Senator BIRMINGHAM (South Australia—Minister for Finance, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Vice-President of the Executive Council) (14:50): The first thing I'd observe is there was no limit on how much those opposite were happy to tax. There was no limit in terms of their willingness. What we will do, as we have demonstrated on our track record, is target investment to drive emissions down and protect jobs. We'll target investment to drive emissions down and keep electricity prices lower. We'll target investment to make sure that we drive emissions down and create new investment opportunities. The PRESIDENT: Minister, please resume your seat. Senator Wong, on a point of order? Senator Wong: On direct relevance, Mr President. The question was very tightly worded. It asks whether the finance minister can advise of any upper limit on how much the government will pay in taxpayers dollars to get a deal with the Nationals. It's not about emissions policy. It's not about the history of the Labor Party. It is about how much this finance minister is willing to spend of taxpayers' money on getting this deal. The PRESIDENT: Senator Wong, you have brought the minister's attention back to the question. Minister, you have the call. Senator BIRMINGHAM: In relation to how much we invest, let me make this bold prediction. When we outline plans to invest in regional communities across Australia, I bet those opposite will support every dollar of that investment. I bet they won't be game to go to the next election saying they're withdrawing any of that investment. The PRESIDENT: Minister, please resume your seat. Senator Wong, on a point of order? Senator Wong: Again, on direct relevance. I think Senator Ryan said that, if there's a glancing blow, or something like that, about other parties' policies, we accept that. He's been asked whether there's any limit—is there an upper limit on how much he will spend? And he's talking about us. It cannot possibly be directly relevant, with respect. The PRESIDENT: The minister was addressing the substance of the question. I will bring the minister back to the question again. Minister, you have 11 seconds. Senator BIRMINGHAM: As always, we will do what is necessary to protect the jobs, the security, the prosperity of Australians. We will make sure we invest where necessary for the benefit of Australians for their future. (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Gallagher, a second supplementary question?