Senator RONALDSON (Victoria—Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC and Special Minister of State) (14:01): I can only assume that Senator Conroy bought some fish and chips over the weekend, because, quite frankly, this was in the papers about three weeks ago. He is hardly on top of his brief if he has had to wait this amount of time. Let me be absolutely clear about our relationship with the Australian War Memorial and then I will compare it with that of the Australian Labor Party, who had put the AWM under such pressure that they were considering closing the memorial—a national icon in this country—for one day a week. Senator Kim Carr interjecting— Senator Wong: Mr President, the point of order goes to direct relevance under the standing orders. In fact, the minister has flagged his intention not to be directly relevant. He spoke about what he would say. There is only one question in the question put by Senator Conroy: 'Who is correct?' We have a factual statement from the minister's spokesperson and a factual statement from the War Memorial. They are inconsistent. The minister is simply asked: 'Who is correct?' The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Wong. I do agree there was one question. But can I tell you I am having a lot of difficulty, particularly because of you, Senator Carr, in hearing part of the answer. I indicate to the minister that he has one minute and 25 seconds left to answer the question and advise the minister of the question. Senator RONALDSON: What Senator Conroy should be aware of in relation to decisions made about the travelling exhibition—the smaller travelling exhibition, not the national travelling exhibition; I presume he knows the difference between the two—is that this government inherited a situation in veterans affairs where we have 72,000— Senator Kim Carr: What's this got to do with the question? Senator RONALDSON: If you do not think what is happening to 72,000 men and women who have served this nation since 1999 is relevant then I really take great pity on you, Senator Carr. Senator Moore: Mr President, I rise on a point of order. I let the clock go on little to see whether we would get an answer. In terms of direct relevance, as has been pointed out, there was only one question asked and it was on the comments about the touring exhibit and when they knew about the future funding. It was not about the value; it was about when the Australian War Memorial was advised of the future funding cut. The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Moore. The minister has 46 seconds left to answer the question. I remind the minister of the question. Senator RONALDSON: Those opposite are clearly not interested in what is being done for these returned men and women. Senator Kim Carr interjecting— Senator RONALDSON: I do not need any help from you, Senator Carr, I can assure you. The PRESIDENT: Pause the clock. Senator Moore, I am not going to entertain a point of order on relevance in a matter of just seconds after the minister recommenced his answer. Senator Moore: Mr President, it is not a point of order on relevance. It is about a reflection made on the people on this side of the chamber in that last comment. It is not a point of order on direct relevance but on a reflection made on people on this side of the chamber. The PRESIDENT: I do not agree there is a point of order, Senator Moore. Minister you have the call. Senator RONALDSON: Thank you very much, Mr President. In May this year, the Australian War Memorial was advised that the longer term funding of this $800,000 travelling exhibition was under review. The reason for that is that this government is determined to ensure that the dollars we spend in this department are given to— (Time expired)