Official Hansard - Parliament of Australia · Charles, Robert Edwin La Trobe, Vic LP Ciobo, Steven...

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA

P A R L I A M E N T A R Y D E B A T E S

HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES

Official HansardNo. 1, 2002

TUESDAY, 12 FEBRUARY 2002

FORTIETH PARLIAMENTFIRST SESSION—FIRST PERIOD

BY AUTHORITY OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

INTERNETThe Votes and Proceedings for the House of Representatives are available at:

http://www.aph.gov.au/house/info/votesProof and Official Hansards for the House of Representatives,

the Senate and committee hearings are available at:http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard

SITTING DAYS—2002Month Date

February 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21

March 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21

May 14, 15, 16, 27, 28, 29, 30

June 3, 4, 5, 6, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27

August 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29

September 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26

October 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24

November 11, 12, 13, 14

December 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12

RADIO BROADCASTSBroadcasts of proceedings of the Parliament can be heard on the following

Parliamentary and News Network radio stations, in the areas identified.

CANBERRA 1440 AM

SYDNEY 630 AM

NEWCASTLE 1458 AM

BRISBANE 936 AM

MELBOURNE 1026 AM

ADELAIDE 972 AM

PERTH 585 AM

HOBART 729 AM

DARWIN 102.5 FM

FORTIETH PARLIAMENT

FIRST SESSION—FIRST PERIOD

Governor-General

His Excellency the Right Reverend Dr Peter Hollingworth, Officer of the Order of Australia, Officer ofthe Order of the British Empire

House of Representatives Officeholders

Speaker—The Hon. John Neil Andrew MP

Deputy Speaker—The Hon. Ian Raymond Causley MP

Second Deputy Speaker—Mr Harry Alfred Jenkins MPMembers of the Speaker’s Panel—Mr David Peter Maxwell Hawker, Mr Phillip Anthony Barresi,

Ms Teresa Gambaro, Mr Peter John Lindsay, The Hon. Bruce Craig Scott MP,The Hon. Dick Godfrey Harry Adams MP, Mr Frank William Mossfield AM,

The Hon. Leo Roger Spurway Price, Mr Kimberley William Wilkie,Ms Ann KathleenCorcoran

Leader of the House—The Anthony John Abbot MP

Deputy Leader of the House—The Hon. Peter John McGauran MPManager of Opposition Business—Mr Wayne Maxwell Swan MP

Party Leaders and Whips

Liberal Party of Australia

Leader—The Hon. John Winston Howard MP

Deputy Leader—The Hon. Peter Howard Costello MP

Chief Government Whip—The Hon. James Eric Lloyd MP

Government Whips—Mrs Joanna Gash MP and Mr Fergus Stewart McArthur MP

National Party of Australia

Leader—The Hon. John Duncan Anderson MP

Deputy Leader—The Hon. Mark Anthony James Vaile MP

Whip—Mr John Alexander Forrest MP

Assistant Whip—Mr Paul Christopher Neville MP

Australian Labor Party

Leader—The Hon. Simon Findlay MP

Deputy Leader—The Hon. Jennifer Louise Macklin MP

Chief Opposition Whip—The Hon. Janice Ann Crosio MP

Opposition Whips—Mr Michael Danby MP and Mr Harry Vernon Quick MP

Printed by authority of the House of Representatives

ii

Members of the House of RepresentativesMember Division Party

Abbott, Hon. Anthony John Warringah, NSW LPAdams, Hon. Dick Godfrey Harry Lyons, Tas ALPAlbanese, Anthony Norman Grayndler, NSW ALPAnderson, Hon. John Duncan Gwydir, NSW NPAAndren, Peter James Calare, NSW Ind.Andrew, Hon. John Neil Wakefield, SA LPAndrews, Kevin James Menzies, Vic LPAnthony, Hon. Lawrence James Richmond, NSW NPABailey, Hon. Frances Esther McEwen, Vic LPBaird, Hon. Bruce George Cook, NSW LPBaldwin, Robert Charles Paterson, NSW LPBarresi, Phillip Anthony Deakin, Vic LPBartlett, Kerry Joseph Macquarie, NSW LPBeazley, Hon. Kim Christian Brand, WA ALPBevis, Hon. Archibald Ronald Brisbane, Qld ALPBillson, Bruce Fredrick Dunkley, Vic LPBishop, Hon. Bronwyn Kathleen Mackellar, NSW LPBishop, Julie Isabel Curtin, WA LPBrereton, Hon. Laurence John Kingsford-Smith, NSW ALPBrough, Hon. Malcolm Thomas Longman, Qld LPBurke, Anna Elizabeth Chisholm, Vic ALPByrne, Anthony Michael Holt, Vic ALPCadman, Hon. Alan Glyndwr Mitchell, NSW LPCameron, Hon. Ross Alexander Parramatta, NSW LPCausley, Hon. Ian Raymond Page, NSW NPACharles, Robert Edwin La Trobe, Vic LPCiobo, Steven Michele Moncrieff, Qld LPCobb, John Kenneth Parkes, NSW NPACorcoran, Ann Kathleen Isaacs, Vic ALPCostello, Hon. Peter Howard Higgins, Vic LPCox, David Alexander Kingston, SA ALPCrean, Hon. Simon Findlay Hotham, Vic ALPCrosio, Hon. Janice Ann, MBE Prospect, NSW ALPDanby, Michael Melbourne Ports, Vic ALPDowner, Hon. Alexander John Gosse Mayo, SA LPDraper, Patricia Makin, SA LPDutton, Peter Craig Dickson, Qld LPEdwards, Hon. Graham John Cowan, WA ALPEllis, Annette Louise Canberra, ACT ALPElson, Kay Selma Forde, Qld LPEmerson, Craig Anthony Rankin, Qld ALPEntsch, Hon. Warren George Leichhardt, Qld LPEvans, Hon. Martyn John Bonython, SA ALPFarmer, Patrick Francis Macarthur, NSW LPFerguson, Laurence Donald Thomas Reid, NSW ALPFerguson, Martin John, AM Batman, Vic ALPFitzgibbon, Joel Andrew Hunter, NSW ALPForrest, John Alexander Mallee, Vic NPAGallus, Hon. Christine Ann Hindmarsh, SA LPGambaro, Teresa Petrie, Qld LPGash, Joanna Gilmore, NSW LPGeorge, Jennie Throsby, NSW ALPGeorgiou, Petro Kooyong, Vic LPGibbons, Stephen William Bendigo, Vic ALP

iii


Gillard, Julia Eileen Lalor, Vic ALPGrierson, Sharon Joy Newcastle, NSW ALPGriffin, Alan Peter Bruce, Vic ALPHaase, Barry Wayne Kalgoorlie, WA LPHall, Jill Griffiths Shortland, NSW ALPHardgrave, Hon. Gary Douglas Moreton, Qld LPHartsuyker, Luke Cowper, NSW NPAHatton, Michael John Blaxland, NSW ALPHawker, David Peter Maxwell Wannon, Vic LPHoare, Kelly Joy Charlton, NSW ALPHockey, Hon. Joseph Benedict North Sydney, NSW LPHoward, Hon. John Winston Bennelong, NSW LPHull, Kay Elizabeth Riverina, NSW NPAHunt, Gregory Andrew Flinders, Vic LPIrwin, Julia Claire Fowler, NSW ALPJackson, Sharryn Maree Hasluck, WA ALPJenkins, Harry Alfred Scullin, Vic ALPJohnson, Michael Andrew Ryan, Qld LPJull, Hon. David Francis Fadden, Qld LPKatter, Hon. Robert Carl Kennedy, Qld Ind.Kelly, De-Anne Margaret Dawson, Qld NPAKelly, Hon. Jacqueline Marie Lindsay, NSW LPKemp, Hon. David Alistair Goldstein, Vic LPKerr, Hon. Duncan James Colquhoun Denison, Tas ALPKing, Catherine Fiona Ballarat, Vic ALPKing, Peter Edward Wentworth, NSW LPLatham, Mark William Werriwa, NSW ALPLawrence, Hon. Carmen Mary Fremantle, WA ALPLey, Sussan Penelope Farrer, NSW LPLindsay, Peter John Herbert, Qld LPLivermore, Kirsten Fiona Capricornia, Qld ALPLloyd, James Eric Robertson, NSW LPMacfarlane, Hon. Ian Elgin Groom, Qld LPMacklin, Jennifer Louise Jagajaga, Vic ALPMartin, Hon. Stephen Paul Cunningham, NSW ALPMay, Margaret Ann McPherson, Qld LPMcArthur, Fergus Stewart Corangamite, Vic LPMcClelland, Robert Bruce Barton, NSW ALPMcFarlane, Jann Sonya Stirling, WA ALPMcGauran, Hon. Peter John Gippsland, Vic NPAMcLeay, Hon. Leo Boyce Watson, NSW ALPMcMullan, Hon. Robert Francis Fraser, ACT ALPMelham, Daryl Banks, NSW ALPMossfield, Frank William, AM Greenway, NSW ALPMoylan, Hon. Judith Eleanor Pearce, WA LPMurphy, John Paul Lowe, NSW ALPNairn, Gary Roy Eden-Monaro, NSW LPNelson, Hon. Brendan John Bradfield, NSW LPNeville, Paul Christopher Hinkler, Qld NPAO’Byrne, Michelle Anne Bass, Tas ALPO’Connor, Brendan Patrick John Burke, Vic ALPO’Connor, Gavan Michael Corio, Vic ALPPanopoulos, Sophie Indi, Vic LPPearce, Christopher John Aston, Vic LP

iv


Plibersek, Tanya Joan Sydney, NSW ALPPrice, Hon. Leo Roger Spurway Chifley, NSW ALPProsser, Hon. Geoffrey Daniel Forrest, WA LPPyne, Christopher Maurice Sturt, SA LPQuick, Harry Vernon Franklin, Tas ALPRandall, Don James Canning, WA LPRipoll, Bernard Fernando Oxley, Qld ALPRoxon, Nicola Louise Gellibrand, Vic ALPRudd, Kevin Michael Griffith, Qld ALPRuddock, Hon. Philip Maxwell Berowra, NSW LPSawford, Rodney Weston Port Adelaide, SA ALPSchultz, Albert John Hume, NSW LPSciacca, Hon. Concetto Antonio Bowman, Qld ALPScott, Hon. Bruce Craig Maranoa, Qld NPASecker, Patrick Damien Barker, SA LPSercombe, Robert Charles Grant Maribyrnong, Vic ALPSidebottom, Peter Sid Braddon, Tas ALPSlipper, Hon. Peter Neil Fisher, Qld LPSmith, Anthony David Hawthorn Casey, Vic LPSmith, Stephen Francis Perth, WA ALPSnowdon, Hon. Warren Edward Lingiari, NT ALPSomlyay, Hon. Alexander Michael Fairfax, Qld LPSouthcott, Andrew John Boothby, SA LPStone, Hon. Sharman Nancy Murray, Vic LPSwan, Wayne Maxwell Lilley, Qld ALPTanner, Lindsay James Melbourne, Vic ALPThompson, Cameron Paul Blair, Qld LPThomson, Kelvin John Wills, Vic ALPTicehurst, Kenneth Vincent Dobell, NSW LPTollner, David William Solomon, NT LPTruss, Hon. Warren Errol Wide Bay, Qld NPATuckey, Hon. Charles Wilson O’Connor, WA LPVaile, Hon. Mark Anthony James Lyne, NSW NPAVale, Hon. Danna Sue Hughes, NSW LPVamvakinou, Maria Calwell, Vic ALPWakelin, Barry Hugh Grey, SA LPWasher, Malcolm James Moore, WA LPWilkie, Kimberley William Swan, WA ALPWilliams, Hon. Daryl Robert, AM, QC Tangney, WA LPWindsor, Antony Harold Curties New England, NSW Ind.Worth, Hon. Patricia Mary Adelaide, SA LPZahra, Christian John McMillan, Vic ALP

PARTY ABBREVIATIONS

ALP—Australian Labor Party; LP—Liberal Party of Australia; NP—National Party of Australia;

Ind.—Independent

Heads of Parliamentary DepartmentsClerk of the Senate—H. Evans

Clerk of the House of Representatives—I. C. HarrisDepartmental Secretary, Parliamentary Library—J. W. Templeton

Departmental Secretary, Parliamentary Reporting Staff—J. W. TempletonDepartmental Secretary, Joint House Department—M. W. Bolton

v

HOWARD MINISTRY

Prime Minister The Hon. John Winston Howard MP

Minister for Transport and Regional Services andDeputy Prime Minister

The Hon. John Duncan Anderson MP

Treasurer The Hon. Peter Howard Costello MP

Minister for Trade The Hon. Mark Anthony James Vaile MP

Minister for Defence and Leader of theGovernment in the Senate

Senator the Hon. Robert Murray Hill

Minister for Communications, InformationTechnology and the Arts and Deputy Leader ofthe Government in the Senate

Senator the Hon. Richard Kenneth Robert Alston

Minister for Foreign Affairs The Hon. Alexander John Gosse Downer MP

Minister for Employment and WorkplaceRelations, Minister Assisting the PrimeMinister for the Public Service and Leader ofthe House

The Hon. Anthony John Abbott MP

Minister for Immigration and Multicultural andIndigenous Affairs and Minister Assisting thePrime Minister for Reconciliation

The Hon. Philip Maxwell Ruddock MP

Minister for the Environment and Heritage andVice-President of the Executive Council

The Hon. Dr David Alistair Kemp MP

Attorney-General The Hon. Daryl Robert Williams AM, QC, MP

Minister for Finance and Administration Senator the Hon. Nicholas Hugh Minchin

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry The Hon. Warren Errol Truss MP

Minister for Family and Community Services andMinister Assisting the Prime Minister for theStatus of Women

Senator the Hon. Amanda Eloise Vanstone

Minister for Education, Science and Training The Hon. Dr Brendan John Nelson MP

Minister for Health and Ageing Senator the Hon Kay Christine Lesley Patterson

Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources The Hon. Ian Elgin Macfarlane MP

(The above ministers constitute the cabinet)

vi

HOWARD MINISTRY—continued

Minister for Justice and Customs Senator the Hon. Christopher Martin Ellison

Minister for Forestry and Conservation Senator the Hon. Ian Douglas Macdonald

Minister for the Arts and Sport Senator the Hon. Rod Kemp

Minister for Small Business and Tourism The Hon. Joseph Benedict Hockey MP

Minister for Science and Deputy Leader of theHouse

The Hon. Peter John McGauran MP

Minister for Regional Services, Territories andLocal Government

The Hon. Charles Wilson Tuckey MP

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs The Hon. Lawrence James Anthony MP

Minister for Employment Services The Hon. Malcolm Thomas Brough MP

Special Minister of State Senator the Hon. Eric Abetz

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and MinisterAssisting the Minister for Defence

The Hon. Danna Sue Vale MP

Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer Senator the Hon. Helen Coonan

Minister for Ageing The Hon. Kevin James Andrews MP

Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs The Hon Gary Douglas Hardgrave MP

Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister The Hon. Jacqueline Marie Kelly MP

Parliamentary Secretary to Cabinet Senator the Hon. William Daniel Heffernan

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister forTransport and Regional Services

Senator the Hon. Ronald Leslie Doyle Boswell

Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer andManager of Government Business in the Senate

Senator the Hon. Ian Gordon Campbell

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister forForeign Affairs

The Hon. Christine Ann Gallus MP

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister forDefence

The Hon. Frances Esther Bailey MP

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for theEnvironment and Heritage

The Hon. Dr Sharman Nancy Stone MP

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister forFinance and Administration

The Hon. Peter Neil Slipper MP

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister forAgriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Senator the Hon. Judith Mary Troeth

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister forFamily and Community Services

The Hon. Ross Alexander Cameron MP

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Healthand Ageing

The Hon. Patricia Mary Worth MP

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister forIndustry, Tourism and Resources

The Hon. Warren George Entsch MP

vii

SHADOW MINISTRY

Leader of the Opposition The Hon. Simon Findlay Crean MP

Deputy Leader of the Opposition and ShadowMinister for Employment, Education, Trainingand Science

Jenny Macklin MP

Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, ShadowMinister for Public Administration and HomeAffairs

Senator the Hon. John Philip Faulkner

Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate andShadow Minister for Finance, Small Businessand Financial Services

Senator Stephen Conroy

Shadow Treasurer and Shadow Minister forFinance and Small Business

The Hon Bob McMullan MP

Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry, Tradeand Tourism

Craig Emerson MP

Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism The Hon Dr Stephen Martin MP

Shadow Minister for Defence Senator Chris Evans

Shadow Minister for Regional and UrbanDevelopment, Transport and Infrastructure

Martin Ferguson MP

Shadow Minister for Population and Immigration Julia Gillard MP

Shadow Minister for Reconciliation, Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander Affairs, the Arts, andStatus of Woman

The Hon Dr Carmen Lawrence MP

Shadow Attorney-General and Shadow Minister forWorkplace Relations

Robert McClelland MP

Shadow Minister for Primary Industries andResources

Senator Kerry O’Brien

Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Kevin Rudd MP

Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Stephen Smith MP

Shadow Minister for Family and CommunityServices and Manager of Opposition Business inthe House

Wayne Swan MP

Shadow Minister for Communications Lindsay Tanner MP

Shadow Minister for Environment and Heritage Kelvin Thomson MP

viii

Shadow Ministry—continued

Shadow Minister for Science and Research Senator Kim Carr

Shadow Minister for Employment Services andTraining

David Cox MP

Shadow Minister for Justice and Customs Daryl Melham MP

Shadow Assistant Treasurer and EconomicOwnership and Shadow Minister for Urban

Development and Housing

Mark Latham MP

Shadow Minister for Retirement Incomes andSavings, and Consumer Affairs

Senator the Hon Nick Sherry

Shadow Minister for Information Technology andSport

Senator Kate Lundy

Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Senator Mark Bishop

Shadow Minister for Regional Services, Territoriesand Local Government

Gavan O’Connor MP

Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Laurie Ferguson MP

Shadow Minister for Resources Joel Fitzgibbon MP

Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Anthony Albanese MP

Shadow Minister for Children and Youth Nicola Roxon MP

ix

Parliamentary Secretaries

Parliamentary Secretary (Leader of the Opposition)and Parliamentary Secretary (Consumer Affairs

and Banking Services)

Alan Griffin MP

Parliamentary Secretary (Manufacturing Industry) Senator George Campbell

Parliamentary Secretary (Defence) The Hon Graham Edwards MP

Parliamentary Secretary (Northern Australia andthe Territories)

The Hon Warren Snowdon MP

Parliamentary Secretary (Attorney-General) andManager of Opposition Business in the Senate

Senator Joseph Ludwig

Parliamentary Secretary (Primary Industries andResources)

Sid Sidebottom MP

Parliamentary Secretary (Health and Ageing) John Murphy MP

Parliamentary Secretary (Family and CommunityServices)

Annette Ellis MP

Parliamentary Secretary (Communications) Christian Zahra MP

Parliamentary Secretary (Environment andHeritage)

Kristen Livermore MP

HANSARD CONTENTS

TUESDAY, 14 FEBRUARYProclamation ............................................................................................................. 1Opening of the Parliament ........................................................................................ 1Authority to Administer Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance .................................... 1Returns to Writs ........................................................................................................ 1Members Sworn........................................................................................................ 1Speaker ..................................................................................................................... 4

Election................................................................................................................ 4Presentation to Governor-General .......................................................................... 13Authority to Administer Oath or Affirmation......................................................... 13Members Sworn...................................................................................................... 13Message from the Governor-General...................................................................... 13Ministerial Arrangements ....................................................................................... 13Australian Labor Party: Leadership ........................................................................ 16National Party of Australia: Leadership.................................................................. 18Parliamentary Proceedings Broadcasting Amendment Bill 2002........................... 18

First Reading ..................................................................................................... 18Governor-General’s Speech .................................................................................... 18

Address-in-Reply............................................................................................... 22Deputy Speaker....................................................................................................... 23

Election.............................................................................................................. 23Condolences............................................................................................................ 27

Her Royal Highness The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon................. 27Adermann, Hon. Albert Evan, AO .................................................................... 30Freeth, Hon. Sir Gordon, KBE .......................................................................... 30Chaney, Hon. Sir Frederick Charles, KBE, AFC............................................... 30Hamer, Mr David John ...................................................................................... 39Jacobi, Mr Ralph, AM....................................................................................... 39Brownbill, Miss Kay Cathrine Millin................................................................ 39Her Royal Highness The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon................. 39

Notices .................................................................................................................... 43

Tuesday, 12 February 2002 REPRESENTATIVES 1

COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Hansard

2002

FIRST SESSION OF THE FORTIETH PARLIAMENT

(FIRST PERIOD)

The House of Representatives, on 27 September 2001, adjourned to Tuesday 12 February2002 at 10.30 a.m. By proclamation the Thirty-ninth Parliament was prorogued and the Houseof Representatives was dissolved by His Excellency the Governor-General on 5 October2001. The Fortieth Parliament was convened for the dispatch of business on 12 February at10.30 a.m., and the First Session commenced that day.

