Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Finance and Deregulation) (14:44): The first part of that somewhat lengthy story of a question dealt with the Treasury modelling. As I have said a number of times in this place, the fundamental set of findings from that modelling shows that, with a carbon price, we can continue to grow our economy, increase jobs and reduce our carbon pollution from what it will grow to. That is what the Treasury modelling shows. One thing I will say for Senator Joyce is that he is at least being consistent on this. He has never supported it and he was a pretty big player in making sure that Mr Abbott became Leader of the Opposition. In terms of the science of this, we on this side have a very simple proposition—that is, we think the scientists ought to be taken heed of. Senator Brandis: Which scientists? The ones that agree with you? Senator WONG: I will take that intervention— Senator Joyce: Mr President, I have a point of order on relevance. The question was: can the minister confirm how many droughts the government's carbon tax will prevent? I am looking for one drought, two droughts, 10 droughts, 20 per cent of droughts. The Prime Minister has said it would reduce droughts, so I want to know how many droughts it is going to prevent. The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. I cannot instruct the minister how to answer the question. It would assist if there were not interjections from your side during your question which divert the attention of the minister. The minister knows to ignore interjections, as they are disorderly. They do not assist in the conduct of answers during question time. Senator WONG: Thank you, Mr President. It is disappointing that people who call themselves Liberals are so illiberal when it comes to scientists in this debate. We on this side recognise that climate scientists around the world are telling politicians that carbon pollution is causing climate change. We accept the climate science. I would remind Senator Joyce that, globally, 2010 was the warmest year on record. For his information, it tied with 2005 and 1998, with the decade 2001 to 2010 being the warmest decade on record. The year 2010 was the 34th consecutive year with global temperatures above the 20th century average. Senator Joyce and those opposite might like to dismiss these figures; they might wish simply to say that scientists ought not to be believed. We on this side of the chamber do not believe that that is a responsible act. It is not responsible for elected members of parliament and senators— (Time expired)