Senator SINODINOS (New South Wales—Cabinet Secretary) (14:44): I thank the honourable senator for his question and his ongoing interest in trade matters. He is one of the most literate members of this chamber. So I respect the spirit in which he has asked this particular question. It is true to say that there were circumstances under which, in the past— Senator Cameron: Just because you have a new partnership with the Greens. This is a new Greens partnership. Senator SINODINOS: What is wrong with complimenting a member of the Greens when they are asking an intelligent question? Senator Kim Carr: Well, what do you have to say about that? Senator SINODINOS: What do you have to say about it? The PRESIDENT: On my left! Pause the clock. Order! Senator Cameron: Seven of your backbenchers just fainted! The PRESIDENT: On my left! Senator Cameron! It was a lot quieter earlier this week. Cabinet Secretary, you have the call. Senator SINODINOS: It is true that, in the past under some circumstances, the Howard government did set its face against what are called ISDS clauses. But, in more recent times, in the context of negotiating very broad-ranging free trade deals, the view has been taken that the ISDS provisions can also provide protection for Australian investors abroad. This is an important consideration when you consider the broad range of countries which are now becoming involved in some of these free trade arrangements. I understand where Senator Whish-Wilson is going with this question, because there have been some actions taken in recent times. He refers, no doubt, to tobacco. There is an explicit recognition in the TPP that Australia's tobacco control measures cannot be challenged. That is for a start. There is also recognition of an inherent right to regulate, as a country, to protect public welfare, including in the areas of health and the environment. Specific Australian policy areas are carved out from certain ISDS claims, including social services established or maintained for a public purpose, such as social welfare, public education, health and public utilities, measures with respect to the creative arts, Indigenous traditional cultural expressions— (Time expired)