Mr JOYCE (New England—Minister for Agriculture and Deputy Leader of The Nationals) (14:24): I thank the honourable member for her question and note that obviously the ABC is an integral part of regional Australia. And of course the ABC, like every other department, has had to deal with the curse of the Labor Party and the curse that was delivered to us by a budget where, the member for Lilley told us, there was going to be an $18 billion deficit—an $18,000 million deficit, which is quite extraordinary. What we actually got delivered was a $48 billion deficit—a $48,000 million deficit. Ms Ryan interjecting— The SPEAKER: The member for Lalor! Mr JOYCE: And by reason of that, of course, there have been pressures all through the budget. But it was brought about by those who sit opposite. It was brought about by them. Of course, if they were able to manage the economy then we would not have to be dealing with these issues. Mr Conroy interjecting— The SPEAKER: The member for Charlton will leave under 94(a). The member for Charlton then left the chamber. Mr JOYCE: But we are dealing with these issues, and I apologise on their behalf to the member for Indi for the appalling management of the other side. And of course we will stay in close negotiation with Mr Scott. Mr Scott has full responsibility for what happens as regards how he deals with the cuts brought about by an appalling Labor economic management. And we will do our very best to make sure— Mr Fitzgibbon interjecting— The SPEAKER: The member for Hunter is warned. Mr JOYCE: that the best outcomes are found for regional people, despite this appalling management that was a curse of the previous government, led by the member for Lilley and ably assisted by all those opposite.