Senator IAN MACDONALD (Queensland) (14:57): Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. If free permits are to be given to the big emitters like the steel, cement and coal industries, as demanded by the AWU's Paul Howes and Bill Ludwig, how does this lessen Australia's output of carbon emissions? Senator Bob Brown: Mr President, on a point of order: I direct your attention to standing order 73 which says that questions shall not contain hypothetical matter. That question began with an 'if'. It is clearly hypothetical and out of order. Government senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I am not asking for agreement on my right either with Senator Bob Brown or with me. The question will be allowed to stand. The minister should address the question that has been asked as it pertains to the portfolio.