Mr JONES (Whitlam—Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services) (14:44): I thank the shadow Treasurer for his question, and I note that it's nine months since they've had an assistant treasurer shadow and over that period the Leader of the Opposition has formed the conclusion that there is nobody in his backbench who is good enough to do the job—not one person who is good enough to do the job—a conclusion that everyone on this side of the House concurs with! Over that nine months, members of the opposition have voted against cheaper medicines and made it quite clear to Australians that they want them to pay more for medicines when they go to the pharmacist's. The SPEAKER: Order! The Assistant Treasurer will return to the question. Mr JONES: Indeed I will, because the question the shadow Treasurer asks me is a question about the cost of vehicles. I am pointing out to members of the House that quite clearly they want Australians to pay more for medicines, they want them to pay more for electricity and now, they're making it quite clear, they want them to pay more for petrol as well. The reason that Labor wants to introduce vehicle emissions standards is that we believe that Australians deserve to drive vehicles which use less fuel. If you're using less fuel— Honourable members interjecting— The SPEAKER: Order! Members on my left, the minister was answering a question about vehicles and fuel, which was your question, so you'd better be short and sharp with this response. The member for Hume has the call. Mr Taylor: The point of order is relevance. It was a very specific question. It was about Labor's— The SPEAKER: Resume your seat. The member for Hume has asked his question. He's skating on thin ice with that point of order. The minister will be heard in silence. Mr JONES: We're asked why it is that Labor wants to ensure that Australians can drive the most efficient vehicles, and the answer is quite simple. The reason that we want Australians to have access to the most efficient vehicles is that we believe Australians should be paying less to fill up a tank of fuel, as do consumers in any other market around the world. As the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government pointed out to members in this House, Australia is one of the only countries in the world that has not yet introduced mandatory fuel standards. They didn't do it under the nine years that this mob was in government. The Australian people are going to have access to cheaper fuels because we're going to have more efficient cars. Those opposite have made it clear time and time again that they want Australians to pay more for medicine, they want Australians to pay more for electricity and now, they're making it quite clear, they want Australians to pay more money when they fill up at the bowser. Honourable members interjecting— The SPEAKER: Order! There is far too much noise. The member for O'Connor will leave the chamber under 94(a). He's been constantly interjecting during question time. He'll leave the chamber quickly. The member for O'Connor then left the chamber.