Senator BOB CARR (New South Wales—Minister for Foreign Affairs) (14:48): What a research capacity they have got on the other side of the House. The speech that is the core of the question, the speech being unveiled to the Senate today, was given on 23 August. The speech by Duncan Lewis was presented to ASPI on 23 August. In the speech he said explicitly that Australia's Defence spending was appropriate and that our recent budget decisions on Defence were made in the context of governments around the world, including those of the US and the UK, cutting defence spending more than Australia had done. In any case— Senator Ian Macdonald: Mr President, I raise a point of order similar to the one I raised last week. Do you rule that it is in order for speakers to turn their backs directly to you in your role as President? Is that within standing orders? The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. Senator BOB CARR: The speech was entirely consistent with government policy. Indeed, it elaborated on government policy. The speech was entirely an expression of government policy. As a result of the recent budget and the commitment— Senator Abetz: Would you expect it to be anything else? Senator BOB CARR: Well, it was presented here as a revelation. A speech given on 23 August was presented as a revelation. It is the first time it has been raised in the Senate. The fact is that most savings being made in the Defence portfolio are being achieved by deferring Defence acquisitions and adjusting the Defence capital equipment program, but also by delivering further operating efficiencies. There will be no adverse impact on operations—they are all fully funded. There will be no adverse impact on military numbers in the navy, army or air force. There will be no adverse important implications for kit for forces about to be deployed or in deployment. There will be no reductions in conditions or entitlements for servers— (Time expired)