Tuesday, 12 February 2002—————

PROCLAMATIONThe House met at 10.30 a.m. pursuant to

the proclamation of His Excellency the Gov-ernor-General.

The Clerk read the proclamation.OPENING OF THE PARLIAMENTThe Usher of the Black Rod, having been

announced, was admitted, and delivered themessage that the Deputy of the Governor-General for the opening of the parliamentdesired the attendance of honourable mem-bers in the Senate chamber.

Honourable members attended accord-ingly, and having returned—AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER OATHOR AFFIRMATION OF ALLEGIANCE

The Deputy authorised by the Governor-General to administer the oath or affirmationentered the chamber.

The Clerk read the authority authorisingthe Hon. Anthony Murray Gleeson AC,Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia,

to administer the oath or affirmation of alle-giance to the Queen required by the Consti-tution to be taken or made by members of theHouse of Representatives.

RETURNS TO WRITSThe Clerk laid on the table duly endorsed

returns to the writs for the election of mem-bers of the House of Representatives held on10 November 2001.

MEMBERS SWORNThe following honourable members made

and subscribed the oath or affirmation ofallegiance:Abbott, Anthony John, Warringah, NewSouth WalesAdams, Dick Godfrey Harry, Lyons, Tasma-niaAlbanese, Anthony Norman, Grayndler, NewSouth WalesAnderson, John Duncan, Gwydir, New SouthWalesAndren, Peter James, Calare, New SouthWales

2 REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, 12 February 2002

Andrew, John Neil, Wakefield, South Aus-traliaAndrews, Kevin James, Menzies, VictoriaAnthony, Lawrence James, Richmond, NewSouth WalesBailey, Frances Esther, McEwen, VictoriaBaird, Bruce George, Cook, New SouthWalesBaldwin, Robert Charles, Paterson, NewSouth WalesBarresi, Phillip Anthony, Deakin, VictoriaBartlett, Kerry Joseph, Macquarie, NewSouth WalesBeazley, Kim Christian, Brand, WesternAustraliaBevis, Archibald Ronald, Brisbane, Queen-slandBillson, Bruce Fredrick, Dunkley, VictoriaBishop, Bronwyn Kathleen, Mackellar, NewSouth WalesBishop, Julie Isabel, Curtin, Western Aus-traliaBrereton, Laurence John, Kingsford-Smith,New South WalesBrough, Malcolm Thomas, Longman,QueenslandBurke, Anna Elizabeth, Chisholm, VictoriaByrne, Anthony Michael, Holt, VictoriaCadman, Alan Glyndwr, Mitchell, NewSouth WalesCameron, Ross Alexander, Parramatta, NewSouth WalesCausley, Ian Raymond, Page, New SouthWalesCharles, Robert Edwin, La Trobe, VictoriaCiobo, Steven Michele, Moncrieff, Queen-slandCobb, John Kenneth, Parkes, New SouthWalesCorcoran, Ann Kathleen, Isaacs, VictoriaCostello, Peter Howard, Higgins, VictoriaCox, David Alexander, Kingston, SouthAustraliaCrean, Simon Findlay, Hotham, Victoria

Crosio, Janice Ann, Prospect, New SouthWalesDanby, Michael, Melbourne Ports, VictoriaDowner, Alexander John Gosse, Mayo,South AustraliaDraper, Patricia, Makin, South AustraliaDutton, Peter Craig, Dickson, QueenslandEdwards, Graham John, Cowan, WesternAustraliaEllis, Annette Louise, Canberra, AustralianCapital TerritoryElson, Kay Selma, Forde, QueenslandEmerson, Craig Anthony, Rankin, Queen-slandEntsch, Warren George, Leichhardt, Queen-slandEvans, Martyn John, Bonython, South Aus-traliaFarmer, Patrick Francis, Macarthur, NewSouth WalesFerguson, Laurie Donald Thomas, Reid,New South WalesFerguson, Martin John, Batman, VictoriaFitzgibbon, Joel Andrew, Hunter, New SouthWalesForrest, John Alexander, Mallee, VictoriaGallus, Christine Ann, Hindmarsh, SouthAustraliaGambaro, Teresa, Petrie, QueenslandGash, Joanna, Gilmore, New South WalesGeorge, Jennie, Throsby, New South WalesGeorgiou, Petro, Kooyong, VictoriaGibbons, Stephen William, Bendigo, Victo-riaGillard, Julia Eileen, Lalor, VictoriaGrierson, Sharon Joy, Newcastle, New SouthWalesGriffin, Alan Peter, Bruce, VictoriaHaase, Barry Wayne, Kalgoorlie, WesternAustraliaHall, Jill Griffiths, Shortland, New SouthWalesHardgrave, Gary Douglas, Moreton, Queen-sland


Hartsuyker, Luke, Cowper, New SouthWalesHatton, Michael John, Blaxland, New SouthWalesHawker, David Peter Maxwell, Wannon,VictoriaHoare, Kelly Joy, Charlton, New SouthWalesHockey, Joseph Benedict, North Sydney,New South WalesHoward, John Winston, Bennelong, NewSouth WalesHull, Kay Elizabeth, Riverina, New SouthWalesHunt, Gregory Andrew, Flinders, VictoriaIrwin, Julia Claire, Fowler, New SouthWalesJackson, Sharryn Maree, Hasluck, WesternAustraliaJenkins, Harry Alfred, Scullin, VictoriaJohnson, Michael Andrew, Ryan, Queen-slandJull, David Francis, Fadden, QueenslandKelly, De-Anne Margaret, Dawson, Queen-slandKelly, Jacqueline Marie, Lindsay, NewSouth WalesKemp, David Alistair, Goldstein, VictoriaKerr, Duncan James Colquhoun, Denison,TasmaniaKing, Catherine Fiona, Ballarat, VictoriaKing, Peter Edward, Wentworth, New SouthWalesLatham, Mark William, Werriwa, NewSouth WalesLawrence, Carmen Mary, Fremantle, West-ern AustraliaLey, Sussan Penelope, Farrer, New SouthWalesLindsay, Peter John, Herbert, QueenslandLivermore, Kirsten Fiona, Capricornia,QueenslandLloyd, James Eric, Robertson, New SouthWalesMacfarlane, Ian Elgin, Groom, QueenslandMacklin, Jennifer Louise, Jagajaga, Victoria

Martin, Stephen Paul, Cunningham, NewSouth WalesMay, Margaret Ann, McPherson, Queen-slandMcArthur, Fergus Stewart, Corangamite,VictoriaMcClelland, Robert Bruce, Barton, NewSouth WalesMcFarlane, Jann Sonya, Stirling, WesternAustraliaMcGauran, Peter John, Gippsland, VictoriaMcLeay, Leo Boyce, Watson, New SouthWalesMcMullan, Robert Francis, Fraser, Austra-lian Capital TerritoryMelham, Daryl, Banks, New South WalesMossfield, Frank William, Greenway, NewSouth WalesMoylan, Judith Eleanor, Pearce, WesternAustraliaMurphy, John Paul, Lowe, New South WalesNairn, Gary Roy, Eden-Monaro, New SouthWalesNelson, Brendan John, Bradfield, New SouthWalesNeville, Paul Christopher, Hinkler, Queen-slandO’Byrne, Michelle Anne, Bass, TasmaniaO’Connor, Brendan Patrick John, Burke,VictoriaO’Connor, Gavan Michael, Corio, VictoriaPanopoulos, Sophie, Indi, VictoriaPearce, Christopher John, Aston, VictoriaPlibersek, Tanya Joan, Sydney, New SouthWalesPrice, Leo Roger Spurway, Chifley, NewSouth WalesProsser, Geoffrey Daniel, Forrest, WesternAustraliaPyne, Christopher Maurice, Sturt, SouthAustraliaQuick, Harry Vernon, Franklin, TasmaniaRandall, Don James, Canning, WesternAustraliaRipoll, Bernard, Oxley, Queensland


Roxon, Nicola Louise, Gellibrand, VictoriaRudd, Kevin Michael, Griffith, QueenslandRuddock, Philip Maxwell, Berowra, NewSouth WalesSawford, Rodney Weston, Port Adelaide,South AustraliaSchultz, Albert John, Hume, New SouthWalesSciacca, Concetto Antonio, Bowman,QueenslandScott, Bruce Craig, Maranoa, QueenslandSecker, Patrick Damien, Barker, South Aus-traliaSercombe, Robert Charles Grant, Maribyr-nong, VictoriaSidebottom, Peter Sid, Braddon, TasmaniaSlipper, Peter Neil, Fisher, QueenslandSmith, Anthony David Hawthorn, Casey,VictoriaSmith, Stephen Francis, Perth, WesternAustraliaSnowdon, Warren Edward, Lingiari, North-ern TerritorySomlyay, Alexander Michael, Fairfax,QueenslandSouthcott, Andrew John, Boothby, SouthAustraliaStone, Sharman Nancy, Murray, VictoriaSwan, Wayne Maxwell, Lilley, QueenslandTanner, Lindsay James, Melbourne, VictoriaThompson, Cameron Paul, Blair, QueenslandThomson, Kelvin John, Wills, VictoriaTicehurst, Kenneth Vincent, Dobell, NewSouth WalesTollner, David William, Solomon, NorthernTerritoryTruss, Warren Errol, Wide Bay, QueenslandTuckey, Charles Wilson, O’Connor, WesternAustraliaVaile, Mark Anthony James, Lyne, NewSouth WalesVamvakinou, Maria, Calwell, VictoriaWakelin, Barry Hugh, Grey, South AustraliaWasher, Malcolm James, Moore, WesternAustralia

Wilkie, Kim William, Swan, Western Aus-traliaWilliams, Daryl Robert, Tangney, WesternAustraliaWindsor, Antony Harold Curties, New Eng-land, New South WalesWorth, Patricia Mary, Adelaide, South Aus-traliaZahra, Christian John, McMillan, Victoria

The Deputy withdrew from the chamber.SPEAKER

ElectionThe Clerk—Honourable members, the

next business is the election of a Speaker.Mr McARTHUR (Corangamite) (11.16

a.m.)—Mr Clerk, I would like to propose thehonourable member for Wakefield asSpeaker of the House of Representatives. Imove:

That the honourable member for Wakefield dotake the chair of this House as Speaker.

The Clerk—Is the motion seconded?Mr Forrest—Mr Clerk, I have the great

honour and privilege to second that motion.The Clerk—Does the honourable mem-

ber for Wakefield accept the nomination?Mr Andrew—Mr Clerk, I do.The Clerk—Is there any further pro-

posal? There being no further proposal, thetime for proposals has expired. I declare thatthe honourable member proposed, the mem-ber for Wakefield, has been elected asSpeaker.

Honourable members—Hear, hear!The SPEAKER (Hon. Neil Andrew)—I

wish to express my gratitude and thanks tothe House for the high honour that has beenconferred upon me.

The Speaker having seated himself in thechair—

Mr HOWARD (Bennelong—Prime Min-ister) (11.18 a.m.)—Mr Speaker, I would like,on my own behalf and I know on behalf ofall honourable members, to congratulate youon your re-election as Speaker, and may Iremark on the courtesy of the opposition inensuring that your election as Speaker wasunanimous. It is an important office. It is a


difficult office. It is an office that, from timeto time, carries with it controversy. Can I sayon a personal basis that you and I have beenclose colleagues for a long time. I have al-ways had an immense personal regard foryou as an individual. You have been a greatrepresentative of the people of Wakefield.

Can I say on behalf of those who sit be-hind me in this chamber that we will, withinthe traditions of this House, extend to youevery respect and every courtesy. I think allof us want at the beginning of a parliamen-tary term to aspire to a parliamentary deco-rum and a character of debate that is betterthan the one that went before. I say to theLeader of the Opposition that we as a gov-ernment are prepared to have a constructivedialogue with the opposition about ways ofchanging matters for the better, and I haveasked the Leader of the House to talk to theManager of Opposition Business on thosematters. I do not think any of us should haveunreal expectations, but equally I think theAustralian public would want us to try.

In saying that we should bear in mind thatthis is the parliament of Australia and thereare characteristics of the Australian peoplethat are exhibited in this chamber, and Iwould not wish it to be otherwise. We shouldnot try and be a mirror image of a parliamentand of a people that we are not. We inheritsome of the Westminster traditions—andlong may that be the case because they aregood traditions—but there are also Austra-lian characteristics of this place that I wouldnot want to see constrained. We are a direct,robust people, and necessarily the debatemust represent and characterise the robust-ness and the directness of the Australianpeople. But if we can do it in a way that ismore likely to produce better outcomes and agreater understanding of our responsibilitiesin the Australian community, then we shouldendeavour to do so.

There is a strange and almost eerie peaceupon the chamber, Mr Speaker. It is nice, andI savour the moment. It is not that one wouldbe unprepared to respond to a different cli-mate, but I say very genuinely, Mr Speaker,that it is great to see you there. It is great tobe in this position to congratulate you, and Ilook forward to it being a constructive par-

liament and a parliament that above all elseserves all of the people of Australia, becausethat is our responsibility and that is our sol-emn charge, whatever our political vantagepoints may be.

I also take this opportunity to congratulatethe Leader of the Opposition on his assump-tion of that position. It is a tough position, Iknow; there are none tougher in politics thanleading an opposition. I congratulate him, themember for Jagajaga and all of the otherswho have been promoted on the oppositionfront bench. We look forward to a construc-tive, vigorous debate and a proper examina-tion of things that are important. I also sayhow delighted I am to have my colleagueand friend the Leader of the National Party,my colleague and friend Peter Costello, theLeader of the Liberal Party, and all of mycolleagues back in their respective positions.To all of them, I extend my congratulations. Ilook forward to a very entertaining parlia-ment.

Mr CREAN (Hotham—Leader of theOpposition) (11.23 a.m.)—Mr Speaker, can I,too, offer my congratulations to you, andindicate that we did not oppose your elec-tion; we welcome the fact that you are backas Speaker. I would have preferred the cir-cumstances to have been those of me sec-onding you in a prime ministerial nominationin accordance with a proposal that I put for-ward in the spirit of getting order back intothe place.

Government members interjecting—Mr CREAN—Who are the ones who are

not genuine? My proposal would see theSpeaker alternate, by nomination from eitherside, for two terms. Those on the other sideof the House laugh at that, but I remind thePrime Minister of his words on 2 April 1996,when he said:You will never have a completely independentSpeaker in this country unless the Opposition isprepared to come halfway and commit itself tonot opposing the Speaker at a subsequent elec-tion.We have come halfway but the Prime Min-ister could not engage his own proposal. Ihave not heard the prime ministerial re-sponse to that proposal but the opportunitywill present itself later today when the Dep-


uty Speaker is nominated. We will be puttingforward for that position, in the spirit of thisproposal, Harry Jenkins. My proposal is thatthe Speaker be nominated by the PrimeMinister for two terms. The position willthen rotate. The Deputy Speaker will benominated by the Leader of the Opposition,likewise for two terms, and the position willthen rotate. We will have the opportunity toconsider this proposal this afternoon, whenthe position of Deputy Speaker is filled.

I look forward to the coming three yearsin this chamber. I believe we have to im-prove the standards in this place, and I admitthat I have been part of the problem in thepast. I am prepared to turn over a new leaf—

Government members—Oh!Mr CREAN—but are those on the other

side? I note the mirth, but I also note theproposal by the Prime Minister—and I wel-come it—that the Manager of GovernmentBusiness meet with the Manager of Opposi-tion Business to talk these issues through.The Prime Minister says that he does nothold out too much hope on that. What Iwould like, Prime Minister, is for you andme to sit down and talk these issues through.What is wrong with that? In the spirit of try-ing to improve the standards of the House,why shouldn’t the two leaders of both majorparties sit down and work that proposalthrough?

It is all very well to delegate the detail toothers, but unless this proposal has primeministerial authority it is not going to ad-vance terribly far, I suspect. My point is thatnot only is the opportunity there in terms ofour bona fides in respect of your position totake that a step further this afternoon but alsoimportantly the opportunity is there to im-prove the standing orders to give substanceto the ability for greater independence onyour part and greater order in the chamber. Ihave put forward a package of proposals thatwill assist you, Mr Speaker, if they areadopted. And I think the opportunity is there,because I have seen attributed to you com-ments whereby you support the proposal foran independent Speaker and the notion that Ihave put forward—that the election ofSpeaker not be challenged.

We would also like to see the standing or-ders altered such that answers to questionsare limited to four minutes, so that we do nothave the endless drivel that ministers go onwith; questions are limited to one minute;and there again be opportunity for supple-mentary questions. The important thing,though, is this: we are also asking that min-isters fully answer questions. This placebreaks down into disorder when this gov-ernment, by avoiding questions, will not beheld accountable. I believe that, if it is ap-propriate to have a standing order on rele-vance, there has to be an obligation thatquestions be fully answered and the answerbe relevant to the questions asked. It is asimple proposition which gives effect towhat I believe is your intent; an intent thatwe know, from your earlier rulings, you havegreat difficulty in enforcing.

We also believe that there should in thisplace be an opportunity for returns to order;not in addition to matters of public impor-tance but in place of them where we considerit appropriate. It is a practice in the Senate. Ithink it is something that could usefully bebrought into this place so that we can debateissues that arise in question time and thatmay not have been anticipated by us in theframing of our matter of public importance.We also want to see introduced a circum-stance where ministers do not abuse questiontime by making lengthy policy announce-ments. There are other forms of the Housefor that; ministerial statements, for example,where the opportunity is afforded oppositionspokespeople to debate them. This is what ahouse of parliament should be about. Thereshould not just be an opportunity for thegovernment side to put a proposition in termsof a policy announcement; there should be anopportunity also for the opposition to put itsviews.

The other issue that has been in constantabuse in this place is the length of time min-isters take to answer questions on notice.Questions on notice are an important part ofthe parliamentary process, but time after timewe have seen members on this side get upand talk about the inordinate length of timeby which ministers have failed to answer. Weare proposing that the 60-day rule be reduced


to 30 days and that you, Mr Speaker, begiven the opportunity to indicate that minis-ters are in breach of the standing orders. Wealso think that petitions should be givengreater significance in this chamber. Peoplewho have taken time to sign a petition de-serve to know that it is going to be followedup. What we are looking for is the opportu-nity for petitions to be properly considered inthis chamber.

Mr Speaker, all of those initiatives havebeen put forward in the spirit of making yourtask easier. We want to have a chamber thatis orderly but, if we are going to be subjectedto the circumstances in which our questionsare not answered and ministers abuse theform of question time, we have to resort toother alternatives to try to make them ac-countable. I say to the Prime Minister in thespirit of goodwill at the outset—not by anymeans as a threat but as a genuine offer—notto delegate this but to take charge of it him-self. He has argued on previous occasions,time and time again, that he wants to im-prove the standards. He has argued for anindependent Speaker. I am giving him anopportunity to implement that in his thirdterm. In the spirit of cooperation, I hope heresponds positively. I look forward to himsetting up a meeting with me, not just dele-gating it to someone else.

Mr ANDERSON (Gwydir—DeputyPrime Minister) (11.31 a.m.)—Mr Speaker, Iwelcome this opportunity to join the PrimeMinister and the Leader of the Opposition incongratulating you on your return to thathigh office. I was reflecting a moment agoon what a great country it is that, just a fewdays ago, you and I were in your home areain Renmark enjoying the friendship of, dare Isay it, constituents of yours who seemed tobe glad that this side of the House was to bereturned and would be in a position to putyou back in that place. How fortunate we arein this country—you with your office, mewith mine—to be able to move around freelyas we do amongst our constituents in an at-mosphere of goodwill and of security.

I certainly congratulate the Prime Ministeron his return to his office and again recordmy appreciation of his leadership throughwhat was for all of us a difficult year last

year. I look forward to continuing to workwith him, the Treasurer and the rest of theteam. I congratulate the Leader of the Oppo-sition and the Deputy Leader of the Opposi-tion on attaining their positions. I was talkingto the deputy this morning. She will experi-ence some of those things that are commonto all deputies of being a clearing house forsome of the problems that will come acrossthe desk. I personally wish her well with it.

Mr Speaker, in relation to our role asmembers of the House and the way we areperceived by the broader community, as hasbeen touched on, I am often struck by theway people in the community say, includingat times when you are on talkback radio andso forth, ‘We do not like the standards thatsometimes we see parliamentarians apply inthe House of Representatives.’ My responseis always to say—and I am echoing a pointthat the Prime Minister made—that no Aus-tralian should be squeamish about a full-blooded debate. It would be a sad thing in-deed if in this place there were an inadequateexploration of issues, if there were notstrongly held positions and if those positionswere not from time to time expressed withgreat passion. Australia would be the poorerfor that. Indeed at times perhaps we woulddo well to see a wider diversity of viewsmore strongly expressed. I do think that it ispart of the Australian way of life that, havingexpressed your views, you ensure that per-sonal animosity is not allowed then to taintrelationships, and I think people expect us toapply that rule in this place.

