Senator SINODINOS (New South Wales—Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science) (14:46): I thank the shadow minister for his question because, yes, Science meets Parliament today and tomorrow. There are a number of activities going on. Scientists are coming to Canberra. I encourage all of you to interact with them. It is a great way for them to learn about the public policy process here and for us to learn more about the great work that they are doing in providing the platform for our future growth. The shadow minister asked me about science and innovation and the rest. Well, let me begin by saying that in this year, 2016-17, the government is providing $10.1 billion— The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Gallagher, on a point of order. Senator Gallagher: The question was specifically around the funding cuts to CSIRO and what the minister is doing about that. The question was also about repairing plummeting staff morale. It was not about a broader innovation agenda, as much Senator Sinodinos might like it to be. The PRESIDENT: I think we need to give the minister and opportunity there. He did mention, as did Senator Carr ask in the preamble to his question, Science meets Parliament. He responded to that and he has just started his response to the question so I think will give the minister a chance to respond. Senator SINODINOS: As I was beginning to say, in this financial year 2016-17 we are providing $10.1 billion in support for science and research. That is an increase of 3.55 per cent on the budget estimates of $9.7 billion in 2015-16. Over the last 10 years Australia's support for science in research has actually increased by 52 per cent. The annual appropriations for key science agencies are all increasing over the forward estimates. For CSIRO it will increase from $787.2 million in 2016-17 to $827.97 million in 2019-20. ANSTO will go from $183.3 million in 2016-17 to $211.2 million in 2019-20. AIMS will go from $41.5 million in the 2016-17 budget to $44.76 million in 2019-20. The increase in CSIRO's appropriation over the next few years is from what already is a record level of government funding. We recognise the importance of science and research. We are putting more resources into it and we are looking forward to great results in the years ahead. The PRESIDENT: Senator Carr, a supplementary question.