Senator BOB CARR (New South Wales—Minister for Foreign Affairs) (14:15): None of the savings will impede our nation's defences. We will maintain an Australian Defence Force able to protect our interests and help maintain the peace and stability of our region. As the government has previously said, most savings come from deferring some Defence acquisitions and adjusting the Defence capital equipment program but also from delivering further operating efficiencies. There is also a planned reduction of 1,000 civilian positions in the Department of Defence to be achieved primarily through natural attrition and tightening of recruitment practices. Notably, (1) there will be no adverse impact on operations; all operations continue to be fully funded. Senator Fawcett: Mr President, on a point of order: the minister should know that current operations are funded by supplementary funding and the question was going to capability from the budget cuts. The PRESIDENT: Order. There is no point of order. The minister is answering the question. The minister has 14 seconds remaining. Senator BOB CARR: Also (2) there will be no adverse impact on military numbers; (3) there will be no adverse implication for kit for forces about to be deployed or on deployment; and (4) there will be no reductions in conditions or entitlements for service personnel. (Time expired)