Ms GILLARD (Lalor—Prime Minister) (14:04): I am very happy to answer the question from the Leader of the Opposition. On this side of the parliament we believe climate change is real. We understand that the Leader of the Opposition is in denial. On this side of the parliament we respect the words of scientists. We understand that the Liberal Party in the modern age is attracted to vilifying scientists. On this side of the parliament we listen to the words of economists, who say that the most efficient way of tackling climate change and cutting carbon pollution is to put a price on carbon. We understand that the Leader of the Opposition thinks it is his business to insult Australian economists. Consequently, led by the science and led by the views of economists, we on this side of the House believe, if you are going to effectively tackle climate change, you must— Mr Abbott: Mr Speaker, I rise on a point of order. It was a simple enough question. If exempting petrol is fantastic news, wouldn't it be more fantastic to exempt everything and not have a carbon tax at all? The answer should be directly relevant to the question. The SPEAKER: The question is being responded to. The Prime Minister has the call. Ms GILLARD: If you care about tackling climate change in the most efficient way, then you are for putting a price on carbon. In terms of the comparisons between the government's view and the opposition's view— Mr Pyne interjecting— The SPEAKER: The member for Sturt will withdraw. Mr Pyne: I withdraw, Mr Speaker. Ms GILLARD: We on this side of the House are for putting a price on carbon. We are for assisting families. We will assist families with tax cuts, with increases in payments and by not having the carbon price apply to petrol. The alternative—because the Leader of the Opposition asked me about alternatives—is to go for his plan, which will not work and will cost Australian families $720 per year. If we are going to look at alternatives, a price on polluters—$720 a year coming straight from families—then the comparison gives the Leader of the Opposition the answer to his question. We are for doing this the most efficient way with the most assistance to families; he is for doing it the most ineffective way and ripping $720 per year off families.