From that, I just make the observation thatyou can talk about standing orders, agree-ments and a whole range of frameworks forthe way that we might behave, but in the endit is up to each of us to reflect upon how weinteract in this place, how we present ourideas, how we take them forward and howwe argue the case without becoming personaland without seeking to abuse others. I thinkthat is what is expected of us. In that sense Iwas reflecting this morning that we are allprivileged—all of us—to have been sworn inin here this morning. There was a very inter-esting article in today’s Australian about PatFarmer. It reflected, amongst other things, onthe reality that I was not aware of that fewer


than 1,000 people since Federation havebeen sworn in as members of this House. Iwas unaware of that, but it is quite remark-able when you stop to think about it. We areprivileged. It is a great honour to serve theAustralian people. In the spirit of those re-marks that have been made about our be-haviour, they do expect us to take forwarddifferent perspectives with vigour and pas-sion but to do so in a way that reflects thefact that each one of us has been duly electedby people who want their point of view pre-sented and respected. Mr Speaker, I con-gratulate you.

Ms MACKLIN (Jagajaga) (11.35 a.m.)—Mr Speaker, I join with my colleagues inadding my congratulations to you on your re-election. Undoubtedly we will continue to attimes test your patience, but in the spirit oftoday we do welcome you back here as theSpeaker of this great House. I also want tothank the Prime Minister and the Leader ofthe National Party for their kind words. I amsure that the Leader of the National Partycould give me advice about how to conductmany of the challenges that will come for-ward, so I appreciate his kind words.

Just to follow up in one respect the initia-tives that have been put forward by theLeader of the Opposition. We are all awarein this House, particularly those who havejust been elected—and I extend my con-gratulations to all the new members on allsides of the House, including those on thecrossbenches—of the message that we all getin our electorates that, for many reasons, weare not held in as high an honour as wewould like, given the responsibilities that wehave. I think that that in the end is the reasonfor the initiatives that the Leader of the Op-position has put forward.

The public wants to know that this will bea place not only of feisty debate, as thePrime Minister said, but also where the pub-lic—not just the opposition—will get an-swers to critical questions, whether they areabout the accountability of the governmentand the executive in particular or on policyissues and policy differences. The publicdoes not want to see this place, in the senseof it being a clearing house for ideas anddifferent points of political view, being

brought into disrepute by those critical issuesnot being pursued in a vigorous way. That isthe underlying reason for the initiatives thatwe have put forward and we hope that theywill be taken in that light.

Mr ABBOTT (Warringah—Minister forEmployment and Workplace Relations andMinister Assisting the Prime Minister for thePublic Service) (11.38 a.m.)—Mr Speaker, Ibelieve that you have been a gracious andcourteous occupant of the chair of this Houseand I join the Prime Minister, the Leader ofthe Opposition and others in congratulatingyou on your re-election.

I will respond to a couple of points madeby the Leader of the Opposition. First of all,this is not Westminster. As the Prime Minis-ter has said, this parliament inherits many ofthe Westminster traditions but not all ofthem. One of the key differences betweenthis parliament and Westminster is that atWestminster speakers are not opposed atelection time. It is highly unrealistic for theLeader of the Opposition to expect a Speakerseeking re-election not to be opposed in hiselection.

Opposition members interjecting—The SPEAKER—Those desperate to re-

form the parliament might like to considerthe fact that the minister has the call.

Mr ABBOTT—The other point I wouldmake is that, as this chamber has evolved,opposition members can ask, more or less,the questions that they like and ministers cangive the answers that they think most appro-priate under the standing orders. That is theway it should be. What we cannot expect—certainly what the opposition cannot andhave no right to expect—is that ministerswill give the answer that the oppositionwants. Ministers will give the answers thatthey believe are appropriate; ministers willdefend the government’s position in the waythat they think is appropriate. The oppositionhas put forward an interesting and, I think,constructive set of proposals. The Managerof Opposition Business and I are more thancapable of sitting down and talking themthrough. I trust the Manager of OppositionBusiness to speak with authority on these


matters. The government will look at thoseproposals constructively.

The government is concerned not just witha better question time; we are concerned withhaving a better parliament. We would likethe parliament as a whole to work better. Webelieve that all members of this parliament—not simply members of the executive—havean honoured role and an important place inthe national debate. The proposals that wewill be putting forward in the next fewweeks will be designed to enhance the dig-nity of the parliament as a whole.

Mr SWAN (Lilley—Manager of Opposi-tion Business) (11.41 a.m.)—Mr Speaker, Ifollow my leaders in offering our sincerecongratulations. I think yours has been aformidable achievement in securing a secondterm in the face of a concerted campaignelsewhere. I am delighted with the commentsthat you have been reported as making thismorning, expressing interest in the proposalsthat we have put forward because, in addi-tion to this being something for discussionbetween the government and the opposition,I think it is something that should also in-volve your good self.

We really have a once in a century op-portunity here to reform the parliament. Onehundred years ago this people’s house had arecord of parliamentary and democratic re-form unsurpassed anywhere in the world: theextension of the franchise, the secret ballot,votes for women—you can go on. One hun-dred years ago the world looked to this par-liament for parliamentary reform. This is thepeople’s house. If the people are unhappywith the way in which this House has oper-ated in recent years then that is our problem;it is not the people’s problem. The proposalsthat we have put forward go to the very heartof the quality of our democracy. If there is somuch alienation in the community with theway in which this House operates then wehave a duty to change.

We have put forward our proposals in abipartisan way. We are not absolutely fixedwith the proposals we put forward; we arehappy to sit down and talk with the govern-ment. But I think the point that the Leader ofthe Opposition made is an important one: ithas to go to the top. The member for Warrin-

gah and I can sit down and have a friendlychat—and I am sure we will—but that willnot be enough.

Mr Abbott interjecting—Mr SWAN—He’s buying is he? The point

is that the primary objective is to make theHouse function more effectively and withdignity. Of course we have to put our viewsin a forthright manner—that is all the morereason why we need an independent Speaker.No set of rewritten rules in the standing or-ders is going to provide the reform that isrequired unless we have a Speaker who ismore independent and has authority. That isthe point.

We think that the two reforms are linked.What repels so many Australians about thisHouse is the sense of barnyard politics—aHouse of yelling monkeys, collective jeering.It all looks ugly on TV and it is an ugly real-ity. There is no point trying to make TV thescapegoat. We have to change ourselves to fitinto the new century, and that is what weneed to do. We will be coming to our talkswith the government with a genuine desirefor change. But all of us must change; all ofus have to change. All of the proposals weput forward are linked in one way or another.

Congratulations, Mr Speaker. I think wewill have an interesting parliament. Con-gratulations to all of those opposite who havebeen elected and to all of those on this sideand on the crossbenches. We look forward tothe challenge of reforming this parliament,the first parliament of the 21st century.

Mr McARTHUR (Corangamite) (11.44a.m.)—Mr Speaker, may I take the opportu-nity as a colleague and longstanding friend tocongratulate you upon your elevation to thespeakership in this your second term. Youbring to your new position the experience ofthree years in the job, a maturity of 19 yearsin this parliament, honour and integrity andan understanding of the standing orders. Wewould hope that there is no confusion aboutthe one-minute and four-minute bells, whichalmost brought about the demise of the chiefwhip and me.

The electors of Wakefield have been wellserved by you and the first Speaker of thisparliament, Sir Frederick Holder, who held


the position from 1901 to 1909. You madereference to that in our celebrations of theCentenary of Federation in Melbourne on 9May. You have brought the representative ofWakefield to the speakership in 1998 and2002. As the Prime Minister and the Leaderof the Opposition have alluded, the perform-ance of Speaker is evaluated in this place ona daily basis by members opposite and bymembers of the government. It is also evalu-ated by those many people who look atquestion time on television at 2 o’clock andlater in the evening. People often commentto me about the performance of members, ofthe Speaker and of the parliament generally.You get a lot of gratuitous advice by tele-phone after question time as to your per-formance, as to the very good performanceof the Prime Minister and as to the perform-ance of other ministers. The Speaker’s role isalways under scrutiny, and I do wish youwell in your new term.

The use of standing order 304A will beused with much more discretion on futureoccasions, because the member for Hothamis now reformed! The member for Hothamallowed you, Mr Speaker, to use that stand-ing order on a number of occasions, but Inote from his own words on this occasionthat you will no longer need to use 304A in asimilar manner. Likewise, the member forProspect has been elevated—she has twopositions now. She is in a more responsibleposition and she is further away from you, soneither you nor she should be able to engagein ongoing conversation.

Mr Speaker, I wish you well in your roleof administering this parliament. Sometimesmembers of the House and others overlookthis important administrative function thatyou, as Speaker, have in meeting representa-tives from other countries and in being ourspokesman on behalf of the parliament andthe Australian people. There is also your rolein foreign delegations to other countries. Iknow you undertake that role with consider-able expertise and understanding. Along withother colleagues, your wife, Carolyn, andyour family, I hope that you enjoy the re-sponsibilities and privileges of the greathonour that has been bestowed upon you bythis House in this the 40th Parliament.

Honourable members—Hear, hear!Mr ANDREN (Calare) (11.48 a.m.)—

May I add my congratulations to your re-nomination and success. Had there been an-other nomination, I may have taken a differ-ent course of action, because it is a source ofdisappointment that, as the Constitution re-quires, we do not nominate people for thatposition formally from the floor of the Houseexcept where a predetermined decision hasbeen made and debated in the press long be-fore the House assembles, as required, tonominate candidates and have a proper elec-tion if need be. I had toyed with the idea ofnominating the member for Kennedy—

Government members—Where is he?Mr ANDREN—but he, unfortunately, is

not here—Government members interjecting—Mr ANDREN—‘And they may well have

voted for him,’ I hear on my left. A very in-teresting House it perhaps would have been.The point I would have made about thatnomination is that I think it is healthy thatthe members of the House, particularly fromthe crossbench, have an opportunity tonominate their own candidates. If we aretalking about reform of this process, it mightnot be such a bad idea to go through thatprocess of nomination on the floor and gothrough the voting procedure, rather thanstitch it up beforehand.

I have listened with interest to the wordsof the Leader of the Opposition, and I con-gratulate him on his elevation to the position.I agree wholeheartedly with some of the re-forms he is suggesting. I think it was themember for Chifley—correct me if I amwrong—who in one of the former parlia-ments had a longstanding motion on the No-tice Paper alluding to the length of questionsand, indeed, the length of answers. I thinkthe one-minute, four-minute suggestion isabsolutely ideal.

While we are talking about processes, Imust say that this House risks becoming anirrelevant backwater in the democratic proc-ess if we continue to refer legislation to Sen-ate committees without it being referred to aHouse committee and if we do not movesubstantial amendments in this House and


debate them. If they are lost or whateverhappens, they can be reintroduced in theSenate, as should be the process. But we arecapitulating to the Senate and it is becomingthe de facto House of Representatives. Thereal danger that we face in this democracy isthat this House runs the risk of being overrunby the executive—by the truncation of de-bate. I know that we cannot go on foreverwith debates, but it is absolutely essentialthat we, as the people’s representatives, havean opportunity to put forward amendmentsand to properly debate legislation when itappears before the House.

Having said that, I congratulate you again,Sir, on your re-election. I know you willcontinue to show your evenhandedness byoccasionally ejecting the member for War-ringah from the chamber. I know what sort ofpressure that you and your predecessors havebeen under, particularly from your own sideof politics. I would ask you to stay strong.You certainly will have all the support neces-sary from the crossbenches. I am sure I canspeak on behalf of the member for NewEngland, who I also welcome to the cham-ber, and who, along with me and the memberfor Kennedy, will probably ask the only truequestions without notice that this parliamentwill hear.

Mr FORREST (Mallee) (11.52 a.m.)—Mr Speaker, I join briefly in the congratula-tory remarks to you from other members,and make a comment about how much, in theeight years I have been a member of thischamber—having arrived here in 1993—Ihave appreciated being mentored by you be-cause we are from adjoining electorates withsimilar interests to do with horticulture andthe River Murray. More than that, we haveshared interests in what has been discussedhere today—that is, in reform and in ensur-ing that the activities of this place remainrelevant to the Australian public. I know it isa shared expectation that we both have, so Ioffer you my best wishes in the difficult taskthat is ahead of you. I was delighted to sec-ond your nomination. You have my confi-dence.

I might say to other members, particularlymembers of the opposition, how refreshing itis to know that the member for Hotham has

been down the road to Damascus. It will takemore than fine speeches in here to convincemembers on this side that that is true. I say tothe Manager of Opposition Business that Iwill be willing to test the strength of yournew experience because it is appalling tohave to justify—particularly to youngstersand schoolchildren that visit us here and sitin a glass gallery—the behaviour that goeson here. I know that you, Mr Speaker, havereminded us on many occasions that the stu-dents of the nation—even our own chil-dren—watch us. With those remarks, it ishoped that the Leader of the Opposition livesup to his expectations to improve the behav-iour and the functioning of this chamber sothat the Australian people will be the ulti-mate beneficiaries.

I conclude with my best wishes to you, toCarolyn and to your family. I give an under-taking to do everything I can to enhance thestanding of this chamber.

The SPEAKER (11.54 a.m.)—Can I re-spond to the many good wishes extended tome this morning by thanking you all for yoursupport and your consideration. It has been agreat honour to be the Speaker of the Houseof Representatives through the past threeyears, and a particular honour to occupy thisoffice in the year of the Centenary of Fed-eration. I thank the House for giving me theopportunity, and I thank the House for theconfidence it has shown in me in re-electingme to this post today.

Can I reassure the member for Calare and,in defence of the Clerk, make the point thatthere was absolutely nothing preventing any-one in this process from nominating anyother member of the chamber who wouldhave been exposed to a secret ballot as thestanding orders provide had that been thewish of any member of the chamber.

I want particularly to thank the PrimeMinister and the former Leader of the Oppo-sition for the courtesy they showed to mewhile I had this post through the last parlia-ment. I extend my congratulations to theLeader of the Opposition on his election andto the Prime Minister on his re-election andmy optimistic good hope that the relationshipthat I shared with the leaders of the coalitionand the Labor Party in the last parliament I


will share with the leaders of the coalitionand the Labor Party in this parliament.

I want to thank the member for Coran-gamite and the member for Forrest for theirpreparedness to nominate and second me. Iappreciate the friendship of the member forCorangamite and the frank way in which hedeals with issues and with each of us as indi-viduals and with me as the Speaker. Let mealso add my appreciation to the member forCunningham who, unknown to most, whenall else is falling apart around the Speaker,will come around to my office or even to thischair and, in his own quiet way and from hisown experience in this office, offer a word ofreassurance and support.

On that note can I reassure you all, par-ticularly the new members of the chamber,that the office door is always open and that Iam alert to any concerns that you may havethat will ensure that everyone feels that theyare being adequately arbitered in this placeby the occupier of the Speaker’s chair. I givemy particular thanks in this instance to theformer member for Cowper, Mr Nehl, asDeputy Speaker, and to the member forScullin, Mr Jenkins, as Deputy Speaker.They both gave me all the support a Speakercould wish for, as you would all be wellaware, and offered it from a bipartisan pointof view. I thank them for their approach tothe office. For the way in which both ofthem—although in this case I may say par-ticularly the member for Scullin—soughtconciliation rather than confrontation I amgrateful. I do not want to prejudice in anyway what may happen later today, but I dowant to indicate my appreciation of the rolesthat they played.

In common with most of you, I stand in-debted most of all to my family. To Carolyn,to Matthew and Kate, to Kate and Mat-thew—and someone can make something ofthat—and to John and the grandchildren Isay thank you very much. They are the rockof my life. As you know, things are tough inpolitical life and tough on political families,but to have some sort of refuge where youcan go and where criticism rarely emergesand all that emerges is support is a greatprivilege. Thank you to all of you for thesupport you offer. I know that is a sentiment

that will be echoed by most of those in thischamber to their families as well.

It is true to say, as we have said often, thatthe things that unite us are far greater thanthe things that divide us. Much has beenmade this morning of the need for parlia-mentary reform. Sentiments expressed byboth sides have been widely endorsed. Can Ioffer a word of caution. As parliamentarianswe run the risk of focusing so much on par-liamentary reform that we imply that thischamber is some sort of disaster in legisla-tive terms. Let us hesitate with our reform—not that it is not necessary; of course it is—just long enough to acknowledge that thischamber has served the people of Australiawell over the last 100 years and, if I may sayfrom my own experience, particularly overthe last 20 years. Compared to 20 years agowe have a nation that is socially more cohe-sive than it was, we have a nation that iseconomically more stable than it was, andwe have a nation that, to use modern terms,punches above its weight in world forums—thanks to people who have served in the par-liament over the last 20 years while I havebeen in this chamber.

Let us reform the chamber, but let us en-sure as well that Australians recognise thatthey have been well served by parliamentari-ans present here and their predecessors. Ofcourse there is real concern—justifiable—asechoed by the Deputy Prime Minister, aboutthe level of personal abuse. Of course we allwant to do something about it and I believewe mutually will, but these are things thatwill happen gradually. We do well to re-member what history has shown us and thatis, sadly, as we learned in the Centenary ofFederation, that the first occupier of thischair 100 years ago collapsed in the thenfederal chamber and died uttering the words,‘Dreadful, dreadful,’ as he reflected on thebehaviour of the chamber 100 years ago.

We ought not to do ourselves the disserv-ice of pretending that nothing worth whilehas happened. This chamber has, as the re-sult of decisions in earlier parliaments,brought in reforms that are now picked up byother chambers around the world, such re-forms as the Main Committee, and we oughtto celebrate that. This chamber can serve the


people better, but it already serves them welland we ought to be proud of, not apologeticfor, its performance. It will, of course, con-tinue to be confrontational; that is why weare part of the great Westminster tradition.Australians expect their chambers to be ro-bust and, frankly, by the standards of most ofother chambers around Australia we are, inany case, a relatively well-behaved place tobe.

I look forward to a greater level of per-sonal interaction and, in the interests of thepeople of Australia, a greater understandingof the standing orders, but let me reinforce toyou all that the occupier of the Speaker’soffice is here not to make the rules but toenforce those determined by the parliament. Iam your servant and I hope in that form toserve you well in the next three years. Thankyou for your support.

Honourable members—Hear, hear!PRESENTATION TO GOVERNOR-

GENERALMr HOWARD (Bennelong—Prime Min-

ister) (12.02 p.m.)—Mr Speaker, I have as-certained that it will be His Excellency theGovernor-General’s pleasure to receive youin the Members’ Hall immediately after theresumption of the sitting at 2.30 p.m.

The SPEAKER—Prior to my presenta-tion to His Excellency this afternoon, thebells will be rung for five minutes so thathonourable members may attend in thechamber and accompany me to the Mem-bers’ Hall where they may, if they so wish,be presented to His Excellency.

Sitting suspended from 12.02 p.m. to2.30 p.m.

The Speaker and honourable membersproceeded to the Members’ Hall, and havingreturned—

The SPEAKER (2.56 p.m.)—I have toreport that, accompanied by honourablemembers, I proceeded to the Members’ Halland presented myself to His Excellency theGovernor-General as the choice of the Houseas its Speaker, and that His Excellency waskind enough to congratulate me.

AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER OATHOR AFFIRMATION

The SPEAKER—His Excellency alsopresented to me an authority to administer tomembers the oath or affirmation of alle-giance. I now lay the authority on the tableand propose to swear in the member forKennedy, who was unable to attend thismorning’s proceedings due to aircraft con-nection difficulties.

MEMBERS SWORNThe following honourable member made

and subscribed the oath or affirmation ofallegiance:Katter, Robert Carl, Kennedy, Queensland

MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL

The Usher of the Black Rod, having beenannounced, was admitted, and delivered amessage that His Excellency the Governor-General desired the attendance of honourablemembers in the Senate chamber forthwith.

The Speaker and honourable membersattended accordingly, and having returned—

MINISTERIAL ARRANGEMENTSMr HOWARD (Bennelong—Prime Min-

ister) (3.45 p.m.)—I have the honour and thepleasure to inform the House that, followingthe election held on 10 November 2001, inwhich the coalition was returned, the Gover-nor-General commissioned me to form agovernment. Ministers and parliamentarysecretaries were appointed on 26 November2001 except for the honourable member forO’Connor, who was appointed as Ministerfor Regional Services, Territories and LocalGovernment on 25 January 2002. For theinformation of honourable members, I pres-ent a list of the full ministry. The documentlists all ministers and parliamentary secre-taries and the offices they hold. It showsthose ministers who comprise the cabinetand provides details of representation ar-rangements in each chamber. I understandthe document will be included in the Votesand Proceedings and Hansard.

