Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Finance and Deregulation) (14:43): As Senator Cormann is so keen to quote things that were said in the past, he might like to recall this statement: The government's recent announcement of a national emissions trading scheme, including offsets for trade exposed industries, is a positive and sensible approach ... Senator Cormann: Mr President, on a point of order: as flattered as I am that the minister is reading my first speech in this parliament— Government senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Cormann is entitled to be heard in silence. Senator CORMANN: My point of order is in relation to the requirement for the minister to be directly relevant to the question. There was a very specific question: why would the government impose a carbon tax on electricity generators like Verve Energy in Western Australia when it will do nothing to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions because Verve will continue to use coal in order to ensure energy security in WA? The minister can quote my speeches from four years ago—and I am flattered that she reads them—but it is not directly relevant to the question. The PRESIDENT: Senator Cormann, you are now debating the issue. Senator Evans. Senator Chris Evans: Mr President, I would just make the point that having a glass jaw does not mean there is a point of order. The PRESIDENT: The minister has 41 seconds remaining in which to answer the question. Minister Wong. Senator WONG: As I was saying, Senator Cormann has previously described an emissions trading scheme as 'a positive and sensible approach to addressing global warming'. I assume the reason he supported it at the time was that, as we know, putting a price on pollution is the most economically efficient way to ensure we reduce our pollution and shift to a lower carbon economy. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Wong, resume your seat. It is very hard to hear the answer because of the interjections from both sides. It is not much use asking for me to listen to the answer when you continue to interject. Minister, you have 16 seconds remaining to answer the question. Senator WONG: Thank you, Mr President. The point I was seeking to make is that I suspect the reasons why Senator Cormann used to support putting a price on carbon are the same reasons why this government and this Prime Minister want to put a price on carbon and put a price on pollution and why we believe it is in the national interest. (Time expired)