Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Finance and Deregulation) (14:11): There is very little support for the opposition's alternative plan. In fact, even within the opposition there is very little support for this alternative plan. We heard Senator Joyce himself making it very clear publicly that the opposition's plan would be ineffective. Unlike the government's policy, which has been supported by many leading economists—and I note a price on carbon was supported by, amongst others, former Liberal leader John Hewson—not a single economist of any reputation supports the opposition's scheme. Do you know why, Mr President? Senator Ian Macdonald: What about the 60 per cent of Australians? Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: When there is silence we will proceed. Senator WONG: The Liberal Party used to believe in market mechanisms, but that legacy has long gone. The reason for it is clear: Mr Abbott will always put politics over policy; pragmatism over policy every time. (Time expired)