Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Finance and Deregulation) (14:36): I thank Senator Marshall for his question. When debating matters of national importance—matters such as the budget and climate change—the government believes it is important that these matters proceed on the basis of the discussion of the facts. The facts matter; the facts should be the basis of the policy arguments between political parties. But unfortunately that is not the opinion of those opposite. The government has methodically undertaken analysis and modelling, presented evidence, prepared reports and consulted with stakeholders, all of which has shown that a carbon price is the most economically efficient and environmentally effective way of cutting pollution. It is a fact that you used to— Senator Brandis interjecting— Senator WONG: Senator Brandis, I am happy to take that interjection. Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Wong, just resume your seat for a moment. There are some people wanting to be disorderly. It is completely disorderly to shout across the chamber. I am waiting to listen to the minister when there is silence. Senator WONG: It is a fact—through you, Mr President—that all the experts agree on. Senator Brandis: That's an opinion! Senator WONG: In fact, I will just take you to this quote, Senator Brandis: … you can’t reduce greenhouse gas emissions unless you have a price on carbon. We will play guess who, shall we? It was Mr Howard in May 2007. We on this side believe that the facts are important to this debate, but what we have on the other side, aided and abetted by their state colleagues, is a campaign of deceit and misinformation. We saw earlier this week the 34-page document, the talking points of the coalition: page after page, Mr President, of lies, lies and more lies, misinformation and misrepresentation. This set of lies is on top of a campaign of months of negativity from the Leader of the Opposition, who has nothing of any value, of any truth, to say in this debate.