Ms GILLARD (Lalor—Prime Minister) (14:50): To the shadow Treasurer: we appointed Mr Gonski because he was the best person for the job. The shadow Treasurer authorised a press release welcoming the appointment. Senator Wong, the relevant minister, has explained the appointment process. To the shadow Treasurer, I would say that it seems to me quite a remarkable thing that, when the opposition has welcomed an appointment, now apparently it is coming into this parliament in defence— The SPEAKER: The Prime Minister will resume her seat. The honourable member for North Sydney on a point of order. Mr Hockey: On a point of order, Mr Speaker, the minister for finance is completely at odds with David Gonski about the recommendation process. The SPEAKER: What is the point of order? Mr Hockey: Mr Speaker, the Prime Minister is not answering the question she was asked. The SPEAKER: The Prime Minister will be directly relevant. The Hon. Prime Minister continues to have the call. Ms GILLARD: The appointments process here was an appointments process that got the best person for the job. Peter Costello was appointed by this government to the Future Fund, but he was not the best person for the job, for the role of chair; David Gonski was. If the Liberal Party wants to repudiate the press release of the shadow Treasurer and the shadow finance minister and go on a jobs-for-Liberals campaign, so be it. The SPEAKER: The Prime Minister will address the specifics of the question. Ms GILLARD: We engage in merit based selection, and the merit based selection gave us David Gonski. He is the best person for the job.