Senator CONROY (Victoria—Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity) (14:46): I thank Senator Ludlam for his ongoing interest. The Gillard government is extremely disappointed that the tender process was compromised by leaks. This was a significant commercial contract involving up to $223.1 million of taxpayers' money and it was important that both cabinet and the general public could have confidence in the process. This is why the Gillard government has called in the Australian Federal Police. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! When there is silence on both sides we will proceed. Senators on my right and my left, I am waiting for order so that Senator Ludlam can hear the answer. Senator CONROY: I was saying that this is why the Gillard government have called in the Australian Federal Police to investigate the leaks which have necessitated the termination of the tender process. I would like to emphasise that at all times the government has acted within the terms and conditions of the tender process. The Australia Network is a core element of Australia's overseas broadcasting network and a major public diplomacy platform. It makes a significant contribution to the promotion and protection of Australia's national interests. On 23 November 2010 the government announced it would put out the Australia Network to open tender for a 10-year contract. The contract was for a maximum of $223.1 million, excluding GST, which represented the current contract cost of $94.2 million over five years, with an adjustment for inflation. The request for tender was released on 4 February and closed on 25 March 2011. On 24 June 2011 the government announced an extension to the tender to ensure the national interest would be addressed more broadly. Among these changes were the importance of key emerging markets on the global economy, significant political transformation occurring across the Middle East and North Africa, and the need— (Time expired)