The document read as follows—

HOWARD MINISTRYTitle Minister Other Chamber


Prime Minister The Hon John Howard, MP Senator the Hon Robert Hill

Parliamentary Secretary to thePrime Minister

The Hon Jackie Kelly, MP

Parliamentary Secretary toCabinet

Senator the Hon Bill Heffernan

Minister for Transport andRegional Services(Deputy Prime Minister)

The Hon John Anderson, MP Senator the Hon Ian Macdonald

Minister for Regional Services,Territories and Local Govern-ment *

The Hon Wilson Tuckey, MP * Senator the Hon Ian Macdonald *

Parliamentary Secretary Senator the Hon Ron Boswell

Treasurer The Hon Peter Costello, MP Senator the Hon Nick Minchin

Minister for Revenue and As-sistant Treasurer

Senator the Hon Helen Coonan The Hon Peter Costello, MP

Parliamentary Secretary

(Manager of Government Busi-ness in the Senate)

Senator the Hon Ian Campbell

Minister for Trade The Hon Mark Vaile, MP Senator the Hon Robert Hill

Minister for Foreign Affairs The Hon Alexander Downer,MP

Senator the Hon Robert Hill

Parliamentary Secretary (For-eign Affairs)

The Hon Chris Gallus, MP

Minister for Defence(Leader of the Government inthe Senate)

Senator the Hon Robert Hill The Hon Danna Vale, MP

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs The Hon Danna Vale, MP Senator the Hon Robert Hill

Minister Assisting the Ministerfor Defence

The Hon Danna Vale, MP

Parliamentary Secretary The Hon Fran Bailey, MP

Minister for Communications,Information Technology and theArts(Deputy Leader of the Govern-ment in the Senate)

Senator the Hon Richard Alston The Hon Peter McGauran, MP

Minister for the Arts and Sport Senator the Hon Rod Kemp The Hon Peter McGauran, MP

Minister for Employment andWorkplace Relations(Leader of the House)Minister Assisting the PrimeMinister for the Public Service

The Hon Tony Abbott, MP Senator the Hon Richard Alston

Minister for EmploymentServices

The Hon Mal Brough, MP Senator the Hon Richard Alston


Minister for Immigration andMulticultural and IndigenousAffairsMinister Assisting the PrimeMinister for Reconciliation

The Hon Philip Ruddock, MP Senator the Hon Chris Ellison

Minister for Citizenship andMulticultural Affairs

The Hon Gary Hardgrave, MP Senator the Hon Chris Ellison

Minister for the Environmentand Heritage(Vice-President of the Execu-tive Council)

The Hon Dr David Kemp, MP Senator the Hon Robert Hill

Parliamentary Secretary The Hon Dr Sharman Stone, MP

Attorney-General The Hon Daryl Williams, AMQC MP

Senator the Hon Chris Ellison

Minister for Justice and Cus-toms

Senator the Hon Chris Ellison The Hon Daryl Williams, AM QCMP

Minister for Finance andAdministration

Senator the Hon Nick Minchin The Hon Peter Costello, MP

Special Minister of State Senator the Hon Eric Abetz The Hon Tony Abbott, MP

Parliamentary Secretary The Hon Peter Slipper, MP

Minister for Agriculture,Fisheries and Forestry

The Hon Warren Truss, MP Senator the Hon Ian Macdonald

Minister for Forestry and Con-servation

Senator the Hon Ian Macdonald The Hon Warren Truss, MP

Parliamentary Secretary Senator the Hon Judith Troeth

Minister for Family andCommunity ServicesMinister Assisting the PrimeMinister for the Status ofWomen

Senator the Hon AmandaVanstone

The Hon Larry Anthony, MP

Minister for Children and YouthAffairs

The Hon Larry Anthony, MP Senator the Hon AmandaVanstone

Parliamentary Secretary The Hon Ross Cameron, MP

Minister for Education, Sci-ence and Training

The Hon Dr Brendan Nelson,MP

Senator the Hon Richard Alston

Minister for Science(Deputy Leader of the House)

The Hon Peter McGauran, MP Senator the Hon Richard Alston

Minister for Health and Age-ing

Senator the Hon Kay Patterson The Hon Kevin Andrews, MP

Minister for Ageing The Hon Kevin Andrews, MP Senator the Hon Kay Patterson

Parliamentary Secretary The Hon Trish Worth, MP

Minister for Industry, Tour-ism and Resources

The Hon Ian Macfarlane, MP Senator the Hon Nick Minchin

Minister for Small Business andTourism

The Hon Joe Hockey, MP Senator the Hon Nick Minchin

Parliamentary Secretary The Hon Warren Entsch, MP


Each box represents a portfolio. CabinetMinisters are shown in bold type. As a generalrule, there is one department in each portfolio.Except for the Department of the Prime Ministerand Cabinet and the Department of Foreign Af-fairs and Trade, the title of each department re-flects that of the portfolio minister. There is also aDepartment of Veterans’ Affairs in the Defenceportfolio. Asterisks indicate changes from the lastpublished list

Mr HOWARD—I would also like to in-form the House that the honourable memberfor Robertson has been appointed ChiefGovernment Whip and the honourable mem-bers for Corangamite and Gilmore have beenappointed government whips.

AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY:LEADERSHIP

Mr CREAN (Hotham—Leader of theOpposition) (3.45 p.m.)—Mr Speaker, I havethe honour to inform the House that the par-liamentary Labor Party has elected me as itsleader and the honourable member for Jaga-jaga as deputy leader. The honourable mem-ber for Prospect has been appointed ChiefOpposition Whip and the honourable mem-bers for Franklin and Melbourne Ports havebeen appointed opposition whips. I under-stand that a full list of my shadow ministrywill be included in Hansard.

The document read as follows—

SHADOW MINISTRYPORTFOLIO SHADOW MINISTER OTHER CHAMBER

Leader The Hon Simon Crean MP Senator the Hon John Faulkner

Parliamentary Secretary Alan Griffin MP

Deputy Leader. Employ-ment, Education, Trainingand Science

Jenny Macklin MP Senator Kim Carr

Science and Research Senator Kim Carr David Cox MP

Employment Servicesand Training

David Cox MP Senator Kim Carr

Senate Leader. Public Ad-ministration and Home Af-fairs

Senator the Hon JohnFaulkner

Daryl Melham MP

Justice and Customs Daryl Melham MP Senator Joseph Ludwig

Treasury, Finance and SmallBusiness

The Hon Bob McMullanMP

Senator Stephen Conroy

Deputy Senate Leader. Fi-nance, Small Business andFinancial Services

Senator Stephen Conroy Mark Latham MP

Assistant Treasurer andEconomic Ownership

Mark Latham MP Senator Stephen Conroy

Retirement Incomes andSavings, Consumer Af-fairs

Senator the Hon NickSherry

Mark Latham MP

Parliamentary Secretary(Consumer Affairs andBanking Services)

Alan Griffin MP

Innovation, Industry, Tradeand Tourism

Craig Emerson MP Senator Kate Lundy

Trade and Tourism The Hon Dr Stephen Mar-tin MP


Information Technologyand Sport

Senator Kate Lundy Craig Emerson MP

Parliamentary Secretary(Manufacturing Industry)

Senator George Campbell

Defence Senator Chris Evans The Hon Graham Edwards MP

Veterans’ Affairs Senator Mark Bishop Nicola Roxon MP

Parliamentary Secretary The Hon Graham EdwardsMP

Regional and Urban Devel-opment, Transport and In-frastructure

Martin Ferguson MP Senator Kerry O’Brien

Urban Development andHousing

Mark Latham MP Senator George Campbell

Regional Services, Ter-ritories and Local Gov-ernment

Gavan O’Connor MP Senator Kerry O’Brien

Parliamentary Secretary(Northern Australia andthe Territories)

The Hon Warren SnowdonMP

Population and Immigration Julia Gillard MP Senator the Hon Nick Sherry

Multicultural Affairs Laurie Ferguson MP Senator the Hon Nick Sherry

Reconciliation, Aboriginaland Torres Strait IslanderAffairs, the Arts, and Statusof Women

The Hon Dr Carmen Law-rence MP

Senator Joseph Ludwig (Recon-ciliation, Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander Affairs)Senator Kate Lundy (The Arts,Status of Women)

Attorney-General andWorkplace Relations

Robert McClelland MP Senator Joseph Ludwig (Attorney-General)Senator the Hon Nick Sherry(Workplace Relations)

Manager of OppositionBusiness in the Senateand Parliamentary Sec-retary (Attorney-General)

Senator Joseph Ludwig

Primary Industries and Re-sources

Senator Kerry O’Brien Joel Fitzgibbon MP

Resources Joel Fitzgibbon MP Senator Kerry O’Brien

Parliamentary Secretary Sid Sidebottom MP

Foreign Affairs Kevin Rudd MP Senator the Hon John Faulkner

Health and Ageing Stephen Smith MP Senator Chris Evans

Ageing and Seniors Anthony Albanese MP Senator Chris Evans

Parliamentary Secretary John Murphy MP

Family and CommunityServicesManager of OppositionBusiness in the House

Wayne Swan MP Senator Mark Bishop

Children and Youth Nicola Roxon MP Senator Mark Bishop

Parliamentary Secretary Annette Ellis MP


Communications Lindsay Tanner MP Senator Stephen Conroy

Parliamentary Secretary Christian Zahra MP

Environment and Heritage Kelvin Thomson MP Senator Kim Carr

Parliamentary Secretary Kirsten Livermore MP

Chief Opposition Whip Janice Crosio MP

Whip in the House of Repre-sentatives

Michael Danby MP

Whip in the House of Repre-sentatives

Harry Quick

Senate Whip Senator Sue Mackay

Deputy Senate Whip Senator Trish Crossin

Deputy Senate Whip Senator Kay Denman1 Members of the Shadow Cabinet are shown in bold-type. Parliamentary Secretaries are shown in italics.

NATIONAL PARTY OF AUSTRALIA:LEADERSHIP

Mr ANDERSON (Gwydir—DeputyPrime Minister) (3.46 p.m.)—I have the hon-our to inform the House that the parliamen-tary party of the National Party of Australiahas elected me as its leader and the honour-able member for Lyne as deputy leader. Thehonourable member for Mallee has been ap-pointed Chief National Party Whip and thehonourable member for Hinkler NationalParty Whip.

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGSBROADCASTING AMENDMENT

BILL 2002First Reading

Bill presented by Mr Howard, and read afirst time.

Ordered that the second reading be madean order of the day for the next sitting.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S SPEECHThe SPEAKER (3.47 p.m.)—I have to

report that the House this day attended HisExcellency the Governor-General in the Sen-ate chamber, when His Excellency waspleased to make a speech to both houses ofthe parliament. I have received a copy of thespeech, which will be incorporated in Han-sard for record purposes.

The speech read as follows—Honourable Senators and Members of the Par-

liament of Australia:

Introduction

On the tenth of November 2001, the Australianpeople re-elected the government and conferredupon it, for a third time, responsibility for man-aging this nation’s affairs.

In doing so, they endorsed a wide-rangingprogramme of continued reform, disciplined fis-cal management and the implementation of poli-cies underpinned by the characteristic values ofthe Australian nation.

The government will take early steps to im-plement the specific policy commitments it madeduring the recent election campaign.

There are few nations on earth which can enterthe early years of this new century with the samesense of optimism, opportunity and quiet confi-dence that the Australian people are entitled tofeel.

The government seeks to build on a century ofnational achievement and accomplishment evi-dent in fields as diverse as business excellence,scientific endeavour, the arts and culture and inthe world’s great sports.

With political stability and social cohesion thatare the envy of the world, with the personal free-doms of expression, enterprise and associationmore certain and assured than ever before, Aus-tralians can pursue whatever individual or collec-tive dreams inspire them.

Although neither complacent nor unaware ofthe many challenges ahead, Australia can createfor itself a future of immense prospect and pros-perity.

The government pledges itself to that effort. Itwill continue to be driven by a belief that self-reliance, individual endeavour and choice must beencouraged and rewarded. It will maintain a


strong social security safety net for the more vul-nerable in our society. It will champion the con-cept that families, workers and communitiesstriving together towards shared goals create ca-pacities far more potent than any other arrange-ments.

It will continue to believe that Australian soci-ety is fundamentally built upon principles of fair-ness and decency and the premise that opportu-nity should be available equally to all, regardlessof background, gender, race or religion. It willsupport the creative talent and entrepreneurialspirit of Australians as they seize the unprece-dented opportunities available in the years ahead.

The government’s priorities throughout thecoming term will also be based upon an acknowl-edgment that it must set in place the foundationsfor national success well beyond the life of a sin-gle parliament – addressing such serious longterm issues as the changing age composition ofAustralia’s population and environmentalsustainability.

Above all, its decisions will recognise that agovernment is charged with two over-riding re-sponsibilities, namely providing for the securityof, and delivering prosperity to, the nation.

SecurityThe national consciousness of security issues

has understandably risen in the wake of the tragicand momentous events of September 11, 2001.The world is sadly neither the safe nor certainplace we would all wish it to be.

Australia has joined the United States in anemphatic international response to terrorism.

The government will ensure that Australiamaintains a strong and flexible Defence Force,able to act in the nation’s interest whatever cir-cumstances may arise and in support of the prin-ciples of democratic freedom that Australiansvalue so highly.

I acknowledge the professionalism, the com-mitment and the courage of all Australian serv-icemen and women but particularly those cur-rently on active duty overseas – in the war againstterrorism, in East Timor and as peace-keepers incountries throughout the world.

Through the implementation of the 2000 De-fence White Paper, which provides for real in-creases in defence spending of $32 billion overthe next 10 years, the government will ensureAustralia’s Defence Forces are properly trained,equipped and supported, and that they remaincapable of contributing both to the cause of po-litical stability within our region and broader in-ternational endeavours.

The government will continue its fight againsttransnational and organised criminal efforts toboost trafficking in illicit drugs, people smug-gling, money laundering, major fraud and othercrimes.

Modern terrorism clearly presents a new anddangerous threat. Determined and strong re-sponses are needed. To this end, Commonwealthlaw enforcement and national security agenciesare being reviewed and will be allocated addi-tional resources to achieve even higher levels ofeffectiveness.

Priority will be given to collaborating withother nations on security and law enforcementissues, enforcing proper control of our borders,ensuring greater efficiency within Common-wealth agencies and providing clear leadershipfor the states and territories in these vital areas.The Prime Minister will host a summit of stateand territory leaders in April to advance new na-tional frameworks for dealing with these chal-lenges.

Both Australia’s security and its prosperitywill be enhanced through constructive interna-tional relations and Australia’s network of bilat-eral relationships will remain the foundation ofthe government’s foreign policy. These relation-ships are in good order, but will require carefulongoing attention over the term of this parlia-ment.

Our ties with the United States are of immenseimportance to Australia’s security and economicinterests and the government continues to recog-nise the ongoing relevance of the ANZUS alli-ance for regional stability. Maintaining our sup-port for the coalition against terrorism and, moregenerally, our relationship with the United Stateswill be priorities for the government.

Developments in Asia, of course, are of en-during importance to Australian interests. Thegovernment will ensure that our already consider-able economic and political ties to North andSoutheast Asia continue to be strengthened forthe benefit of all Australians.

Australia’s Pacific neighbours have facedmany difficult challenges in recent years and thegovernment will continue to work with the regionto help it address these issues. Australia hasstrong economic and diplomatic relations withnations around the earth. The government willcontinue to foster these relations in the interestsof domestic prosperity and global security.

Australia is honoured to be hosting the Com-monwealth Heads of Government Meeting inCoolum in March and is committed, as Chairman,to ensure that the Commonwealth meets thechallenges ahead and encourages members to


maintain their shared values of good governance,human rights and economic development. HerMajesty The Queen, as Head of the Common-wealth, will visit Australia for this meeting.

This year marks the Golden Jubilee of theQueen’s accession to the Throne. There can belittle doubt that, during the past fifty years, HerMajesty has fulfilled her duties with great dedi-cation, skill and remarkable energy. Australianswill wish her well on the occasion of her GoldenJubilee.

Shared prosperityThe second fundamental obligation of gov-

ernment is the pursuit of prosperity in which allcitizens may share. The government remainscommitted to achieving higher living standardsand more jobs for Australians over the next threeyears.

The resilience of the Australian economy, de-spite a global slowdown, is a strong endorsementof the government’s disciplined approach to eco-nomic management and the structural reforms itundertook to improve the efficiency and flexibil-ity of Australia’s product, labour and financialmarkets.

Since 1995-96, the government has repaid over$55 billion of public debt. A key priority in thegovernment’s third term will be to maintain astrong fiscal position.

While Australia’s recent economic perform-ance has been extremely impressive, the processof economic reform is ongoing and the govern-ment will vigorously pursue economic policieswhich further strengthen and reform our econ-omy.

The government will continue to vigorouslyadvocate genuine trade liberalisation. Securingadditional market access through WTO and bilat-eral trade agreements will be a high priority. Thegovernment will continue to explore the prospectsof achieving a free trade agreement with theUnited States. This will be very difficult but, ifsuch an outcome can be realised, the benefits forAustralia will be significant.

A thriving business sectorAt home, competitive, well-functioning mar-

kets, supported by good regulatory frameworks,encourage economic growth.

The proposed review of the competition provi-sions of the Trade Practices Act, and their ad-ministration, will examine whether they ade-quately encourage growth and international com-petitiveness, protect the balance of power be-tween small and large business and support thegrowth of regional business.

Attracting overseas direct investment to Aus-tralia will also be an important activity of gov-ernment. The government will continue to de-velop strategies to promote and attract invest-ment, promote new venture capital arrangementsand focus efforts in sectors of high growth poten-tial, such as information and communicationstechnology.

The government will consider appropriatechanges to current foreign ownership and controlof Australian media laws and the cross mediarules, aimed at opening up the broadcasting sectorto new investment while ensuring continued di-versity of opinion.

The government will continue to pursue re-forms that deliver an efficient, cost competitiveenergy sector. This will include an improvednational energy market for both electricity andgas. The government will also actively promotethe responsible development and export of ourabundant minerals and energy resources.

The government will also undertake a reviewof the current governance arrangements forstatutory authorities and office holders. The gov-ernment will focus on improving their structuresand practices, particularly of those authorities thatimpact upon the business community, to ensuremore efficient and effective operations and thehighest standards of accountability.

FamiliesPolicies that support families and provide them

with effective opportunities and choices are cru-cial to Australia’s economic and social future.The government will continue to provide practicalassistance to families in their day to day needsand in support of their longer term aspirations.

The government will take early legislativesteps to implement its election promise to intro-duce a First Child Tax Refund, recognising theloss of family income that generally results fromthe arrival of a first child. Tax initiatives aimed atimproving Australia’s superannuation system andsecuring family income throughout retirementwill also be priorities.

The government remains committed to sup-porting the right of parents to choose the type ofeducation that best suits the needs of their chil-dren and to quality schooling for all Australians.In particular, it will maintain its strong emphasison literacy and numeracy for all young Austra-lians, including indigenous children.

Choice and access in health careThe government will continue its commitment

to improving choice and access to high quality


health care for all Australians regardless of theirpersonal circumstances.

Australia’s world-class public Medicare sys-tem will continue to provide access for all to highquality health care, complemented by a vibrantprivate health sector. This mix of public and pri-vate health provision means that Australia’shealth system will be viable in the long term andable to adapt to our nation’s changing needs.

In its third term, the government will negotiatenew Australian Health Care Agreements betweenthe Commonwealth and the States and Territories.The aim of the Agreements will be to achieveimprovements for people who use public hospi-tals to ensure that they receive appropriate treat-ment in a timely and responsive way.

Welfare ReformWelfare reform remains a key focus of this

government. It believes all Australians shouldhave the opportunity to become more self-reliantand attain higher standards of living for them-selves and their families.

The government’s commitment to welfare re-form is expressed through the Australians Work-ing Together package. Using Centrelink as agateway, this package will provide increased as-sistance and improved incentives for people onwelfare to get paid work, at a cost of $1.7 billionover four years.

The government will maintain a strong socialsecurity safety net and increase opportunities forpeople with disabilities wishing to work to theirfullest potential.

In addition, Work for the Dole will remain avital element of Australia’s new active welfaresystem. The government will strengthen MutualObligation arrangements to focus on what peoplecan do, rather than what they cannot.

Flexibility and reward in the workplaceThe government considers that further work-

place reform is essential to deliver higher livingstandards and create more jobs.

In the first weeks of parliament, the govern-ment will introduce bills to ban compulsory unionfees, ensure secret ballots before strikes, preventone-size-fits-all industry bargaining and establishfair dismissal procedures. The Autumn sittingswill also include the introduction of bills to im-prove protection for workers in Victoria, ensuremore democratic and accountable unions andemployer organisations, and give more workers asay on workplace safety issues.

The government will also provide an effectivesafety net of minimum wages and conditions thatcan be relied upon by low paid employees whilst

contributing to workplace bargaining above thatsafety net. The government will consult furtherabout ways to give employees priority over se-cured creditors in the event of company failures.It will also work with employers to extend op-portunities for workers to more effectively bal-ance their family and workplace responsibilities.

