Senator CHRIS EVANS (Western Australia—Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:10): The ticket to a strong future is a better future in education. By opening up the doors of university education we are unlocking the potential of thousands more Australians who have been denied access in the past. One of the most pleasing things about yesterday's academic rankings is that the depth of the sector was revealed. It was not just about the elites, not just about the older universities in this country, not just about the sandstones; it was about our newer universities and our regional universities not only lifting participation but growing excellence. Senator Joyce: Give us a demonstration of how you roll over. Senator Conroy: Another National supports the NBN—Richard Torbay. The PRESIDENT: Senator Evans, please resume your seat. Senators Conroy and Joyce, it is completely disorderly to exchange comments across this chamber during question time. I am seeking to listen to the answer of the minister. Please continue, Minister. Senator CHRIS EVANS: Mr President, one of the pleasing things is not only that we have been able to increase the number of Australians accessing university education and the numbers graduating; we are actually increasing excellence in the sector at the same time. Some commentators in recent days have tried to say that you cannot do both. Well, I think these figures absolutely prove that you can grow participation and lift excellence at the same time.