QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator AYRES (New South Wales—Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science) (14:45): What we are delivering, in a substantial and serious way, as a government that actually does things—we commissioned that report. There's a substantial part of that report dealt with in the budget. Don't be offended, but I'm not really going to take your report card on our achievements in this area.

What is certain is that governments deliver; Independents talk. We have delivered substantial funding for the CSIRO. You haven't built a roundabout.

We have delivered— The PRESIDENT: Senator Scarr? Senator Scarr: On a point of order on personal reflections, I'm mindful of the fact that Senator Pocock is an Independent— The PRESIDENT: It's not a personal reflection, but I will remind the minister to address the chair when answering the question. Senator AYRES: What we are doing is grappling with the real challenges of the Australian research and development system, not complaining and not seeking to find a new set of Instagram posts.

We are about delivering substantially for Australian science and research. That is what governments do. That is what an adult, serious government does in a real, substantial way.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Pocock, second supplementary?