In its third term, the government will give par-ticular attention to addressing the challenges of anageing population through helping mature agedpeople remain in and/or get back into work.

Innovation, technology and higher educationRecognising the vital link between science and

business in building a prosperous future, an im-portant focus for the new Education, Science andTraining portfolio will be the continuing imple-mentation of Backing Australia’s Ability, whichcommits an extra $3 billion to supporting re-search, commercialisation and skills develop-ment. As part of this effort, the government hasinitiated a process to develop national researchpriorities to assist and guide research fundingdecisions across a range of government fundedresearch programmes. The government expects toannounce these national research priorities to-wards the end of this year.

The government understands that the highereducation sector is critical to maintaining Austra-lia’s international competitiveness, economicprosperity and cultural development. It will workwith universities, the business sector and thebroader community to ensure that its policiesenhance the quality of teaching and encourageuniversities to develop their particular teachingand research strengths and areas of specialisation.

In today’s global economy, knowledge andskills development provide the essential platformfor business competitiveness and communityprosperity. In the time that the government hasbeen in office, the number of people undertakingnew apprenticeships has more than doubled fromabout 143,000 to an estimated 330,040 in Sep-tember 2001. The government’s support for vo-cational education and training will be furtherstrengthened in its third term.

A stronger country AustraliaThis will be a government committed to cre-

ating greater opportunities for country Australia.An important priority for the government is to

help improve the profitability and competitive-ness of Australia’s rural industries. A strong, vi-brant primary sector will not only create jobs andearn this country valuable export income, but willalso help revitalise many rural and regional com-munities across Australia.


The government will continue to improve thetransport system, an important social and eco-nomic issue for country Australia. It will maintainits commitment to national highways and roads ofnational importance and seek further progress inrail reform.

Domestic and international aviation will be re-viewed, to ensure that the government’s approachto competition and regulation recognises the ma-jor changes in the aviation operating environ-ment. Australia will also participate in interna-tional efforts to strengthen aviation security.

The government remains committed to ensur-ing adequate levels of telecommunications serv-ices across regional, rural and remote Australia. Itwill build on the significant improvementsachieved through the Networking the Nation pro-gramme and other Social Bonus initiatives. Theseprogrammes, combined with the $163 millionresponse to the Telecommunications Service In-quiry, will mean that almost $1 billion will havebeen spent on improving regional communica-tions services over the life of the government. Inresponse to the Telecommunications Service In-quiry, the government is also introducing furtherenhancements to the regulatory safety net,achieved through the Universal Service Obliga-tion and the Customer Service Guarantee, to en-sure that all Australians have timely, affordableand reliable access to basic telecommunicationsservices.

The government’s programme of telecommu-nications sector reform has encouraged greatercompetition and given Australians access to awide range of high quality, innovative and lowcost telecommunications services. The govern-ment’s priority is to ensure more services for ruraland regional Australia.

The government will not proceed with anyfurther sale of Telstra until it is satisfied that ar-rangements are in place to deliver adequate serv-ices to all Australians.

Our citizensThe government recognises the special place

indigenous people occupy in our society as theoriginal inhabitants of Australia and will continueto implement its practical reconciliation agenda,sustaining its focus on tackling disadvantage inthe key areas of education, employment, healthand housing.

These important endeavours will be pursued inpartnership with indigenous people. Our jointgoals should be to improve outcomes for Abo-riginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The government will continue an immigrationprogramme that places a strong emphasis on at-

tracting people with skills. Australia will alsocontinue to be one of the very few nations in theworld to maintain a refugee programme.

Whilst continuing to work for solutions thatgive help to those most desperately in need, thegovernment is committed to following the fun-damental principle, accepted in international law,that Australia alone has the sovereign right todetermine who is allowed entry.

Australia will continue to seek effective co-operation with nations in our region to combatpeople smuggling.

Protecting the environmentA whole of government approach to sustain-

able environment issues is to be one of the high-est priorities in the government’s third term. Tothis end, the government has established a newSustainable Environment Committee of Cabinet,chaired by the Prime Minister.

Immediate action to tackle salinity and waterquality problems is essential and, for this reason,the Commonwealth, state and territory govern-ments will jointly invest $1.4 billion over sevenyears under the National Action Plan for Salinityand Water Quality. The Plan will target some ofAustralia’s worst affected areas and will supportaction by regional communities and local land-holders. The Plan will be complemented by theextension of Australia’s largest ever environ-mental rescue effort, the Natural Heritage Trust.

The government’s ongoing funding package of$1 billion over five years for greenhouse gasabatement is among the largest by any govern-ment in the world. These funds are assisting todevelop strong government-industry and govern-ment-community partnerships that are beginningto reduce the rate of greenhouse gas emissions.

ConclusionHonourable Senators and Members, in the pur-

suit of success in all areas of national endeavour,the government will maintain its characteristicpragmatism, drive and determination. It will seekto defend all that is best within Australian societytoday whilst initiating the bold reform necessaryfor a prosperous and secure future.

Its overarching goal will be to better the livesof all Australians, wherever they may live andwhatever their own aspirations may be.

Address-in-ReplyMr HOWARD (Bennelong—Prime Min-

ister) (3.47 p.m.)—I move:That a committee, consisting of Ms Ley, Mr

Hartsuyker and the mover, be appointed to pre-pare an Address-in-Reply to the speech delivered


by His Excellency the Governor-General to bothhouses of the parliament and that the committeereport at the next sitting.

Question agreed to.Sitting suspended from 3.48 p.m. to

5.00 p.m.DEPUTY SPEAKER

ElectionMr NEVILLE (Hinkler) (5.00 p.m.)—I

move:That Mr Causley be appointed Deputy Speaker

of this House.

Mr Baird—I second the motion.Mr CREAN (Hotham—Leader of the

Opposition) (5.00 p.m.)—I move:That Mr Jenkins be appointed Deputy Speaker

of this House.

Ms Hall—I second the motion.The SPEAKER—The time allowed for

nominations has expired.Mr NEVILLE (Hinkler) (5.01 p.m.)—I

have pleasure in nominating Ian RaymondCausley, the member for Page, for the posi-tion of Deputy Speaker. Before entering thisplace in 1996, the honourable member hadbeen the member for Clarence in the NewSouth Wales Legislative Assembly since1984. So he brings to this place a richness ofexperience in the parliamentary process anda knowledge of its Westminster traditions,nurtured in the mother of the Australian par-liaments.

Ian Causley is a man steeped in life’s ex-perience—a husband, a father, a grandfather,a fourth generation cane farmer, a mill di-rector, a publican, an MLA, a member ofparliament, a bowler, a cricketer, a youthleader and a coach. His parliamentary expe-rience shows a similar depth and diversity.He has been chief secretary of New SouthWales. Also, in that state, he was Ministerfor Natural Resources on three occasions,Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries andMinister for Mines. Since arriving here hehas played an active role—at times in a lead-ership role—on important committees. Hehas chaired the House of RepresentativesStanding Committee on Environment andHeritage and the government’s policy com-mittee on Aboriginal affairs. He has also

served on the Joint Standing Committee onNative Title and the Aboriginal and TorresStrait Islander Land Fund and on a widerange of other policy committees. In short,he has been keenly involved in the affairs ofthis place at many responsible levels.

The thing I like about the member forPage is that he comes to grips with the detailof his brief, whatever that might be. He looksfor outcomes, not theories, and he is work-manlike in achieving those ends. I well re-member his analysis of the dairy industryderegulation—its processes, its probable un-folding, what the states would do and then itsfinancial impacts. The eventual outcome waschillingly similar in its mirrored detail. Thiscapacity for analysis and his workmanlikeapproach spill into other areas of his parlia-mentary activities, not the least of which ishis appreciation of the standing orders. I forone have noted how easily he fitted into hisrole on the Speaker’s Panel when he wasappointed to that position three years ago.His ease with the forms of the House and hisapplication of the standing orders were quitenoticeable. Unmistakably, both he and themember for Menzies shone in that respect inthe last parliament. I might add that themember for Page does not suffer foolsgladly.

Mr Sercombe interjecting—The SPEAKER—The member for

Maribyrnong!Mr NEVILLE—So I expect that those

who abuse the processes of the House duringhis tenure in the chair will have an uncom-fortable time. That said, as I predicted threeyears ago, I believe he will mirror the previ-ous Deputy Speaker, the former member forCowper, in being forceful, deliberate and fairon the one hand and urbane, counselling andwitty on the other.

Mr Sercombe interjecting—The SPEAKER—The member for

Maribyrnong! This is the first sitting day; Ido not wish to have to discipline the House.

Mr NEVILLE—His attributes and his 18years of parliamentary service should equiphim for this, the most responsible of offices.I commend him to the House as a worthy


deputy to you, Mr Speaker, in the dischargeof good order and equanimity in this place.

Mr BAIRD (Cook) (5.05 p.m.)—I havemuch pleasure in seconding the nominationof the member for Page for the role of Dep-uty Speaker. The member for Page enteredNew South Wales politics at the same time asI did. In 1988, as the member for Clarence,he became the Minister for Agriculture andFisheries—or Natural Resources, as it wascalled then. To that he later added mining.

During the seven years that he was a min-ister he had a distinguished career. He wasnoted for his strong interest in rural issues,forestry issues, fisheries and mining. He wasalways approachable. Within the party roomhe was always known for his strong advo-cacy of regional matters and matters relatedto the bush. No matter what the issue was, hewould always bring in that dimension. Hebrings to this House his own dimension onthe same issues—a strong interest in regionalissues and those matters that affect ruralAustralia. In terms of his personal creden-tials, he is a person of great integrity andhonesty. In the times he has been in the chairhe has carried out that role with great dili-gence. I have great pleasure in seconding hisnomination. I believe he will carry out therole of Deputy Speaker in a very professionalway, and I wish him well in his future role.

Mr CREAN (Hotham—Leader of theOpposition) (5.07 p.m.)—I moved a motionearlier today that Mr Harry Jenkins be theDeputy Speaker, because I am serious aboutmodernising this parliament. My proposal—which I hope the Leader of GovernmentBusiness gets to fully understand before hehas his discussions tonight and which hemisrepresented earlier today—is quite sim-ple: the government nominates the Speakerfor two terms and I second it; and the oppo-sition nominates the Deputy Speaker, alsofor two terms, with the Prime Minister sec-onding it. Those positions would rotate at theconclusion of the terms.

Members still have to face elections intheir electorates, so this is not a Westminstermodel. This is an Australian response toAustralian circumstances in an Australianparliament. The position is not determinedby one’s party room; it is determined by the

whole of the parliament. It ensures that theydo not owe their position to their party but tothe parliament as a whole. It is about mod-ernising the parliament. It is not to argue thatthis place should become less robust; rather,more relevant and with a better framework inwhich to operate.

Apart from the principle, there is no ques-tion about the quality of the candidate thatwe are nominating. Mr Harry Jenkins is acandidate who is respected on all sides of theparliament. He has as good an understandingof the procedures and standing orders asanyone in this place and, I would suggest,better than almost all. He has been in theparliament since 1986. He has been schooledin its procedures. From 1993 to 1996 he wasthe Deputy Speaker, and from 1996 to nowhe has been the Second Deputy Speaker.

Mr Speaker, you yourself praised his roleand supported him. You supported the factthat he had a conciliatory role in that job.You said you did not want to prejudice theoutcome, and I accept that. But, clearly, ifHarry Jenkins is elected by the parliament,we would have a team that could work to-gether to restore public faith in this institu-tion. I think that is terribly important. Par-liament should grasp this opportunity. It is anopportunity that presents itself uniquely tothis parliament, and that is why it should begrabbed. It reflects the stated desires of thePrime Minister. In 1996, Mr Howard, as thenewly elected Prime Minister, said:You will never have a completely independentSpeaker in this country unless the Opposition isprepared to come halfway and commit itself tonot opposing the Speaker at a subsequent elec-tion.

That is the commitment that the opposition ismaking, Prime Minister.

Mr Howard—What? In the election?Mr CREAN—No, we are saying that we

will not oppose him in terms of his role inthis place. We are not proposing the West-minster model.

Mr Howard—But you would still run aLabor candidate against him.

Mr CREAN—No, we would not.Mr Howard interjecting—


Mr CREAN—If you want to have a dis-cussion about this then respond to the invita-tion, Prime Minister, but do not misrepresentour position. Here is a unique opportunity. Itis an opportunity to implement your policy.It would seem that we are now in the ridicu-lous position whereby I am putting forwardthe Prime Minister’s policy and he is reject-ing it. I am proposing it, and you are reject-ing it. This is absurd.

Instead of starting the third term, PrimeMinister, breaking yet another promise, seizethe moment. Let us agree in the best interestsof the parliament and the people to try toregain the public’s respect. I urge the parlia-ment to support Harry Jenkins so that we cancommence the road to an independentSpeaker and underpin a more modern Aus-tralian parliament. If my motion fails todayand if Labor wins the next election, I willensure that the Speaker is fully independentby implementing the policy that I have speltout. I urge the parliament to get behind thismotion and set the parliament on a modernpath.

Ms HALL (Shortland) (5.12 p.m.)—MrSpeaker, firstly, I would like to congratulateyou on your re-election and say that I knowthat you will preside over this parliamentwith great dignity and fairness. It is an hon-our to be elected to this 40th Parliament, andit is an even greater honour to be asked tosecond this motion that Harry Jenkins beappointed Deputy Speaker. I endorse thewords of the Leader of the Opposition, be-cause without cooperation this parliamentwill not grow and flourish. What he has pro-posed is the first step toward this, and elect-ing Harry Jenkins is also a step towards abetter parliament.

There is no better candidate for the posi-tion of Deputy Speaker than Harry Jenkins.He has previously been the Deputy Speakerand the Second Deputy Speaker. I haveserved with him on committees, in caucusand in this parliament. Many of you havealso served with him on committees and inthis parliament and you know his great abil-ity to resolve issues without creating conflict.He has compassion, humour and wit. He is aperson that you can share confidences withand know that those confidences will stay

with him. He is a man of substance, a veryspecial person.

I just refer to what the member for Hinklersaid. Unlike the member for Page, HarryJenkins, whilst not suffering fools gladly, isprepared to suffer fools, and I think that thatmakes him very special and very suitable forthe position of Deputy Speaker. In perform-ing the role of Deputy Speaker, that is quiteoften what he is asked to do. As I was say-ing, no person in this parliament is bettersuited to that role. There is no person with abetter knowledge of the standing orders andthe operation of this parliament than HarryJenkins.

Mr Speaker, I refer to your words of thismorning when you thanked Harry Jenkinsfor the role that he played in the last parlia-ment—and it was a very substantial role—and said that he was always there in a con-ciliatory role, with a non-confrontationistapproach to resolving problems. That is whatis needed in the role of Deputy Speaker. Noperson is more worthy or better qualified tofill that position. I urge members to supportthe motion and embrace the change, achange that will bring about parliamentaryreform and a better future.

The SPEAKER—In accordance withstanding order 13, the bells will be rung anda ballot will be taken.

The bells having been rung and a ballothaving been taken—

The SPEAKER—Order! The result ofthe ballot is: Mr Causley, 81 votes; Mr Jen-kins, 66 votes. Mr Causley is appointedDeputy Speaker and Mr Jenkins shall beSecond Deputy Speaker.

Mr HOWARD (Bennelong—Prime Min-ister) (5.32 p.m.)—On behalf of the govern-ment, I would like to congratulate the mem-ber for Page on being elected as DeputySpeaker. I know, particularly in the circum-stances of the last parliament, when servingon the Speaker’s Panel the newly appointedDeputy Speaker impressed many memberswith his grasp of the standing orders and hiscapacity to fairly adjudicate disputes andpreside over debates in this chamber. Hebrings to the national parliament previousexperience in the New South Wales parlia-


ment and as a minister in one of the coalitiongovernments of that state. I wish him welland congratulate him.

Whilst I am on my feet, may I extend mycongratulations to the member for Scullin,who has been appointed the Second DeputySpeaker. He is a person we like and respect.We wish him well and we are sure that hewill carry out his duties with considerablefairness and distinction. I think the Househas made two very good choices in relationto the Deputy Speaker and the Second Dep-uty Speaker, and we extend great goodwill tothe member for Scullin. Many of us remem-ber with affection his father, who was aSpeaker of this House and a thoroughgoinggentleman. We wish the member for Scullinwell, and I congratulate both him and themember for Page on their appointments. Iknow they will have the goodwill and thesupport of everybody in the chamber.

Mr CREAN (Hotham—Leader of theOpposition) (5.34 p.m.)—I also congratulatethe member for Page on becoming the Dep-uty Speaker of the House. I have had experi-ence working with the member for Page in aprevious role in ministerial councils, and welook forward to working with him. I alsocongratulate Harry Jenkins. I think that hewill continue to perform the function of Sec-ond Deputy Speaker well, but we look for-ward to the opportunity, after the next elec-tion, of him perhaps becoming the first inde-pendent Speaker of this parliament.

Mr ANDERSON (Gwydir—DeputyPrime Minister) (5.34 p.m.)—I too congratu-late both gentlemen, particularly the memberfor Page, a colleague of mine who has had avery real commitment to rural and regionalissues. I think he will bring a very deep un-derstanding of parliamentary practice to thisrole, as well as his own unique and forcefulstyle. I think he will be extremely adept anddischarge his duties with very great distinc-tion. I extend too my goodwill and con-gratulations to the member for Scullin andhave no doubt that he will also add dignity tohis position when he occupies it.

Mr CAUSLEY (Page) (5.35 p.m.)—Thank you, Mr Speaker, Prime Minister andcolleagues. I thank the House for the greathonour you have bestowed upon me. I feel

privileged to have served in both the NewSouth Wales parliament and the Australianparliament. It is one of those privileges, Isuppose, that we enjoy because of the sup-port of our electorates. I did learn quite a lotin the New South Wales parliament. Thehonourable member for Reid and the hon-ourable member for Cook both went into theNew South Wales parliament on the sameday as I did. I was educated well underNeville Wran and Speaker Kelly and I amsure that I learned very quickly the proce-dures of the house.

I am sure that I will enjoy this positionand I say to honourable members that I willgive as fair a hearing to all members as pos-sible and will uphold the standing orders ofthis place. I also congratulate the honourablemember for Scullin. The honourable memberfor Scullin and I have served on severalcommittees together and we have got on verywell. I am sure we will continue to do that asthe Deputy Speaker and the Second DeputySpeaker of this House. Thank you.

Mr JENKINS (Scullin) (5.36 p.m.)—MrSpeaker, can I first congratulate you on yourre-election. I look forward to continuing towork with you in your role as Speaker. Oneof the things that we perhaps ask of presidingofficers is consistency. This being the thirdballot in which I have stood for DeputySpeaker, the third occasion I have run secondand the third occasion I have been electedSecond Deputy Speaker, I hope that that isnot the only consistency that I display.

In all seriousness, I thank the House forthe honour it has bestowed upon me. I am alittle flattered and overwhelmed by some ofthe comments that have been made aboutme, but I can only hope that I can do the du-ties that will be asked of me, with the great-est impartiality I can muster. It is very im-portant that those who relieve you in thechair do so, because it does make your task alot easier. I look forward to working with thehonourable member for Page in this newcapacity. It is true that I have experienceworking with him on parliamentary com-mittees. I believe that we have had a verygood working relationship in those situa-tions, and I look forward to that continuing.


The SPEAKER—At the conclusion ofthis ballot, I congratulate the member forPage and the member for Scullin and sayhow much I look forward to working withthem as part of the presiding officers’ team inthis parliament.

CONDOLENCESHer Royal Highness The PrincessMargaret, Countess of Snowdon

Mr HOWARD (Bennelong—Prime Min-ister) (5.38 p.m.)—I move:

That:An address to Her Majesty The Queen in the

following terms be agreed to:YOUR MAJESTY:We, the Speaker and Members of the House of

Representatives of the Commonwealth of Austra-lia in Parliament assembled, have received withprofound sorrow the news of the death of HerRoyal Highness The Princess Margaret, Countessof Snowdon. On behalf of the Australian people,we express deep sympathy to Your Majesty, HerMajesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother andother members of The Royal Family, especiallyLord Linley and The Lady Sarah Chatto.

Australians will be aware of the death at theweekend of the person we knew as PrincessMargaret, the Queen’s younger sister. After avery long illness, she died at the age of 71. Iknow that the House will want to express itssympathy particularly to her sister and her101-year-old mother. Whatever views peoplemay have about the constitutional arrange-ments in this country, it cannot be deniedthat the Queen and the Queen Mother aretwo people who as individuals are held ingreat esteem and indeed in great affection byAustralians in all walks of life and of all po-litical persuasions. Older Australians in par-ticular will have vivid memories of theyoung Queen and the young Princess Marga-ret during the World War II years, when,with their parents, the late King George VIand the Queen Mother, to many people notonly in Britain but also throughout the Brit-ish Commonwealth and throughout the freeworld, diminished as it was for so long bythe apparent success of the Nazis and theJapanese, they represented a centre and focalpoint of many of the hopes of ordinary peo-ple.

