Senator CONROY (Victoria—Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity) (14:48): I would say Merry Christmas, but that was a slightly churlish question—but I wish you a Merry Christmas anyway, Senator! Minister Burke has sought advice from the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities about whether national environmental law applies to the grazing trial. Minister Burke makes no apology for protecting national parks for families. National parks are special places, and they are a vital way of protecting our natural environment. Once places are protected in national parks, whether by the Australian, state or territory governments, there should be no backward steps in protection. On 13 November 2012 the New South Wales Minister for the Environment announced a scientific trial within the New South Wales red gum national parks. The red gum national parks provide a habitat for a range of threatened species. The Murray Valley National Park also includes part of the Central Murray State Forests Ramsar wetlands. Large areas of the national parks— Senator Ludwig: Where's your coloured sign? Senator CONROY: I am being harassed by my own side, Mr President! This is Christmas! Senator Chris Evans: It's actually November 29. The PRESIDENT: Order! I need silence on my right so that the minister can continue the answer. Senator CONROY: There should be some Christmas spirit shown from our own side, Senator Evans, is all I can say! Large areas of the national parks were state forests, which have been subject to grazing for many decades. As I was saying, it also includes part of the Central Murray State Forests Ramsar wetland. The environment department is seeking detailed information from the New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage about the nature of the proposed trial to determine whether significant impacts on matters of national environmental significance are likely. The department is also examining whether the trial might be exempt from the EPBC Act. Potential exemptions include grazing that was authorised before the commencement of the EPBC Act in 2000, or because it is a lawful continuation— (Time expired)