Senator AYRES (New South Wales—Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science) (14:39): In terms of that question, that kind of florid rhetoric sounds more like Senator McGrath than the normally sober questions that we get from Senator Pocock. Making those sorts of claims is unhelpful in terms of the regard that this parliament should have for the CSIRO's role— Senator David Pocock: Point of order: I'd love an answer. It's on relevance; I don't see how a lecture is relevant. Senator Wong: If Senator Pocock chooses to put political rhetoric into his supplementary question, then he's going to get a response in kind. The minister is entitled— An honourable senator interjecting— Senator Wong: Sorry, I apologise—on the point of order: if Senator Pocock makes a political statement, he's going to get a political answer. He chose to make a political statement, self-evidently, presumably for social media, and he's getting a response in kind. Senator David Pocock: On the point of order: my political statement was grounded in the fact that CSIRO hasn't had an increase— The PRESIDENT: Senator Pocock, you are making a statement now. Please resume your seat. Senator David Pocock: But that's what Minister Wong does all the time! The PRESIDENT: Senator Pocock, the minister is being relevant to your question. Senator AYRES: As I said in my response to your primary question, base funding for the CSIRO has not altered. This government has respect for the role the CSIRO plays now and the role it must play in the science and technological research required for our future. The PRESIDENT: Senator Pocock, second supplementary?