By any measure, Princess Margaret, whowas born on 21 August 1930 at Glamis Cas-tle, the Scottish seat of her mother’s fore-bears, lived a life of material and economicprivilege. But, as is so often the case, peoplewho are born into those circumstances do notalways experience uninterrupted personalhappiness and personal contentment and ful-filment. As I mentioned a moment ago, Aus-tralians of older generations will rememberthe two young princesses and the contribu-tion that both of them made to the variouscharitable activities associated with the wareffort in the United Kingdom and subse-quently. Many Australians of that generationwill also remember that, for a person whoseproximity to the throne was naturally moredistant than that of others, Princess Margaretmade an exemplary sacrifice for duty in 1955when, quite plainly out of deference to thewishes of her family and the teachings of thethen Church of England, she renounced anyintention of marrying Group Captain Town-send. It is instructing to read the words thatwere contained in her statement of October1955. They may seem in today’s age ratherquaint and old-fashioned, but they indicate adegree of commitment to a values systemthat she was willing to uphold. She said:... mindful of the Church’s teaching that Christianmarriage is indissoluble, and conscious of myduty to the Commonwealth, I have resolved to putthese considerations before any others.

As we know, she was to go on and marryAntony Armstrong-Jones in WestminsterAbbey in 1960, and that was a marriage thatregrettably was dissolved in 1978.

She was described as a person who wasable to move in a circle of younger peoplewhose way of life reflected the changesthrough which postwar society in Britain wasgradually passing in a way that was denied toher sister the Queen. It was very plainthroughout her life that she remained veryclose to her sister. The royal family is verymuch public property. When a marriage isdissolved in the royal family it is a matterwhich is splashed across the headlines of thetabloids and there is a privacy denied to peo-ple in that kind of position which is availableto many other citizens. Her life was notwithout its areas of criticism, it was not


without its behaviour that attracted disap-proval from many people, but are there anyof us who can argue that we do not live livesthat might not from time to time, if they werefully known, attract the disapproval andcriticism of others? I thought that PrinceCharles spoke very movingly of his aunt’sdeath when, in paying his tribute, he said:... it was hard, let alone for her to bear it, but forall of us as well, particularly as she had such awonderfully free spirit. She loved life and lived itto the full.

He was speaking of the considerable painand discomfort she suffered in the final yearsof her life, and that was apparent in her sev-eral appearances associated with the 100thbirthday celebration for her mother and alsoon her mother’s 101st birthday.

It ought to be recorded that, although cer-tain other aspects of her life attracted a lot ofpublicity, she was a patron or the president ofmore than 80 organisations. She was veryinvolved in the National Society for the Pre-vention of Cruelty to Children, the RoyalCollege of Nursing, Queen Alexandra’sRoyal Army Nursing Corps, the MigraineTrust and Barnardo’s, where she was presi-dent from 1948 until 1984.

At the height of her public activities in thelate 1970s and early 1980s Princess Margaretwas carrying out more than 300 engagementsa year. She had an immense and very genu-ine interest in the arts, which at a young ageincluded a talent for the piano as well as afine singing voice. In 1957 she was made anhonorary Doctor of Music of London Uni-versity, and in that same year she became thefirst president of the Royal Ballet. She was amember of the royal family who had a veryclose identification with the world of enter-tainment and the film industry and many ofthe great stars of not only the United King-dom but Hollywood as well.

Her death is a particular blow to hermother, made all the more poignant by thefact that the burial will take place on the 50thanniversary of the burial of the late KingGeorge VI, the Queen’s father, a personwhose sudden and unpredicted accession tothe throne in 1936, on the abdication of KingEdward VIII, changed the life of the then

infant Princess Margaret and her older sisterElizabeth.

Many Australians met Princess Margareton her two visits to Australia, in 1972 and1975. She carried out those duties in a warmand friendly fashion. She was a vivaciousperson who enjoyed life to the full. In aprivileged environment, against a back-ground of being born into particularly atypi-cal circumstances, her life contained its mo-ments of happiness and its moments of sor-row. On behalf of the government, and Iknow on behalf of all members of the House,I extend particular condolences to her sister,Her Majesty the Queen, and to her mother. Itis pleasing that the Queen’s attendance atCHOGM and her visit to South Australia andQueensland will go ahead notwithstandingthe death of her sister. On behalf of all mem-bers of the parliament, I extend to the Queen,to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and toPrincess Margaret’s two children our condo-lences and our sympathy, and we record ourrespect for the contribution she made to pub-lic life in the fulfilment of her duties as amember of the royal family.

Mr CREAN (Hotham—Leader of theOpposition) (5.48 p.m.)—I second the motionmoved by the Prime Minister. It is a terribletragedy when a mother loses a daughter, andmembers of the Labor Party express ourdeepest sympathies to the Queen Mother onthe loss of her daughter, Her Royal HighnessPrincess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon.Our thoughts and sympathies also go out tothe Queen, who lost her only sister, and toPrincess Margaret’s children, Lord Linleyand Lady Sarah, at this very sad time for allof them.

Princess Margaret visited Australia twice.In 1972 she toured Western Australia withher husband, Lord Snowdon, undertakingmany formal duties, and she met many peo-ple, including indigenous Australians. Onthat trip she unveiled a commemorativeplaque for the Princess Margaret Hospital forChildren in Perth, which was named in herhonour. In 1975 she visited again to helpcommemorate the 25th anniversary of theWomen’s Royal Australian Army Corps. Sheheld a number of honorary commands in theBritish Armed Forces.


Princess Margaret did use her office forgood public duties. She served a number ofcharities and public organisations that pro-moted the welfare of children. There wasBarnardo’s—the Prime Minister mentionedthat for 36 years she was involved with thatorganisation—and also the Invalid Children’sAid Association. She also had very strongconnections with nurses and the nursing pro-fession, including the Royal College ofNursing and the National Council of Nursesof the United Kingdom. She had a long-termassociation with English and Scottish cul-ture, including the Royal Ballet, the LondonFestival Ballet and the Sadler’s Wells Foun-dation.

But she will mostly be remembered forthe way she lived her life, in particular herinability to marry Group Captain PeterTownsend. She was ahead of her times butshe was also a victim of her times. PrincessMargaret had much popular support over themarriage plans but not institutional or politi-cal support. Looking back at the history ofthat episode reminds us of how things havechanged. The then cabinet, under SirWinston Churchill, actually made it knownthat they would not approve the marriagebecause Captain Townsend had been di-vorced.

Thankfully, today we live in more enlight-ened times and it is hard to see today politi-cians involving themselves so directly in theprivate affairs of women in that way. Prin-cess Margaret was a modern and defiantroyal. Although it often made life difficultfor her, by courting controversy and creatingprecedence, she helped gain sympathy forthe difficulties faced by women in prominentpublic roles. Our sympathies go out to thefamily. She is a very sad loss for all of us.

Mr ANDERSON (Gwydir—DeputyPrime Minister) (5.51 p.m.)—In joining inthis condolence motion I know that I speaknot only for my own party but for all mem-bers of the House and, I am sure, the over-whelming majority of Australians. Her RoyalHighness Princess Margaret was born in1930, as the Prime Minister referred to. Itwas a royal birth in the old style. There wasthe lighting of a huge beacon and there were41 gun salutes all over the place. Church

bells rang out all over England. PrincessMargaret and her older sister Elizabethseemed destined for a sheltered and comfort-able life until their future changed dramati-cally in 1936, the year that began with thedeath of the old King George V and endedwith the abdication of Edward VIII.

Elizabeth was suddenly the heir presump-tive and the pomp of royal ritual closed in onthe family. In her 20s, as has been alluded tohere, Princess Margaret chose duty over herheart, a decision that unquestionably echoedthrough the rest of her life. Despite that, shecarried out a very busy schedule of royalengagements, which included two visits toAustralia, in 1972 and 1975. As has beenmentioned here, at the height of her publicengagements she carried out more than 300functions and commitments a year.

It sometimes seems that our fascinationwith the glamour, the colour and sometimesthe controversy—and certainly, when it ex-ists, the tragedy—that attend the lives ofthose who are in that public eye allows us totoo readily overlook important things like asense of duty, a commitment to others and awillingness to put in many hours, often inself-sacrificial activities. Last year we cele-brated the International Year of the Volun-teer, a good thing to celebrate. Frankly, I wasone Australian who was somewhat unaware,until I started to prepare for this motion, ofthe extent to which Princess Margaret reallywas prepared to make sacrifices in the inter-ests of doing things for other people wellbeyond that which she might reasonablyhave been expected to make, notwithstand-ing her very high position.

Princess Margaret will be remembered notonly for those charitable activities and herstrong interest in them but also for her youthactivities and her interest in the arts. As hasbeen mentioned, she was also very promi-nent in the British National Society for thePrevention of Cruelty to Children—ofcourse, a work that all of us in this placewould very strongly recognise and support.Princess Margaret had a long associationwith the Girl Guide movement which beganin 1937 when she became a Brownie in thefirst Buckingham Palace Girl Guide troop. Inlater life, she was Chief Ranger of the Com-


monwealth and President of the Girl GuidesAssociation. She had a close interest in thearts. She was first President of the RoyalBallet and patron of the Scottish Ballet.

Princess Margaret is survived by two chil-dren from her marriage to the Earl of Snow-don—Lord Linley and Lady Sarah Chatto.She emphasised that her children were notmembers of the royal family and that theywere therefore able to develop their own tal-ents in their own ways. Lord Linley becamean accomplished cabinet-maker and his sisterworked in the film industry before becominga painter. As I said earlier, I know that all ofus would join in expressing our sympathiesto her children, to her family and to hermany friends and admirers everywhere.

Question agreed to, honourable membersstanding in their places.

Adermann, Hon. Albert Evan, AOFreeth, Hon. Sir Gordon, KBE

Chaney, Hon. Sir Frederick Charles,KBE, AFC

Mr HOWARD (Bennelong—Prime Min-ister) (5.56 p.m.)—I move:

That this House expresses its deep regret at thedeaths of the following former Ministers, theHonourable Albert Evan Adermann, AO, formerMember for Fisher and Fairfax, the HonourableSir Gordon Freeth, KBE, former Member forForrest, and the Honourable Sir Frederick CharlesChaney, KBE, CBE, AFC, former Member forPerth, and that the House places on record itsappreciation of their long and meritorious service,and tenders its profound sympathy to their fami-lies in their bereavement.These three ministers served in the parlia-ment over a very long period going back tothe 1950s and up until, in the case of EvanAdermann, the early 1990s. Evan Adermannwas born in Kingaroy on 10 March 1927. Heattended Brisbane Boys College and theUniversity of Queensland, where he receiveda Bachelor of Commerce. He was a dairyfarmer, a public accountant, a councillor onthe Kingaroy Shire Council and a greatcricket fan. He married Joan in 1951 andthey had three sons and two daughters. Hewas elected as the member for Fisher in 1972following the retirement of his father, thelate Sir Charles Adermann. He held the seatuntil 1984, when he was elected as the mem-

ber for the redistributed seat of Fairfax, aseat he held until his retirement prior to the1990 election. He was opposition spokesmanfor customs and excise when I entered theparliament in 1974, and he became Ministerfor the Northern Territory, Minister Assist-ing the Minister for National Resources,Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and MinisterAssisting the Minister for Primary Industry.

I served in the first Fraser ministry along-side Evan Adermann. If ever a person quali-fied for the description of being an essen-tially very decent, thoroughgoing gentleman,it was Evan Adermann. He was friendly andconscientious. He was a decent man. Hecared for people. I remember him best assomebody who worked tirelessly on the re-establishment of Darwin after CycloneTracy. Of course, the reconstruction commis-sion had been established by the Whitlamgovernment, but much work remained to bedone after the Fraser government waselected. He was a devoted member of theChurch of Christ and he gave much of histime as a lay preacher in that church. He washonoured in 1990 as an Officer of the Orderof Australia for service to the parliament andservice to the Church of Christ in Queen-sland. On behalf of the government, I extendto his wife Joan, to his children Joanne,Jenny, David, Peter and John and to othermembers and friends our very deep and sin-cere sympathy in their bereavement.

There would not be anybody in the par-liament now who would have served whenSir Gordon Freeth was here. Sir GordonFreeth left the parliament having been de-feated in the seat of Forrest in the 1969 elec-tion. He then continued to make very signifi-cant contributions to public life, including avery successful period of time as Australia’sHigh Commissioner to the United Kingdom.He was born on 6 August 1914 at Angastonin South Australia. He attended SydneyChurch of England Grammar School, Guild-ford Grammar School in Western Australiaand the University of Western Australia,where he gained his law degree in 1938.

In 1938 he competed in the Sydney Em-pire Games where he rode in the winningfour. In 1939 he married Joan Baker and theyhad twin daughters, Felicity and Susan, as


well as a son, Robert. In 1939 he set up hislaw practice at Katanning in Western Aus-tralia. He enlisted in the Royal AustralianAir Force in World War II and flew Beau-forts in New Guinea, and he was a flightlieutenant by the time he was demobilised in1945. He belonged to that very special groupof members of parliament known affection-ately as the 49ers. Many of them were sweptin as returned servicemen in the 1949 elec-tion. He was returned to parliament seventimes, and in 1955—something unknownnow—he was returned unopposed in the seatof Forrest. There are not too many examplesof that occurring now. I think that, while youhave public funding, it is unlikely to comeback. He held his seat until 1969 and, as theforeign minister and I were reflecting earlier,the view is that a speech that he made at thetime about the presence of Soviet naval ca-pacity in the Indian Ocean was one of thethings used by his political opponents on theright-hand side of politics to bring about hisdefeat.

He did have a very long and distinguishedministerial career. He was Minister for theInterior and Minister for Works in 1958, andover the next 10 years he also held the posi-tions of Minister Assisting the Attorney-General, Minister for Shipping and Trans-port, Minister for Air and Minister Assistingthe Treasurer. He was appointed Minister forExternal Affairs, replacing Sir Paul Hasluck,in 1969 when Sir Paul became Governor-General, and he held that position until hewas defeated at the 1969 election. He wasAmbassador to Japan from 1970 to 1973 andHigh Commissioner to the United Kingdomfrom 1977 to 1980. In 1978 he was knightedfor his distinguished public and parliamen-tary service.

He was a very keen and accomplishedsportsman. He was known as a strong squashplayer. He also enjoyed boxing, rowing, run-ning and swimming in his younger years. AsI mentioned earlier, he was part of a success-ful four at the Empire Games in 1938. I per-sonally got to know Sir Gordon Freeth whenhe was High Commissioner in London in thelate 1970s when I was Minister for SpecialTrade Negotiations. I found him a gracious,courteous, helpful and charming person to

deal with. He represented this country withvery great dignity and style, both in Japanand in the United Kingdom, and I want torecord my personal gratitude for the manycourtesies he extended to me on those occa-sions. On behalf of the government, I want toextend to his children, Felicity, Susan andRobert, and to other family members andfriends, our very sincere sympathy in theirbereavement.

Frederick Charles Chaney was born on 12October, also in 1914, at Fremantle. Life inthe early years was very difficult for him andfor his widowed mother during the GreatDepression. After completing his primaryeducation at state and Catholic schools, Fredwas granted a scholarship to the CBC Aqui-nas College. In 1932 he joined the state edu-cation department, not being able to afforduniversity, and pursued a career as a teacher.He married Mavis, a fellow teacher, in 1938and they had four sons and three daughters.

In 1941 he enlisted in the RAAF, where hetrained as a pilot and became a flying in-structor. He served in Australia, New Guineaand Borneo and for a time he performedRAAF reconnaissance as a member of thelegendary Z Force commando unit. As a re-sult of a number of daring rescue missions,Fred was awarded the Air Force Cross forcourage, skill and resourcefulness. After hisdischarge in 1945, he returned to teachingand became a deputy headmaster. He was thefirst World War II veteran to become West-ern Australian President of the RSL.

He was elected as the member for Perth in1955 and he retained the seat until 1969. Hewas Government Whip in 1962 and 1963 at atime when the coalition had a majority ofone. He was appointed as Minister for theNavy shortly after the Voyager disaster. Hewas Administrator of the Northern Territoryfrom 1970 to 1973, and it was during thistime that he developed a very strong interestin matters affecting the indigenous people ofthis country. He was made a Commander ofthe Order of the British Empire in the 1970New Year’s honours for long political andpublic service and he was knighted in 1981.On behalf of the government, I extend to hiswife, Mavis, and his children, Robyn, Fred,Karen, Richard, Michael, John and Jillian,


and their husbands and wives and childrenand to other family members and friends ourmost sincere sympathy in their bereavement.I did not know Fred Chaney all that well butmy personal contact with him was such that Ifound him to be an immensely likeable per-son who mixed very easily. He obviouslywould have brought to this parliament thatexperience of World War II which was socommon for men of his generation whoserved in this parliament.

The Chaney family were a great andstrong family, and they have had a consider-able political influence in Western Australiaand on this parliament. One of Fred’s sons,Fred, served in the Senate and in the Houseof Representatives and one of his daughtersmarried Ross McLean, who was also themember for Perth until 1983. To the ex-tended Chaney family, I extend my personalsympathy and the sympathy of all membersof this House.

Mr Speaker, I know that you will, in amoment, also refer to the death of three for-mer members. With your indulgence, could Iattach my sympathy to that reference. DavidHamer was a Liberal colleague of ours inboth the Senate and the House of Represen-tatives. He was the member for Isaacs, de-feated in the 1974 election and re-elected in1975. In 1977, he re-entered the parliamentas a senator for Victoria, and he held thisposition until 1990. Ralph Jacobi—who inmy early years I found to be a great debatingopponent in this place on a lot of issues, par-ticularly issues relating to financial mat-ters—had a very good brain on financialmatters, and he was a great example ofsomebody who I think was of the generationthat, by dent of economic circumstances, hadto be self-taught. I found him a very likeableperson and somebody who would alwaysenter into the good spirit of the debate on asubstantive issue. He was elected as themember for Hawker in 1969 and held theseat for 18 years until his voluntary retire-ment in 1987.

I did not know Cathrine Brownbill. Shewas the member for Kingston. She waselected in the Holt landslide to the seat ofKingston in 1966 and held the seat until herdefeat in 1969. I also extend, by incorpora-

tion in the motion, a reference to those threeformer members.

Mr CREAN (Hotham—Leader of theOpposition) (6.10 p.m.)—I second the motionof the Prime Minister, because through it theparliament pays its respects to three minis-ters who have served their nation in time ofwar and peace—two of whom as servicemen.I will not repeat the histories of those minis-ters. The Prime Minister has done that ap-propriately, and we simply acknowledgethose points. However, there are a few addi-tional points I would like to make.

The Hon. Gordon Freeth, the Hon. SirFred Chaney and the Hon. Albert Adermannserved in a wide range of ministries, and af-ter leaving the parliament they continued toserve the public. Two of them in particulardid this—Sir Fred Chaney as Lord Mayor ofPerth and another as an ambassador from thiscountry to Japan and subsequently as HighCommissioner to London.

A common theme in this condolence andthat of some of the non-ministers whosecontributions are also being acknowledgedtoday is that most of the deceased had distin-guished military careers. Gordon Freeth flewbombers with the RAAF in New Guinea andSir Frederick Chaney flew with the RAAF asan artillery spotter in New Guinea and Bor-neo. He was awarded the Air Force Cross, asthe Prime Minister mentioned. He was laterMinister for the Navy. Albert Adermann,whilst he did not serve, had contact with vet-erans as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.David Hamer—who, whilst not the subjectof this condolence, will be discussed afterthis—was decorated for his part in the navalcampaigns in the Pacific in 1945 that weresubject to Kamikaze attack. He served inKorea and rose to be a destroyer squadroncommander. With young Australians nowserving abroad in two theatres—East Timorand the war on terrorism—it is fitting that wehonour their service and that of all of ourveterans.

They were also concerned with issues thatstill concern us today. Fred Chaney had akeen interest in Aboriginal affairs and edu-cation, and he was made a blood brother ofthe Groote Eylandt artist Yirawala. EvanAdermann and Fred Chaney both played a


part in the development of the Northern Ter-ritory, as minister and administrator of thatTerritory respectively. So we, the memberson this side of the House, convey our re-spects to the families and friends of the de-ceased ministers.

With your indulgence, Mr Speaker, Iwould also like to note the death of RalphJacobi. He was, as the Prime Minister indi-cated, a fierce defender and representative ofSouth Australia; he took a very keen interest.He and his wife, Stella, were known veryclosely to my parents—both of whom are inthe chamber today. Ralph was one of thosepeople who just did not give up on his pas-sions and his interests, and with the HIHcollapse he was in constant correspondencewith me, as shadow Treasurer, indicating thesorts of reforms that should have taken place.He served as the member for Hawker from1969 to 1987. I hope that there will be anopportunity for me—perhaps in one of theadjournment slots, Mr Speaker—to say somemore about Ralph. He was a great defenderof democracy; he was a person that gave ithis all. He was a great representative in theparliament, not just for the Labor Party butfor the people of Hawker.

