Mrs Mirabella said while the language on some of the banners that appeared behind her and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott was unfortunate, it had overshadowed the main message of ordinary Australians’ concern and anxiety.

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The government was attempting to bully those who disagreed with it, labelling them extremists and deniers.

“These people are ordinary Australians who are struggling with the cost of living and are frightened about losing their jobs and consigning factories to fields of tumble weeds,” she said.

“It is derogatory towards those who oppose the carbon tax and inappropriate.

“While a banner with inappropriate language is regrettable, there are those in the past who opposed Coalition policy with physical actions of outrage.

“The great thing to see is people engaged in the political process and we should not dwell on a few banners.”

Mrs Mirabella said it was inappropriate for the government to dismiss outright the opinions of Bluescope Steel chairman Graham Kraehe when he addressed the National Press Club this week.

“Mr Kraehe said the carbon tax was too ill-conceived, that it would send jobs offshore and that Australia was one of the most efficient producers of steel in the world,” he said.

“He said the compensation offered by the government for the carbon tax was like ‘putting a Band-Aid over a bullet hole’.”

After 40 years in the industry, Mr Kraehe deserved to have his opinions considered.

“The carbon tax will have the greatest impact on the economy,” she said.

“We can’t let it go through without debate.

“They can call me all sorts of names but when the government turns its name calling on mainstream Australians and business leaders then I draw the line.”

Mrs Mirabella described the carbon tax as “a political fix to gain support with the Greens”.

Instead, she said the Australian government should be investing its money in technology and science including soil sequestration.