Senator CHRIS EVANS (Western Australia—Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:08): I thank the senator for his question. Yesterday's release of the Academic Ranking of World Universities was an outstanding demonstration of the quality and depth of the Australian university system. Australia now has the third highest number of universities in the top 100 world wide—a fantastic result. It is remarkable when you consider that that is only behind the United States and the United Kingdom, which have many more universities than Australia. Senator Joyce: Are you ahead of Nauru or behind Nauru? Senator CHRIS EVANS: Senator Joyce, you may not be interested in regional education but this government is. That is why the numbers are up so much and that is why they are thriving. The National Party may not think education is important but 19 of Australia's 37 public universities are now in the top 500. It is a testament to the leadership, the staff and the students of those universities but it is also a reflection of a government that has invested in those universities—invested in their quality and invested in their research. We know that under the Howard government they stripped funds out of the universities. It is their favourite place to go when they are looking to fill their funding shortfalls, and we know they will go there again if they get the chance. We have had record investment in universities and it is paying off. We know that we have increased funding to universities for research, including infrastructure, by 60 per cent. Senator Joyce interjecting— Senator CHRIS EVANS: We also know, Senator Joyce, that there are more country kids going to university, and more of them on youth allowance. Senator Joyce interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Joyce, you will cease interjecting. Senator CHRIS EVANS: Senator Joyce, have a look at the rural and regional figures. Why are they doing so well? It is because we funded them properly. Your disinterest on this issue does you no credit. Australia's future is as a smart country with a highly educated workforce. This is a fantastic result for the universities. It is a credit to them and a great credit to Australia and this government's investment in higher education. Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! I remind senators that interjections are disorderly.