Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Finance and Deregulation) (14:06): It is unfortunate that the opposition are choosing to take such a position on this issue. I invite them to consider the position that the market economists have indicated and that commentators have indicated in relation— The PRESIDENT: Senator Wong, please wait a minute. There are two senators between you and me who are having a conversation across the chamber which makes it very difficult. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: I am not looking at anyone in particular, but it makes it very difficult to hear the answer when those two people are having a conversation. Senator Abetz is entitled to hear the answer. Senator WONG: Thank you, Mr President. I would suggest, if the senator wants more information, he should read the advice of the Australian Office of Financial Management. That makes clear the basis of— Senator Abetz: So you can't answer it. Senator Conroy: No, you can't understand what you read. The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Wong, continue. Senator WONG: I can summarise that advice in this way. As the opposition would be aware, the budget papers show that government debt remains under the existing cap at the conclusion of each financial year. However, as the advice outlines, there is a significant amount of fluctuation within the year. There are two key reasons for this. First, a timing mismatch— Opposition senators interjecting— Senator WONG: If you do not want to know the answer, why ask the question? (Time expired)