Mr SHORTEN (Maribyrnong—Leader of the Opposition) (14:52): My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to the Prime Minister's plans to Americanise our universities. Given that the Prime Minister is already saddling Australian students with a debt sentence, will the Prime Minister at least rule out applying the GST to university fees or does the conversation that he has asked Australia to have— The SPEAKER: The member for Lyons! Mr SHORTEN: Can I start again, Madam Speaker? The SPEAKER: No. We have already got half the question on the matter of public importance. Mr SHORTEN: Will the Prime Minister rule out applying the GST to university fees— Government members interjecting — The SPEAKER: There will be silence on my right! The member for Deakin. Mr SHORTEN: Madam Speaker, if I can continue. The noise was just ridiculous. Honourable members interjecting — The SPEAKER: The member will resume his seat. Mr Pyne: We're on the skids, Bill. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the House will desist. The Leader of the Opposition, to complain about the noise of the House when the noise coming from behind him is a cacophony is somewhat being precious. I could not hear the question, except I could hear what is to be the matter of public importance. However, he may repeat the question. Mr Nikolic: Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order. The member for Rankin, while you were speaking, interjected in a way that I think he should withdraw. He reflected on the chair. The SPEAKER: In that case, he will withdraw. Dr Chalmers: I withdraw. The SPEAKER: The Leader of the Opposition. Mr SHORTEN: My question is to the Prime Minister. I refer to the Prime Minister's plans to Americanise our universities. Given that the Prime Minister is already saddling Australian students with a debt sentence, will he rule out applying the GST to university fees or does the conversation he has asked Australia to have include applying the GST to university fees?