Senator CHRIS EVANS (Western Australia—Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:54): I think the question asked me why we did not see an increase in international competition and why we are not re-regulating the dollar. I think that is the impact of the question. We actually floated the dollar, Senator, and as I recall, at the time when there were liberals running the Liberal Party, you actually supported that. I know that you have connections with the bush, but I do not know why you suddenly have become a National. We believe that deregulating the dollar has been a good thing for this country. We think that overall it is delivering a strong economic benefit to this country. Yes, there are a range of manufacturing industries doing it tough in highly competitive environments. Senator Back: Mr President, on a point of order on relevance, the value of the Australian dollar was at no time mentioned in the question. If the minister requires some assistance with the answer, I would be very, very happy to assist him. Would he direct himself to the question that I asked him and not to areas which were not the subject of the question? The PRESIDENT: There is no point of order. Senator Evans, continue. Senator CHRIS EVANS: While not directly in my portfolio, I think I know enough to know that, if the value of the dollar has increased substantially, that has a huge impact on anyone seeking to sell into overseas markets. I think the appreciation is about 40 per cent in the last couple of years, isn't it, Senator Wong? Senator Wong: Over. Senator CHRIS EVANS: Over 40 per cent. Clearly, it is a nonsense to suggest that that is not a major factor.