. And don't take my word for it. There is evidence around the world that that is, in fact, the truth. Senator Cameron interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Cameron! Senator Cormann, please continue. I was calling Senator Cameron to order. Senator CORMANN: Well, if you want to see the disastrous effects of socialism on the quality of life of individuals and their families, look no further than Eastern Europe. I know that the Labor Party doesn't like to hear it, but the truth is: even if you put yourself ever so incrementally on a bad, negative trajectory, you will end up in a very bad destination. We want people to end up in a good destination. We believe in freedom. We believe in— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Whish-Wilson, a supplementary question.