Mr ROBB (Goldstein) (14:14): My question is to the Treasurer. Given the unprecedented levels of waste, debt and deficit we have seen from this government, does the Treasurer think it appropriate that the government is spending $145,000 to study sleeping snails; $340,000 to see if climate change is affecting fiddler crabs; $314,000 to see if birds are shrinking; and, last but not least, $578,000 to research an ignored credit interest instrument in Florentine economic, social and religious life from the 1500s? Opposition members interjecting— The SPEAKER: The Treasurer will not commence and the clock will not start until there is silence. Mr Swan: If that is the opposition's full understanding of the economic challenges facing our nation— The SPEAKER: The Treasurer will wait until there is silence. The Treasurer has the call.