QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WATT (Queensland—Minister for the Environment and Water) (14:51): Thanks, Senator Pocock. I have seen that claim made by the Biodiversity Council, and I don't think they would be the only advocacy organisation in the country who would be seeking more funding for the issues that they care about. That is the role of advocacy groups.

In a similar way, we see housing groups seek more funding for housing. We see business groups seek more assistance for business. Understandably, we see a group called the Biodiversity Council seek more funding for biodiversity.

That is the nature of things. I do reject, though, their claim about the funding that has been provided in this year's budget. I was very pleased that we were able to extend the funding for our Saving Native Species program, which, again, is investing in the resilience of endangered species.

Of course, the funding that we provide through the Natural Heritage Trust is continuing as well. So I reject the figures that they have cited. I'm very proud of the efforts that this government has made to invest in our native species to back in our commitment to have no further extinctions.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Pocock, second supplementary?