Senator FIFIELD (Victoria—Manager of Government Business in the Senate and Minister for Communications and the Arts) (14:40): Thank you, Senator Siewert, for the question. One thing that all of us in this chamber can be very pleased about is that our nation has a very good and strong record of having payment arrangements to support people who are in difficult circumstances, often for reasons beyond their control. As I have said before, one of the ways that you can guarantee as a nation that you can provide assistance to fellow Australians when they need it is by having a strong economy and a well-managed budget. We want and will see a continuation of a sustainable welfare system that supports the most vulnerable, that encourages those capable of work or study to do so and that reduces intergenerational welfare dependency. Newstart is primarily a payment designed to assist people transition through the labour market— The PRESIDENT: Senator Siewert, on a point of order? Senator Siewert: Mr President, I specifically asked what does the government think you can buy on 30c a day. The minister is more than halfway through his answer and hasn't come to that point yet. The PRESIDENT: The minister just mentioned in his answer the payment involved—just then, as you rose to your feet. There was a preamble to your question that the minister is entitled to address, though, Senator Siewert. You have reminded the minister of the conclusion of your question. He has 52 seconds remaining. Senator FIFIELD: Newstart is primarily a payment designed to assist people transition through the labour market. For this reason, Newstart recipients are able to earn income from work or other sources before their payment is affected. Around two-thirds of those granted Newstart exit income support within 12 months, and over 99 per cent of Newstart recipients receive more than just the base rate of Newstart. For example, their payment may include the energy supplement, rent assistance for those in the private rental market and family tax benefit for those raising children. We do absolutely remain committed to ensuring that social security payments are well targeted and sustainable into the future. The PRESIDENT: Senator Siewert, a supplementary question?