Senator RUSTON (South Australia—Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) (15:56): I seek leave to make a short statement. The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator RUSTON: The Australian government takes the issue of poverty seriously and recognises the importance of sound economic management and the social security and welfare system in alleviating poverty. We are pursuing economic growth in order to alleviate poverty and in order to support essential services, including our strong social safety net. We have one of the most targeted and efficient welfare transfer systems in the world, means-testing a greater proportion of payments than any other country in the OECD. The government spends more than one-third of the total Commonwealth budget on social security and welfare, supporting families and communities around the nation. The PRESIDENT: The question is that motion No. 1139 be agreed to.