Senator BIRMINGHAM (South Australia—Minister for Education and Training) (14:42): I thank 'Senator Surfer' for his question. State governments are appropriately focused on public safety and managing risks from sharks. The Minister for the Environment and Energy has a legislative role to ensure that shark safety activities— The PRESIDENT: Senator Birmingham, I did not hear it up-front—what you said. But you probably need to withdraw that remark about Senator Whish-Wilson. Senator BIRMINGHAM: I refer properly to Senator Whish-Wilson. Senator Whish-Wilson: I'm okay with that. Senator BIRMINGHAM: I thought you were. The Minister for the Environment and Energy has a legislative role to ensure that shark safety activities are consistent with national environmental law. He is committed to working with states to find a path that achieves both public safety and good outcomes for the environment. Minister Frydenberg has been clear that public safety is of paramount importance, but he is committed to protecting the marine environment, including sharks. It is the responsibility of state governments to consider whether shark safety activities will have a significant impact on matters protected under national environment law. The environment department continues to work with state agencies to help them understand their obligations, noting that the white shark is listed as a vulnerable and migratory species under the EPBC Act. New South Wales has conducted its shark meshing program since 1937. Similarly, Queensland has conducted shark safety activities continuously for over 50 years. These activities predate the EPBC Act and, therefore, do not need to be referred to the Australian government for assessment. The department of the environment has not at this stage received referrals from New South Wales— The PRESIDENT: Pause the clock. On a point of order, Senator Whish-Wilson? Senator Whish-Wilson: I have a point of order on relevance, Mr President. I asked whether you had received a letter from— Senator Ian Macdonald: He just said that! Senator Whish-Wilson: No—I missed that. I asked whether you had received a letter. And would this be a full-controlled action fully assessed under the EPBC law? Government senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! I did hear the minister respond to part of your question. Also, I think the minister indicated that any applications would be treated by way of the law—if I can paraphrase what the minister said. So the minister has been relevant. Senator BIRMINGHAM: As I was midway through saying—I had got through the words 'the department has not received referrals from New South Wales', or Queensland agencies for that matter, in relation to shark management actions. The PRESIDENT: Senator Whish-Wilson, a supplementary question.