Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

The government does not support this motion. As recently as three weeks ago senators had the opportunity to ask questions of the minister, relevant agencies and officials regarding budget decisions on the arts. The minister, relevant agencies and officials answered all questions put to them about matters referred to in the senators' motion. Indeed, senators ultimately exhausted themselves of questions. The National Program for Excellence in the Arts is yet to be formally established, and it should be obvious how absurd it would be to establish a Senate inquiry into the conduct of a program which has not yet commenced.