Barnaby Joyce (New England, National Party, Minister for Agriculture) Share this | Hansard source

It is amazing. I have received two questions in this place now. The first question was from the member for Sydney. Now I have a question from the shadow minister for agriculture—on education. But I guess you have to take small graces when they come! Two people have asked questions: you and the member for Sydney. You are the only two.

The organisation that the shadow minister refers to, the Regional Universities Network, actually supports the changes we are making—yes, with amendments, but they support the changes. I can also tell the member for Hunter that, in discussions with Annabelle Duncan of the University of New England, they said, 'The status quo is unacceptable.' Where did the status quo that is unacceptable come from, Member for Hunter? It came from your side! I am looking forward to the progression of the scholarships so that people from towns such as Brewarrina, Quilpie and other towns out west get their chance to go to university, get their chance to participate in the future of our nation. I would welcome, at some stage—maybe in the next year or two—a question from the shadow minister for agriculture about agriculture!

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