Mr ANDERSON (Gwydir—DeputyPrime Minister) (6.14 p.m.)—I rise to join thePrime Minister and the Leader of the Oppo-sition in expressing my condolences to thefamilies and friends of all of those who havebeen mentioned but in particular to those ofEvan Adermann. I would like to speak verybriefly about him, and I know that there arethose in the House who maintained closecontact with him until quite recent times.That would particularly apply to some of myQueensland colleagues in the National Party.

I briefly overlapped with him in this placein terms of parliamentary service from thetime that I entered at a by-election in 1989through to his retirement at the electioncalled by then Prime Minister Hawke inearly 1990, so I do not claim to have knownhim well personally, but he was very highlyregarded for his decency. He was by then nota young man anymore, but his gentleness, hishumility and his consideration of others andtheir needs were qualities that made them-selves apparent almost immediately upon

meeting him, and it is right that those quali-ties have been so generously noted here to-day.

His father, who had been a member ofparliament before him for some 30 years,had served as Deputy Speaker, the Ministerfor Primary Industries and, from 1964 to1966, as Deputy Leader of the Country Party.Evan followed. As has been mentioned, hehad a Bachelor of Commerce and he hadworked as a dairy farmer, a public account-ant and been a shire councillor before hecame to this place.

Evan Adermann, as the Prime Ministersaid, was a very hard worker in terms of hisresponsibilities as Minister for the NorthernTerritory in 1975. When it came to rebuild-ing Darwin, he was active indeed. He wasalso the minister responsible for declaringthe Uluru National Park and was responsible,too, for establishing the Territory’s self-government arrangements. Indeed, he was sogood at his job that he lost his job. The ap-pointment of the first Northern Territorygovernment meant that Canberra no longerneeded a specialist Northern Territory min-ister, and he went then to Veterans’ Affairs.

His great achievement there, not to beoverlooked, was to establish the first medicalinquiry into the effects of defoliants such asAgent Orange on Australian servicemen inVietnam, something that I know has pluckedat the heartstrings of all of us who have con-sidered the plight of those who returned fromVietnam—a group of men and women whofor too long were not accorded their properplace and respect in our community for thatwhich they were engaged in. They left thiscountry, many of them I suspect very reluc-tantly, to participate in an engagement thatthey felt they ought to participate in as loyalAustralians but they were not exactlybrought home as heroes. That has left deepscars on many of those people. Evan was onewho understood that and worked hard to turnaround attitudes. We can say today that wehonestly do respect and have a very greatsympathy for what those young Australianswho went to Vietnam went through on ourbehalf.

Evan Adermann left the ministry in 1980and retired 10 years later. He was appointed


as an Officer of the Order of Australia in the1999 Queen’s Birthday honours for serviceto the Australian parliament, and I under-stand that that meant a great deal to him andto his family. He did not allow his politicalachievements to distract him from the mostimportant aspects of his life, which he saw ashis church and his family. He was a devotedmember of the Church of Christ and a laypreacher in that organisation. I again joinwith the Prime Minister and the Leader ofthe Opposition in extending my sympathy,the party’s sympathy and the parliament’ssympathy to his wife, Joan, and his children,Joanne, Jenny, David, Peter and John.

The SPEAKER—There seems to besome confusion about the matter before us,and that is not what anyone would want overa condolence motion. The difficulty hasarisen because the briefing I had did not in-dicate that there were other people wantingto speak on the motion of condolence forPrincess Margaret. We intend to facilitatethat as soon as we can. The motion I cur-rently have before the chair deals with thedeaths of Mr Evan Adermann, Mr GordonFreeth and Sir Frederick Charles Chaney. Ithought that ought to be dealt with appropri-ately. We will then return to the PrincessMargaret condolence motion. If that causesconfusion in the House, I regret that, but itwould seem to me to be the most dignifiedway in which to deal with this matter.

Mr STEPHEN SMITH (Perth) (6.19p.m.)—I wish to associate myself with theremarks of the Prime Minister and theLeader of the Opposition in respect of thelate Frederick Chaney Sr, member for Perthfrom 1955 to 1969. I have been a resident ofthe seat of Perth since 1967 and Fred ChaneySr is the only post World War II member forPerth whom I have not personally cam-paigned either for or against. I did howeverhave the great pleasure of campaigning withhim during the republic referendum in 1999,when all of the surviving members for Perthjointly campaigned on a ‘yes’ unity ticket.

It is not, however, just my regard for SirFred Chaney Sr as a republican which seesme join his condolence motion today. He isof course a most distinguished predecessoras member for Perth. He is held in high re-

gard by the people of Perth, both as a mem-ber for Perth and subsequently as LordMayor of the city of Perth. This regardcrosses political boundaries and is in myview the bedrock of the respect which theChaney name has in Western Australia today.

Together with the member for Brand, Iwas able to attend Sir Fred’s funeral servicejust before Christmas. He was given whatyou could only describe as a terrific send-offby friends, family and members of the com-munity; in particular, those people involvedand active in the Catholic community inWestern Australia, those people interested ineducational and Aboriginal issues in WesternAustralia and members of the returned serv-ices community, who held him in fond re-gard as a local member, a state president ofthe RSL and as a service minister in thecourse of his parliamentary and ministerialcareer.

I wish to extend my condolences to thefamily, particularly those members of theChaney family whom I have had some per-sonal contact with over the years; in particu-lar, Fred Jr, a member for Pearce in this placepreviously and now associated very muchpublicly with reconciliation and Aboriginalissues; Dr Ric Chaney, a well regarded andcommunity orientated general practitioner ofmedicine in the electorate of Perth—indeed,in the suburb in which I live; Michael, a wellknown and respected member of the Perthbusiness community; John Chaney, theyounger son, who was a couple of yearsabove me at law school and now a distin-guished legal practitioner; and Ross McLean,his son-in-law, also a former member forPerth.

The interests and regard of the membersof the Chaney family reflect the values, prin-ciples and humanitarian and Christian beliefsthat Sir Fred Chaney, in my view, stood forand exemplified over a long period of time. Ihave great pleasure in associating myselfwith the remarks of the Prime Minister andthe Leader of the Opposition. I commend themotion to the House.

Mr TRUSS (Wide Bay—Minister for Ag-riculture, Fisheries and Forestry) (6.22p.m.)—Today the House is recording andrecognising the contribution of a number of


distinguished Australians to our national life.I would like to speak specifically about EvanAdermann, a man whom I have known formost of my life. He served with my father onthe Kingaroy Shire Council. His father, SirCharles Adermann, was my federal memberduring most of my childhood years and, in-deed, was a man I admired very greatly. Heencouraged me personally in my own publiclife. Sir Charles was the agriculture ministerin the Menzies government and, as the Dep-uty Prime Minister mentioned, he rose to beDeputy Leader of the National Party in thisHouse.

It was a different era but he enjoyed a re-spect and admiration of his constituents inthe community that I think is lost in the cur-rent generation. Sir Charles was a gentle andcaring man, a farmer, an industry leader—one of the fathers of the peanut industry—abusinessman, a shire councillor, a prominentchurchman, a member of parliament and aminister. Evan, his oldest son, was a gentleand caring man, a farmer, an industry leader,a businessman, a shire councillor, a promi-nent churchman, a member of parliament anda minister. They were indeed a distinguishedfather and son team.

Evan was born in Kingaroy on 10 March1927. He went to school in Kingaroy andBrisbane, and then studied medicine atQueensland University. He came to the viewthat medicine was not his calling and so hepurchased a business in Kingaroy and alsowent into farming. He was farming at a littleplace called Corndale, which is just outsideof Kingaroy, and he must have been verynear to another famous Kingaroy lad by thename of Matthew Hayden. Matthew was lastnight named Cricketer of the Year. I am surethat Evan followed his career with great in-terest, as do the many other Kingaroyites onthis side of the chamber admire Matthew’sachievements.

While he was farming, he became an ex-ternal student at Queensland University andobtained his bachelor of commerce degree. Itwas while he was practising as an accountantthat I first came to know him in Kingaroy.He served on the Kingaroy Shire Council fornine years, on the hospital board and in theMaryborough dairy association. He was sec-

retary of many local community organisa-tions, including the Booie Soil ConservationGroup and a parents and citizens association.He was a director and later the chairman ofradio station 4SB, in which the Adermannfamily took a very keen interest. He marriedJoan Hovard, whom he had met during histime in Brisbane. Her brother Bill has beenmy campaign director for four of my electioncampaigns. He had a particularly keen inter-est in the church, as others have mentioned.He was a Sunday school teacher, a youthleader, a deacon and a lay preacher. After heretired from parliament, he became presidentof the Queensland Churches of Christ and,right up to his death, took a keen interest inchurch affairs, including the KenmoreTheological Board.

Evan was a man who certainly contributedenormously to the local community. Whenhe retired from parliament in 1990, the cur-tain fell on 47 years of father and son repre-sentation for the Kingaroy and later the Sun-shine Coast regions in this House. TheAdermann family made a remarkable contri-bution to Kingaroy and the Kingaroy district,and also to the nation. Others have referredto Evan’s ministerial service as Minister forthe Northern Territory. In fact, he was thelast Minister for the Northern Territory, be-cause after self-government there was noneed for such a department. He was alsoprominent in the period when the recon-struction of Darwin after Cyclone Tracy wasprominent in the national agenda.

Evan was a gentle, loving and dedicatedman, but he was also strong, loyal and de-termined. There was perhaps one thing thatEvan put above his service to his communityand even his dedication to his family, andthat was his love of God and his commitmentto his church. This was very much the firstthing in his life. Even in his latter days, whenhe endured much pain and disfiguring sur-gery, his faith never wavered. His devotionto his family, to his friends and to thosearound him was certainly appreciated, but healways turned for comfort to his God and tohis lifelong faith.

At his funeral service, there was a littlepoem that I think gave encouragement tohim, but also to others who face his illnesses.


It read: cancer is so limited; it cannot cripplelove, it cannot shatter hope, it cannot corrodefaith, it cannot remove peace, it cannot de-stroy confidence, it cannot kill friendship, itcannot shut out memories, it cannot silencecourage, it cannot invade the soul, it cannotreduce eternal life, it cannot quench thespirit, it cannot lessen the power of the resur-rection. It was with that spirit that Evan en-dured his last difficult times.

His funeral, though, was not an occasionof sorrow or despair; it was a celebration ofhis achievements but also a celebration ofhope for his family, friends and those whowere with him of the sure and certain confi-dence that he was leaving this earth to bewith his Heavenly Father in a far happierplace. Evan has made a great contribution tothis country. I record my sympathies to Joanand the family. I appreciate very much thehelp and assistance that Evan has provided tome over the years and I recognise the enor-mous contribution—the almost unparalleledcontribution—that the Adermann familyhave made to the South Burnett region, inmy own electorate, and also now parts of theSunshine Coast.

Mr BEAZLEY (Brand) (6.29 p.m.)—No-one who attended the funeral of Fred Chaneycould fail to have been impressed by severalthings. The first was the magnificent familyover whom he was the patriarch for so longand the massive contribution that family hasmade to the political, social and economiclife in Western Australia.

The second thing that would have im-pressed those who attended was what a fullhuman being Fred Chaney was. He was aknockabout character, a character not with-out erudition. He was a person who repli-cated in his life many of the attributes thatAustralians like to attach to themselves andwho took those attributes not just from wherethey are often to be found, and joyfully to befound—around the bar at bowling clubs,RSL clubs or whatever—but from the hallsof this parliament, local government and theadministration of an important territory likethe Northern Territory. In all those places hefound himself to be in a situation with whichhe was always entirely comfortable. He drewto himself people of all sorts of views, not

just those views to which he himself waspersonally attached.

The third thing that those attending thatfuneral would have been impressed by wasthe enormous affection and regard in whichhe and his family are held by the huge num-ber of people who attended from all politicalparties. It was a celebration of a great West-ern Australian life and a great Western Aus-tralian family. My sympathies go to Mavisand to all the children and grandchildren—the enormous numbers of them who got upand expressed themselves in different waysabout the love they had for their dad, theirgrandad and their relative.

I also want to take the indulgence that thePrime Minister did—although I do realisethat I am on less indulgence these days than Ionce was—to say a word or two about RalphJacobi, with whom I served for seven yearsin parliament when we were at the otherplace. Ralph was a magnificent mentor tonew members of parliament like me. GarethEvans once complained that he had a wholefiling cabinet full of Ralph’s magnificentobsessions. Most of those magnificent obses-sions ran to the financial management andaccountability of companies. Most of whatRalph had to say was absolutely on the but-ton. Almost nothing that Ralph had to saywas ever implemented in legislation. Theconsequences are collapse, after collapse,after collapse and shareholders being rippedoff and the like.

Ralph, on his deathbed, was worried aboutthe outcome of HIH. When I phoned him theday before he died, Ralph was still keen toget from me the Temby report into the affairsof some financial shysters operating in West-ern Australia. They were truly magnificentobsessions, protecting the position of theordinary shareholder and the ordinary cus-tomer of companies in this country. He pur-sued his concerns in that regard well beyondhis life in parliament, literally to the grave.

Ralph had other obsessions as well. WhenI spoke to him I said that we still had notmanaged to catch up on the Middle East sub-committee of the joint foreign affairs com-mittee, as far as I was aware, and his viewthat Middle East politics all stopped in 1938and began and ended with water. I served on


the joint foreign affairs committee withRalph for a period of time. That was anotherof his abiding interests—what he always re-garded as the fulcrum, if you like, of the suc-cess or failure of the international politicalsystem and the location where he mostfeared massive conflict was likely to emerge,and that was in the Middle East. Ralph wasalmost a biblical character in that concern ofhis.

He was a person of whom all of us in par-liament would be proud. He was a great par-liamentarian from an old-fashioned school.He was a person who sought his joys in theability to contribute in this place as a mem-ber of parliament with a great belief in therole of the individual member. He was notnecessarily concerned with the view that oneonly succeeds in this place by being a min-ister, cabinet minister, leader or whatever.The Australian nation is poorer for the pass-ing of Ralph.

Mr WILLIAMS (Tangney—Attorney-General) (6.33 p.m.)—I also rise to supportthe motion moved by the Prime Minister. Ido so to refer in particular to the careers ofthe last two surviving ministers in the Men-zies government from Western Australia: SirGordon Freeth, who died in November; andSir Fred Chaney, who died in December. Idid not know either of them particularlywell, but I have had extensive associationswith a number of the Chaney children, in-cluding Fred Jr, and I was at university withone of Sir Gordon Freeth’s daughters. Thereare some curious parallels in their careers,but they were vastly different people. Bothwere born in 1914, both finished the war asflight lieutenants, both came into the parlia-ment from Western Australia and both losttheir seats in 1969.

Both of them were prominent public fig-ures when I was growing up. They werereadily recognisable as significant people inthe community. Sir Fred seems to have had alot of adversity in his life. His mother waswidowed, I think twice. He went through theDepression, could not afford to go to univer-sity and ended up, virtually without anytraining at all, becoming a schoolteacher; hesubsequently went on to do further training.His reputation—not one that I could recog-

nise in his later years—was that he wassomething of a larrikin. The adversities hefaced were not only living through the De-pression and being part of the war but, whenhe was in parliament and received promo-tion, he became government whip, as thePrime Minister pointed out, at a time whenthe Menzies government had a majority ofone.

At the eulogy given by Fred Jr, referred toby the member for Perth and the member forBrand, he pointed out that earlier last yearSir Fred had given him a silver mug en-graved, ‘Fred Chaney MP, with gratitude for1962,’ and signed ‘Robert Menzies’. It musthave been a tough year for the governmentwhip in 1962. At the end of 1963 he ceasedto be whip, and in early 1964 became theMinister for Navy. He faced adversity theretoo because, not long prior to his appoint-ment as minister, the Voyager incident oc-curred, and he was the minister responsiblefor dealing with the aftermath. I have to saythat there is still litigation going on arisingout of those events.

On the suggestion that he was a larrikin, Icannot personally add anything—but it isworth referring to a story told by Fred Jr inthe eulogy at Sir Fred’s funeral. Fred Jrraised the question of why his father, with allof his talents, had not been promoted beyondthe rank of flight lieutenant. The reason hegave was in this story, which is probablytrue. Sir Fred was twice promoted to the po-sition of Acting Squadron Leader but oneach occasion the promotion was short-lived.At one stage while he was Acting SquadronLeader he was in Borneo. The wing com-mander at that time, Fred explained, had asmall pig that he was expecting to eat. It dis-appeared. Acting Squadron Leader Chaneywas constituted as a committee of inquiry ofone, to inquire into the matter. He duly re-ported that the pig had disappeared withouttrace. Shortly afterward, a party was held atthe base hospital. The wing commander waschatting with the matron and he began tointroduce Acting Squadron Leader Chaney.She said, ‘We know him; he is our favouritepilot.’ The wing commander asked why thiswas. ‘Because he gave us a delicious little


pig,’ was the reply. I am told that that wastypical of him.

As a person he seems to have enjoyed theaffection of everybody. I think he has a verysignificant lasting monument to his life in hischildren. They are all high achievers and, asthe member for Brand has pointed out, theyhave made a very significant contribution tothe life of Western Australia and they con-tinue to do so. It is also noteworthy that SirFred and his wife, Mavis, enjoyed a veryclose relationship. They were married in1938 and the marriage lasted until hisdeath—some 63 years.

Sir Gordon Freeth is a different personaltogether to Sir Fred Chaney. He cameacross as an urbane, sophisticated and politeperson. His career in parliament was longerthan Sir Fred’s—he held a number of minis-terial appointments. It is a matter of regretthat probably the last event in his ministerialcareer is one that is held against him. Hemade a fairly open and forthright statementabout the role of the Russian navy in the In-dian Ocean, for which he suffered politicalconsequences. After a distinguished careerhe served as Ambassador to Japan for fouryears, and then as High Commissioner inLondon. He died in the same year as SirFred, having been born in the same year asSir Fred. I extend my sympathy to the chil-dren of Sir Gordon Freeth and to the exten-sive family of Sir Fred Chaney.

Mr SOMLYAY (Fairfax) (6.41 p.m.)—Irise to support the condolence motion forEvan Adermann. As the Prime Minister hassaid, Evan Adermann was elected as memberfor Fisher in 1972 following the retirementof his father, Sir Charles Adermann. Evanwas the first member for Fairfax when theseat was created in 1984. I succeeded him asmember for Fairfax in 1990. Evan is actuallythe reason I moved to Queensland. I workedfor Evan Adermann from 1976 to 1980 as hisministerial chief of staff in the portfolios ofthe Northern Territory and then in veteransaffairs. Evan was also minister assistingDoug Anthony in natural resources, PeterNixon in the transport and Ian Sinclair inprimary industry.

Evan had the respect of everyone whoknew him. His departmental heads, such as

Ray Livingstone and Sir Richard Kingsland,had the utmost respect for Evan Adermannas a person and as an effective minister. Hewas a quiet man but he got the job done. Hedid not seek the limelight in his position buthe was devoted to service of the people andtheir interests. He brought the Northern Ter-ritory to self-government and was the min-ister responsible for the Darwin Reconstruc-tion Commission during the rebuilding ofDarwin after Cyclone Tracy.

He is very fondly remembered by old Ter-ritorians. As Minister for Veterans’ Affairs,he was a passionate advocate on behalf ofthe veteran community. I had the pleasure ofaccompanying him to Europe in 1978 on theoccasion of the 60th anniversary of the Ar-mistice when he joined the pilgrimage ofWorld War I veterans from Gallipoli to theSomme and to Flanders, where he visited thegrave of his father’s brother. It is ironic thatthe host of that visit, Sir Gordon Freeth, wasthe High Commissioner to the UK duringthis visit. In his private life, Evan Adermannwas the perfect family man. He was totallydevoted to his wife, Joan; to his sons, David,Peter and John; and his daughters, Joanneand Jennifer. His great passion was his loveof the Church of Christ and he played anactive role in it as a lay preacher.

I learned my politics from Evan Ader-mann during the Joh Bjelke-Peterson era inQueensland, when they played their politicspretty hard and tough. Evan was a boardmember of radio 4SB in Kingaroy. I fondlyremember travelling with him on the 3½hour journey on Saturdays to Kingaroy.Whilst he was in the board meeting, I wouldsit with his late father, Sir Charles Ader-mann, as he reminisced about his politicalcareer from 1947 through to the ‘Black Jack’McEwen days. Sir Charles told me he wouldwrite a book one day, but he never did. EvanAdermann inherited his father’s politicalskills but he never sought the top job or thepolitical limelight, though he did not lack theskills or the knowledge. He is sadly missedby his wife, Joan, and by his children, grand-children and his many friends and formercolleagues. I offer my sincere condolences tothe family. Evan Adermann was both a gen-tleman and a gentle man.


