Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to Minister Birmingham, as education minister. Earlier in question time, Minister, you informed the Senate that further discussions are to be held with the Catholic Education Commission. Minister, what changes are you considering as part of these discussions?

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I did earlier in question time indicate that discussions with a range of stakeholders and parties continue, as is the case when ministers are bringing forward reform packages. Those discussions will continue, but I will treat them with the respect they deserve—I undertake those discussions in private with those different stakeholders and parties.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Gallagher, a supplementary question.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, what will be the budget impact of any changes to the current package?

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I refer the senator to my previous answer, but I would also refer the senator to the fact that the Turnbull government, as always, makes sure that its budgets stack up, unlike the types of funny-money promises those opposite make all of the time.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Gallagher, a final supplementary question.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, as part of these further discussions, will there be any changes required for the independent school sector as a result of any special arrangements with other stakeholders, including the Catholic Education Commission?

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I refer the senator to the answer to the primary question, as well as the answers to earlier questions in question time.