Senator SINODINOS (New South Wales—Assistant Treasurer) (14:52): I am happy to report that the coalition have had a consistent position. From the very beginning, we saw the damage that that mining tax was going to do to one of the sectors on which we are building Australia's future. We made it clear at the time: we would not support the mining tax or the spending of the former government that was promised off the back of that tax. We thought it was irresponsible to first slug a major industry in that way and then promise all this spending on the back of that. What a cruel hoax on the schoolkids of Australia, low-income Australians and small business, to promise all this spending off the back of this ever-receding tax. The now Prime Minister, in his budget reply speech in May, outlined that the coalition would not continue with the measures that were going to be funded by the mining tax, because the mining tax was not raising revenue. You were telling the schoolkids of Australia: 'It's okay to borrow to pay yourself a bonus.' We could not afford it. We were not going to go ahead with it. And that is our stance after the election. Senator Cameron: Got to keep those political donations coming in from the mining companies! Senator Heffernan interjecting— Senator Cameron: Do the Nationals let you open your mouth? The PRESIDENT: Order! When there is silence next to you, we will proceed, Senator McLucas. Senator Heffernan interjecting— Senator Faulkner: He's got feelings, you know! The PRESIDENT: There are still people interjecting across the chamber, which is disorderly. I have reminded senators before. I will not proceed until there is silence. You are entitled to be heard in silence, Senator McLucas. Senator Heffernan interjecting— Senator Faulkner: Welcome home. You're here today, are you? Thanks for popping in! The PRESIDENT: If senators down the other end of the chamber wish to conduct a conversation, I advise them to go outside the chamber and do so. I am waiting to call Senator McLucas.