Sinodinos, Sen Arthur

Senator SINODINOS (New South Wales—Cabinet Secretary) (14:54): I thank the honourable senator for his question. Let me begin by saying we are going to be providing a record $3.1 billion of funding in the 2015-16 budget to the CSIRO over the forward estimates. In relation to the issue you have raised, what is wrong with public institutions seeking to maximise the value of their outcomes at a time when we are providing record funding? I strongly support a CSIRO which is in the community, collaborating with industry and creating new opportunities to promote innovation and science.