Mr FLETCHER (Bradfield—Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts) (14:50): I do thank the member for Ballarat for her question. I remind the House of some of the key points made by the Auditor-General in his report: The department has provided clear funding recommendations in respect to the 33 projects for which it had submitted written briefings to the Minister. Reflecting the results of the department's assessment of project eligibility and merit, on each occasion the department recommended that funding be provided. The Auditor-General's report also makes it perfectly clear: Under the Infrastructure Investment Program arrangements, the Australian Government may commit funding to an investment project at any time for any phase based on information it deems appropriate. So the minister had the authority. The minister was acting within authority. What the Auditor-General also said was: the recording of reasons for funding decisions did not adequately explain how the preference evident for projects located in Australian Labor Party (ALP)‐held electorates had resulted from a merit‐based process. I do apologise, Mr Speaker. I have accidentally gone to the wrong Auditor-General's report. I have accidentally gone to report No. 9 of 2014-15, The design and conduct of the third and fourth funding rounds of the Regional Development Australia Fund. And who was the minister? It was the member for Ballarat. Government members interjecting— The SPEAKER: The minister resume his seat. Members on my right will cease interjecting. The Manager of Opposition Business, on a point of order? Mr Burke: On direct relevance: if the minister can't spend three minutes defending this decision, I think it says it all. The SPEAKER: The minister has the call, but there will be no more accidents. Mr FLETCHER: Mr Speaker, 'Lord, make me pure, but not just yet' is a well-known prayer of St Augustine. 'Lord, make me pure, but not until we go into opposition' is the prayer of the 'Ballarorter'. The SPEAKER: No. The minister will withdraw that phrase. Mr FLETCHER: I withdraw.