Senator STERLE (Western Australia) (14:59): Mr President, I have a further supplementary question. I must say I am absolutely gobsmacked. It is the first time I have ever heard this lot— The PRESIDENT: Senator Sterle, ask the question. Senator STERLE: involved in anything to do with education. This is my second supplementary question: can the minister advise the Senate on how state government budget cuts, particularly in those moribund states with a Liberal government like Queensland under the Newman regime and New South Wales under the Farrell regime, could put at risk the Gillard government's record investment in education and skills?