Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Finance and Deregulation) (14:01): I thank Senator Cormann for the question and for his new-found interest in climate policy. The first point I would make is that it is the case that electricity prices in this nation have been going up. As the senator would know, that has been because of the substantial investments that have been required in our networks as a result of underinvestment by state governments. I make the point that even Mr Macfarlane has previously said, 'Power prices are set to double over the next five to seven years irrespective of who is in government.' Opposition senators interjecting— Senator WONG: Irrespective of who is in government. You do not like it, do you, when someone tells the truth. Someone on your side says, 'Irrespective of who is in government'—these are not my words but someone on your side's words. And lack of planning has led to an investment drought. Mr McFarlane has also said, 'Australians in all states are feeling the impacts of rising power prices, in large part due to the neglect and mismanagement of state governments.' This government understands also that where you want to provide a stable framework for investment what you do need to provide is policy certainty. The fact is that the opposition's plan—their blood oath, as Mr Abbott calls it—to remove the carbon tax will result in further investment uncertainty in an area— Senator Brandis: That is right. That is as certain a commitment as you will get. Senator WONG: Senator Brandis says that is wrong, because changing the policy framework does not change the policy certainty at all, does it, Senator? Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Wong, ignore the interjections; they are disorderly. Senator WONG: Investors want to know what the policy framework is so they can make long-lived investments. That was why John Howard thought that a price on carbon was a sensible policy. When those opposite used to care about economics that also was the policy of the coalition. The PRESIDENT: Order! When there is silence on both sides we will continue. You are entitled to be heard in silence, Senator Cormann.