Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I will answer the question, Senator Birmingham—thank you for the advice. Given what those opposite did to the Public Service, but also given the fact that, on the one hand, they want us to spend more, but, on the other hand, they want us to spend less, Senator Duniam should probably speak to Senator Hume. The advice I have is this: despite what those opposite have been claiming, there has been no government decision to cut spending to the Antarctic program. That's the advice I have. We are continuing to roll out the $804 million invested in the Antarctic program through to the end of the decade. I'm advised that the $25 million figure referenced in media reports reflects the Antarctic Division's internal management of its own budget.

Honourable senators: Oh!

Oh! Wow! There's spooky music over there, isn't there? I would make this point. In the past, when I have had relevant portfolios, whilst I didn't get to Antarctica, I did visit the Antarctic Division. They do very good work. It is a very important part of not only Australia's future but also Australia's legacy in terms of the work that we have done, both at the scientific level and in terms of international law. We understand how important the program is, and I understand that the minister recently was in Tasmania and addressed all staff.