John Williams (NSW, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Yes, Senator Nash, there is the carbon tax. I will take that interjection. We heard, 'There'll be no carbon tax under a government I lead.' But on 1 July in will come the carbon tax.

Senator Feeney interjecting—

And remember—people like Senator Feeney should remember—that $100 million a year extra cost for electricity in our hospital system throughout Australia. That is $100 million for what? It is for absolutely nothing. That is why we should support this inquiry. At least let the Senate do its job. That is all I ask for—to back Senator Fierravanti-Wells's reference here. Let the Senate do its job. If you vote against this reference you are voting against democracy and the job of this Senate. That is what you will be doing. You want to close it down so that you can rush a bill through for the budget that you have made such a mess of over the last four years.