Senator CHRIS EVANS (Western Australia—Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:26): Can I say to the good senator that the Prime Minister has been aware for some time, as we all have, about the growing community concern about the increasing costs of electricity in Australia. It has been a concern that has been raised with this government for some time and has been part of the community debate. The senator would be aware, though, that the state governments are responsible for electricity prices in this country. Senator Brandis: What about the carbon price? Senator CHRIS EVANS: Senator, if that is wrong, I stand to be corrected. But the last time I checked the state governments were responsible for the setting and control of the electricity systems in their states. Senator Brandis: Won't the carbon price have an impact on electricity prices? Senator CHRIS EVANS: The carbon price will have an impact on electricity prices—something that we have made clear for a very long time. It is also the case that the family assistance package, shaped by this government, that has been paid to families across Australia, was designed to assist them in meeting some of those costs. It has been quite clear from all the regulatory assessments that have been done that the increased cost as a result of the carbon price will be more than compensated for by the family assistance packages. No-one is maintaining that the Treasury estimates are inaccurate. They have broadly come in line with the estimates we made before the introduction of the carbon price and the family assistance package is covering, if you like, the costs that are being passed on. What was clear from recent reporting is that the major driver of cost increases in electricity is not the carbon price— Senator Brandis interjecting— Senator CHRIS EVANS: Senator, that is a question of fact. You may be in denial but it is a question of fact.