Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

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, that is a question of fact. You may be in denial but it is a question of fact.