Senator GALLAGHER (Australian Capital Territory—Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Finance, Minister for Women, Manager of Government Business in the Senate and Vice-President of the Executive Council) (14:34): I welcome the opportunity to talk about the government's policy, which— Opposition senators interjecting— Senator GALLAGHER: I will answer the question, so hold your horses. I'm not wasting time here. It's an important question, and I'm making sure that I get the answer exactly correct for you. Senator Scarr interjecting— Senator GALLAGHER: I do my homework, Senator Scarr. But I welcome the opportunity to talk about this very modest change that we are making to the arrangements for superannuation, for those on higher incomes, $3 million or more, raising a modest $2 billion once fully operational in three years time. I would make the point that those opposite have failed to understand, which is that, at the moment, the budget is in structural deficit. We are borrowing to keep services going. And we are saying that it's not fair to borrow more— The PRESIDENT: Minister, please resume your seat. Senator Askew? Senator Askew: I have a point of order on relevance. I did ask specifically about in the case of death. The PRESIDENT: I'll direct the minister to the question. Senator GALLAGHER: Thank you. But to finish that point—and I will come to the issue that was raised by Senator Askew—Senator Askew and those opposite, the 'no-alition', are arguing that others with much lower superannuation balances should be paying the interest on the debt that we are borrowing to keep the services of government going, rather than make this modest change for those that are fortunate enough to have $3 million and more in their accounts, an average of $5.8 million. Generally, death benefits are able to be withdrawn from the superannuation system. Members will have this option so they do not face additional tax. The PRESIDENT: Senator Askew, a first supplementary?