I am a very, very strong advocate of the notion that we shouldn't equate the arts with other aspects of infrastructure. They have a unique role in any civilised society and that requires appropriate and targeted government support.

I am because the Chinese have agreed - entered into this agreement in 1997. It sets out the circumstances in which the release of a prisoner who is the subject of a transfer may occur in exceptional circumstances. So the Chinese, having agreed to those principles, I'm sure have no objection to them being applied in this particular case.

We have a great literary tradition in Australia. I think the book is very much alive and the more people who are encouraged to read books the better our society will be and the wiser our society will be.

I was interested in politics since the age of 14.

I decided few years ago to leave the bar to pursue a career in politics because I wanted to make a contribution in Parliament.

The tyranny of distance is such an important element of policy and the allocation of resources.

Historically, it's very unusual after a change of government for the new government not to be returned.