We want to make sure that our scientists can speak freely. We cannot afford to have these scientists gagged.

It looks like John Howard is putting his stamp on this front bench, that he is making all the decisions, that he's not consulting Peter Costello.

There's no reason for our skilled workers to come back because it's like taking an instant pay cut when you get off the plane. The government is swimming in money and it's time to encourage workers back to an economy that's in dire straits on skills.

It is not fair that the Howard Government lets people buy their way into university ahead of others with higher marks.

If Mr Howard is so concerned about history teaching, he should ask (outgoing Education Minister) Brendan Nelson what he has been doing for the past five years.

I am not a scientist. I am, rather, an impresario of scientists.