Senator BIRMINGHAM (South Australia—Assistant Minister for Education and Training) (14:38): We are canvassing religions and schooling today, it seems. Yes, I have an emotional commitment to public schools. I have an emotional commitment to Gawler High School, where I attended; I have an emotional commitment to public schools right around Australia, and I expect to see the best possible outcomes. I would encourage Senator Wright to read the whole discussion paper. Is says that spending by all Australian governments grew by 37 per cent in real terms in the 10 years between 2002-03 and 2012-13, yet we now have fewer high achievers and more low performers than we had a decade ago. So, while how much funding schools get is important, it is not the silver bullet for better results. How it is spent matters more. Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: On my left! Senator BIRMINGHAM: This government wants to see it spent well and see it spent efficiently and effectively. We are committed to continuing record funding for schools, but we want to ensure that record funding delivers better outcomes—unlike what has occurred in the past. (Time expired)