Senator RYAN (Victoria) (14:31): My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Small Business, Senator Lundy. Is the minister aware of a recent article published by Dun and Bradstreet in the magazine Small Business Insight which states: 'The number of small businesses going bankrupt over the last 12 months jumped by 48 per cent, while small business start-ups fell by 95 per cent over the same period,' and, 'Business failures were up more than 40 per cent'? Given the Prime Minister's announcement yesterday of the coalition's policy— Senator Wong: These are the people you are going to deny the tax cut to! Government senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! On my right! Senator Ryan is entitled to be heard in silence. Senator RYAN: I could not hear any background noise, Mr President. The PRESIDENT: Continue your question. Senator RYAN: Given the Prime Minister's announcement yesterday of the coalition's policy of a national small business commissioner, can the minister explain how this new position will fix the problems currently faced by Australian small businesses like the abolition of the entrepreneurs tax offset and new cost burdens associated with the carbon tax—problems that were all created by the Gillard government? Senator Wong: Says the man who wants them to pay more tax! The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Wong, that is disorderly. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: When the debating across the chamber has ceased we will proceed.