Senator VAN (Victoria) (14:48): My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Senator Watt. The Victorian Parliamentary Budget Office says the Suburban Rail Loop would cost $36.5 billion for stage 1 and $125 billion for the full project. At Senate estimates on 28 October infrastructure department officials gave evidence the funding available for the Suburban Rail Loop included: $11 billion from the state; $11 billion through some kind of value capture … and $2.2 billion from the Commonwealth. The announced funding adds up to only $25 billion. In the Australian Financial Review today, Premier Andrews is quoted saying the Suburban Rail Loop is 'fully funded and under way'. Minister, what advice other than the Australian Financial Review has the Victorian government provided that the Suburban Rail Loop is fully funded? Senator Won g: A point of order on this— Senator Ayres: That was word salad! Senator Wong: I don't think that's a point of order, Senator Ayres! I might have misheard, but it seemed to me the question does not go to a ministerial portfolio. A question about the state government's sources of advice and how the state government came to a position is not a matter for a Commonwealth minister. Senator Birmingham: On the point of order: Senator Van directly quoted evidence from departmental officials at Senate estimates. The question goes to assurances given to the Commonwealth. This is a government that has decided to give $2.2 billion to a project. The PRESIDENT: What's the point of order? Sena tor Birmingham: It's perfectly reasonable to ask with this project whether, in giving that budget commitment, they're aware if its fully funded or not. The PRESIDENT: Senator Watt can answer that question to the extent that it covers his Commonwealth responsibilities, bearing in mind that the question referenced the Victorian budget office and the AFR.