Mr SLIPPER (Fisher—ParliamentarySecretary to the Minister for Finance andAdministration) (6.45 p.m.)—Mr Speaker,because of the lateness of the hour I will notdetain the House for long, but I do want toassociate myself with the remarks of thePrime Minister in relation to the late EvanAdermann, whom I succeeded as member forFisher. Evan was a man of high principle. Hewas a Christian gentleman. As the DeputyPrime Minister pointed out, he was devotedto his family and church. He and Joan werelike parents to me. I was privileged to attendhis funeral, and I have spoken to his family.Our community is very much the poorer forhis passing. I wish to take this opportunity tosalute Evan Adermann and the very manyprinciples for which he stood.

Question agreed to, honourable membersstanding in their places.

Hamer, Mr David JohnJacobi, Mr Ralph, AM

Brownbill, Miss Kay Cathrine MillinThe SPEAKER (6.45 p.m.)—I inform the

House of the deaths of David John Hamer,Ralph Jacobi and Kay Cathrine MillinBrownbill, former members of this House.David Hamer died on 14 January 2002. Herepresented the division of Isaacs from 1969to 1974 and from 1975 to 1977. Ralph Jacobidied on 15 January 2002. He represented thedivision of Hawker from 1969 to 1987. KayBrownbill died on 3 February 2002. She rep-resented the division of Kingston from 1966to 1969. As a mark of respect to the memoryof the deceased, I invite honourable membersto rise in their places.

Honourable members having stood intheir places—

The SPEAKER—I thank the House.Her Royal Highness The PrincessMargaret, Countess of Snowdon

The SPEAKER—I should indicate tomembers that, as a result of an error in thesystem, the opportunity for people to speakto a condolence motion on Princess Margaretappears to have been lost. It is my intentionto allow those who were inadvertently de-nied that opportunity to speak to do so.Should there not be sufficient time this eve-

ning, I would accommodate people later. Iwant to assure all members that the Hansardthat will be sent to the royal family will in-clude all the condolence motions together sothey will be a mark of the respect of thisHouse for the memory of Princess Margaret.

Ms MACKLIN (Jagajaga) (6.47 p.m.)—Iwant to add my support to the condolencesexpressed by the Prime Minister, the DeputyPrime Minister and the Leader of the Oppo-sition on the death of Princess Margaret. Oursympathy goes especially to the QueenMother. As others have said, losing adaughter, even at the age that Princess Mar-garet was, is a very tough thing to experi-ence, particularly for a lady of such an ad-vanced age.

Our sympathy also goes to the Queen andto the family of Princess Margaret. As manyothers have said—and certainly as manynews reports have touched on—PrincessMargaret was a flamboyant and charismaticwoman. The essence of what I want to saytoday is that her sometimes troubled lifecertainly touched a chord with many peoplethe world over.

It is true that she made many contributionsto other people’s lives through her charitywork and her various official responsibilities.She was a patron of many charitable and pro-fessional bodies. As my colleague the mem-ber for Perth reminded me, she was a greatfriend—and, of course, the namesake—ofthat wonderful children’s hospital in Perth. Iknow that she was a very strong supporter,and longstanding supporter, of that hospital.

Despite these many good works and pro-fessional achievements, her personal life wasthe cause of examination, discussion and,still today, continuing judgment. She wasborn into a world where her every move-ment, decision—even emotion—were scruti-nised and analysed in the court of publicopinion. As the Leader of the House said tome earlier—and I thought he made a reallygood point—Princess Margaret, unlike all ofus who have chosen to go into public life,did not make that choice, but she had to dealwith the enormous amount of public atten-tion that was brought on her all through thedifficult pressures of her life.


She was a very glamorous princess whoselife was filled with many official and formalresponsibilities, but she was also confrontedwith the difficulties and challenges that allpeople have. She was familiar with the goodand the bad of life’s experiences. Some ofher decisions were celebrated and others,unfortunately, were condemned. I think shecan be described as part rebel, part perfectprincess. She appealed to many of the con-tradictions in all of us. Above all, PrincessMargaret was a woman who, like so manyothers, did her best to balance conflictingexpectations of the public and her familywith her responsibilities and her desire tofind a place of contentment for herself. Inthis way, she was a very human princess. Shewill be sadly missed by very many people.

Mr ABBOTT (Warringah—Minister forEmployment and Workplace Relations andMinister Assisting the Prime Minister for thePublic Service) (6.51 p.m.)—I wish to add tothe remarks of the Prime Minister, the Dep-uty Prime Minister, the Leader of the Oppo-sition and the gracious comments of theDeputy Leader of the Opposition in respectof Princess Margaret. When Shakespearesaid that some are born great, as opposed toachieving greatness or having greatnessthrust upon them, most of his listeners wouldhave known what he meant, because in thosedays leaders were invariably born rather thanmade. Part of the strangeness—at least tomany modern minds of the monarchy—isthat these days everyone else in public lifehas to compete for preferment. But membersof the royal family are born to live a life ofduty and service. Princess Margaret was, asthe Deputy Leader of the Opposition said, aconscript to public life. She did not ask to befamous but she was because she was a mem-ber of the royal family.

Members of the royal family occupy justabout the only positions of public leadershipwhich do not require the one in 10,000qualities of ambition, drive and intellectualcommitment. This gives the royal family,despite their lifestyles, a rare potential forempathy with the man and the woman in thestreet but it does not always equip them forlife in a goldfish bowl, and life in a goldfishbowl is certainly the life they have these

days. In the last 50 years, as Walter Bagehotfeared, daylight has been let in on majesty.Members of the royal family are no longerremote and distant figures of state. In addi-tion to their constitutional role, members ofthe royal family have become actors in akind of modern morality play, with heroesand villains according to a fickle public’sjudgment.

In the beginning of her life, Princess Mar-garet was regarded as a very charming anddelightful young lady. Her grandmother,Queen Mary, described her as ‘so outra-geously amusing that one can’t help encour-aging her’. Then, at the time of her doomedromance, as mentioned by the Prime Minis-ter, she became a tragic heroine. I think it isworth quoting, as the Prime Minister did, herstatement at the time that she did not goahead with the marriage. She said:... mindful of the Church’s teaching that Christianmarriage is indissoluble, and conscious of myduty to the Commonwealth, I have resolved to putthese considerations before any others.

That was a great and gracious statement by awoman who had the potential for greatnessin her. But later, as she discovered just howdemanding, unforgiving and lonely that lifeof duty could be, she became one of the firstroyal rebels, or at least one of the first royalrebels in an age when the media exposeevery foible of the royal family. Unlike thoseof us who volunteer ourselves as public rolemodels, Princess Margaret should not bejudged harshly because she turned out to beonly too human.

Like other ancient institutions that wehave inherited from Westminster and mademagnificently our own, the monarchy shouldbe approached in a spirit of respect as well asa spirit of critical judgment. We should notforget that when we judge our institutions weare also judging those who have lived underthem. It might even be said that our systemof government under the Crown is the worstpossible system—except for all the others.More than most institutions, the monarchyhas been subject to the relentless trivialisa-tion which is the hallmark of the modern era.It is important that we remember that it is ourroyal family, as well as the British royalfamily, especially at this time of considerable


sorrow for the royal family and for all thosecountries which enjoy government under theCrown.

Mr SWAN (Lilley) (6.56 p.m.)—I joinwith the Prime Minister, the Leader of theOpposition and others in this condolencemotion and I extend my sympathies to theroyal family. Princess Margaret was a survi-vor from a generation past, when the royalfamily was a complete symbol of stabilityand certainty. I think it is fair to say that inthe long history of that peculiar institution,the British monarchy, its standing wasprobably never higher than under George VIin the desperate days after Dunkirk in WorldWar II, when the nation faced invasion anddefeat—a point that the Prime Minister madevery well. Nations do need enduring sym-bols, and nations at war even more so.George VI himself was a shy man who couldnever have fulfilled his role alone in thosedark days. He did this of course with hisfamily, with the Queen Mother and his chil-dren.

In Australia we could argue over the dis-position of us constitutionally, but there aremany republicans here. Whatever the differ-ences we now have, it is hard for Australiansof a younger generation to understand theloyalty that older Australians have freely toking and empire. Nevertheless, it still exists.Yes, there are elements of cultural depend-ence—even cringe—when it comes to ourrelationships with the British, particularlygiven the mistakes of the British military, butstill all Australians hold that concept of em-pire and service in high esteem.

Princess Margaret grew up on the publicstage and I think it is fair to say that she be-came, over time, a rebel and in many wayswas contrasted with the stability of her sister.To maintain the status of the royal family, itwas required in those times that its membersseem a bit remote and always above criti-cism. For a time, I think that was the case forMargaret. She played the role of a romanticfairytale princess that was cast for her for atime, but disappointment in love and otherevents meant that she moved down a differ-ent road. But that should not disguise hervery good charitable works that have been

mentioned at length here tonight. I extendmy condolences to the royal family.

Mr PRICE (Chifley) (6.58 p.m.)—I alsosupport and join with the Prime Minister, theLeader of the Opposition and other speakerson this condolence motion. I certainly extendmy sympathy to the royal family: PrincessMargaret’s sister, children and grandchildren.I think we can all empathise with the sorrowthat they are currently experiencing. I havenot often spoken on condolence motions, andthis is the first time that I have spoken on acondolence motion about a person to whom Ihave sworn my allegiance on six previousoccasions. It is somewhat ironic that in thisday and age we are still swearing allegianceto Her Majesty the Queen, her heirs and suc-cessors but are unable to incorporate theAustralian people. Hopefully, that will be achange for the future.

I think it is fair to say that Princess Marga-ret was a more modern royal, trapped in tra-dition—most important of all, a tradition ofduty and service. In the same family, I thinkthere is some irony in the fact that her uncle,King Edward, abdicated the throne for thewoman he loved, but his niece gave up thelove of her life. I take an interest in familylaw matters, and I guess the royal family isno different from any other family in thatrespect.

I note that Princess Margaret had a greatinterest in ballet. It is not something I wouldordinarily admit to, but I was once a prom-ising student of the Borovansky Ballet Stu-dio—although looking at my weight and dis-position, a lot of members might find thatsomewhat incredible. Without doubt, Prin-cess Margaret’s sister, the Queen, is a personwho all Australians admire for the job thatshe has done. The service and duty withwhich Princess Margaret assisted the Queenthroughout her lifetime are also admired bymany older Australians.

Unfortunately, Princess Margaret sufferedill health in later life, and so many youngerAustralians will not get to know her and hergood works. I support the condolence mo-tion.

Mr WILKIE (Swan) (7.01 p.m.)—I risethis afternoon so that I may also be associ-


ated with the comments of the Prime Minis-ter, the Leader of the Opposition and othersreflecting this parliament’s sadness over thepassing of Her Royal Highness PrincessMargaret, Countess of Snowdon. I pass onmy condolences to the Princess’s family, herfriends and loved ones. I also pass on thecondolences of the people of Swan.

It is clear from the tributes that havepoured in from around the world that Prin-cess Margaret held a special place in thehearts of many people. Indeed, PrincessMargaret had a special relationship with thepeople of Australia. While she may not havevisited our shores for a number of years,many Australians will remember her previ-ous tours with fondness. While there was noformal role for the Queen’s younger sister,Princess Margaret showed from an early agethat she was prepared for a life of publicduty—a commitment that had repercussionsin her personal life. As has already beenstated, the office was thrust upon her: it wasnot of her choice, but she held it with dignityand great compassion.

Princess Margaret had a great affinity foryoung children and the sick. In my homestate of Western Australia, the Princess Mar-garet Hospital for Children—an Australianand world renowned hospital for children—proudly bears her name. The Princess Mar-garet Hospital was a former children’s hos-pital prior to its name being changed byroyal assent in 1949. The Princess MargaretHospital is Western Australia’s only special-ist children’s hospital. The original hospitalhad 40 beds, an operating theatre and a smalloutpatient department. Over the years, thePrincess Margaret Hospital has become ahousehold name in Western Australia, syn-onymous with compassionate and qualityhealth care for children.

Each year the Princess Margaret Hospitalcares for almost 300,000 children who attendor stay in the 254 bed hospital, which is rec-ognised around the world as a leader in thefield of paediatrics. Through the hospitalsupport of research into childhood diseasesand education on accident prevention, thehospital strives to reduce the number of chil-dren who will need specialist health care inthe future.

In 1972, Princess Margaret visited thehospital with her former husband, LordSnowdon—a visit remembered fondly bysome who are still on the staff. She is re-membered for her gentle and caring natureand her sense of ease with which she wasable to communicate with people from dif-ferent backgrounds. During her visit, sheinsisted on visiting every child in the hospi-tal. It is fitting that she be remembered in anongoing way through the Princess MargaretHospital carrying her name.

No reflection on the life of Princess Mar-garet would be complete without a commenton her obvious love of life, her charm andquick wit. The Prime Minister has alreadymentioned the comment by Prince Charleswhen he said, ‘She loved life and lived it tothe full.’ I think that summed up her life ex-perience. It has been noted by others that, ifshe had not been born to royalty, the princessmay have had a promising career on thestage, such were her talents as a singer, pi-anist and mimic. I have read that her imper-sonations of former British Prime MinistersHarold Wilson and John Major were greatfavourites.

While many Australians are questioningthe continuing relevance of the monarchy inour political and constitutional affairs, thereis no doubt that the values of public duty andcommitment admirably shown by PrincessMargaret throughout her life continue tohave their place. They are values that weshould continue to promote and appreciate.

The SPEAKER—Before I invite thePrime Minister to move the motion by whichthe House will be adjourned, I ask the whipsand any members who because of the natureand the program of today were denied anopportunity to participate in any of the con-dolence motions to inform my office, and Iwill endeavour to ensure that they get an op-portunity during the adjournment debate tomake a contribution to the condolence mo-tions.

Mr HOWARD (Bennelong—Prime Min-ister) (7.05 p.m.)—As a mark of respect, Imove:

That the House do now adjourn.Question agreed to.

House adjourned at 7.06 p.m.


NOTICESThe following notices were given:Mr Howard to move:

That this House:(1) extends its sympathies to those Australians

who suffered personal losses during theChristmas 2001 bushfires that raged acrossNew South Wales;

(2) acknowledges the tireless commitment of thethousands of individuals from rural and met-ropolitan fire brigades, emergency and res-cue services, ambulance services, the defenceforce, police, welfare groups, governmentagencies, councils and businesses fromacross the country who were involved infighting these fires;

(3) expresses its enduring gratitude and admira-tion to these Australians, many of whomwere volunteers, for their efforts and sacri-fices and in particular acknowledges thebravery of those who risked their lives infighting the fires; and

(4) recognises that the way that the communityheroically pulled together in a time of crisistruly demonstrates the strength of the Aus-tralian spirit.

Mr Abbott to present a bill for an act toamend the Workplace Relations Act 1996,and for related purposes.

Mr Williams to present a bill for an act toamend the Criminal Code Act 1995, and forother purposes.

Mr Anthony to present a bill for an act toamend the social security law in relation tointernational payments, and for related pur-poses.

Mr Hardgrave to present a bill for an actto amend the Australian Citizenship Act1948, and for other purposes.

Mr Abbott to move:That so much of the standing orders be sus-pended as would prevent the routine of busi-ness for Monday, 18 February 2002 being asfollows, unless otherwise ordered:

(1) Notices and orders of the day (excludingGrievance debate), government business (tobe interrupted at 1.45 p.m. in order thatMembers’ statements can be called on):Provided that:(a) if a division is in progress at the time

fixed for interruption, the division shall

be completed and the result announced;and

(b) the Speaker shall fix the time for the re-sumption of debate on any business un-der discussion and not disposed of at thetime of interruption.

(2) Members’ statements (at 1.45 p.m.).(3) Questions without notice (at 2 p.m.).(4) Presentation of petitions.(5) Grievance debate (to continue for 1 hour and

20 minutes).(6) Notices and orders of the day, government

business.

Mr Abbott to move:That:contingent on any bill being brought in andread a first time, a Minister shall move—That so much of the standing orders be sus-pended as would prevent the second readingbeing made an order of the day for a laterhour.contingent on any report relating to a billbeing received from the Main Committee, aMinister shall move—That so much of thestanding orders be suspended as would pre-vent the remaining stages being passed with-out delay.contingent on any bill being agreed to at theconclusion of the consideration in detailstage, a Minister shall move—That so muchof the standing orders be suspended as wouldprevent the motion for the third reading be-ing moved without delay.contingent on any message being receivedfrom the Senate transmitting any bill forconcurrence, a Minister shall move—That somuch of the standing orders be suspended aswould prevent the bill being passed throughall its stages without delay.

Mr Price to move:(1) That a Standing Committee on Appropria-

tions and Staffing be appointed to inquireinto:(a) proposals for the annual estimates and

the additional estimates for the House ofRepresentatives;

(b) proposals to vary the staff structure ofthe House of Representatives, andstaffing and recruitment policies; and

(c) such other matters as are referred to itby the House;

(2) That the committee shall:


(a) in relation to estimates—(i) determine the amounts for inclusion

in the parliamentary appropriationbills for the annual and the addi-tional appropriations; and

(ii) report to the House upon its deter-minations prior to the considerationby the House of the relevant parlia-mentary appropriation bill; and

(b) in relation to staffing—(i) make recommendations to the

Speaker; and(ii) report to the House on its determi-

nations prior to the consideration bythe House of the relevant parlia-mentary appropriation bill;

(3) That the committee consist of the Speakerand 11 other members, 6 members to benominated by the Chief Government Whip orWhips and 5 members to be nominated bythe Chief Opposition Whip or Whips or anyindependent Member;

(4) That the committee elect a Governmentmember as its chair;

(5) That the committee elect a deputy chairmanwho shall act as chair of the committee atany time when the chair is not present at ameeting of the committee, and at any timewhen the chair and deputy chair are not pres-ent at a meeting of the committee the mem-bers present shall elect another member toact as chairman at that meeting;

(6) That the committee have power to appointsubcommittees consisting of 3 or more of itsmembers and to refer to any subcommitteeany matter which the committee is empow-ered to examine;

(7) That the committee appoint the chair of eachsubcommittee who shall have a casting voteonly, and at any time when the chair of asubcommittee is not present at a meeting ofthe subcommittee the members of the sub-committee present shall elect another mem-ber of that subcommittee to act as chair atthat meeting;

(8) That the quorum of a subcommittee be amajority of the members of that subcommit-tee;

(9) That members of the committee who are notmembers of a subcommittee may participatein the public proceedings of that subcom-mittee but shall not vote, move any motionor be counted for the purpose of a quorum;

(10) That the committee or any subcommitteehave power to send for persons, papers andrecords;

(11) That the committee or any subcommitteehave power to move from place to place;

(12) That a subcommittee have power to adjournfrom time to time and to sit during any sit-tings or adjournment of the House;

(13) That the committee have leave to report fromtime to time; and

(14) That the foregoing provisions of this resolu-tion, so far as they are inconsistent with thestanding orders, have effect notwithstandinganything contained in the standing orders.

Mr Price to move:(1) That standing order 28B be amended by in-

serting the following paragraph after para-graph (b):(ba) annual and additional estimates con-

tained in the appropriation bills pre-sented to the House shall stand referredfor consideration by Members of therelevant committee (as determined inaccordance with the provisions of para-graph (b) for the consideration of annualreports), and, for the purposes of thisconsideration:

(i) six Members of each committee,determined by the committee in eachcase, shall consider the estimates;

(ii) the Members of the committee se-lected to consider the estimates shallmeet with Members of the relevantSenate legislation committee so thatthe Members and Senators may meettogether for the purposes of consid-ering the estimates;

(iii) members of the relevant House andSenate committees, when meetingtogether to consider estimates, shallchoose a Member or a Senator tochair the joint meetings;

(iv) the provisions of Senate standing or-der 26 shall, to the extent that theyare applicable, apply to the consid-eration of estimates under this para-graph, and

(v) that, upon the completion of jointmeetings at which evidence is re-ceived or written answers or addi-tional information considered, itshall then be a matter for the Mem-bers of the relevant committee to


consider the terms of any report tothe House on the estimates.

(2) That a message be sent to the Senate ac-quainting it of this resolution and requestingthat it concur and take action accordingly.

Mr Price to move:That the standing orders be amended byamending standing order 94 to read as fol-lows:Closure of Member94 A motion may be made that a Member

who is speaking, except a Member giv-ing a notice of motion or formallymoving the terms of a motion allowedunder the standing orders or speaking toa motion of dissent (from any ruling ofthe Speaker under standing order 100),“be not further heard”, and such ques-tion shall be put forthwith and decidedwithout amendment or debate.

Mr Price to move:That standing order 129 be omitted and thefollowing standing order substituted:Presentation of petitions129 At the time provided for the presentation

of petitions, the following arrangementsshall apply to the presentation of peti-tions certified to be in conformity withthe standing orders:

(a) in respect of each petition, the peti-tioner, or one of the petitioners, maypresent the petition to the House bystanding at the Bar of the House andreading to the House the prayer ofthe petition, and

(b) where a petitioner is not able to pre-sent the petition in accordance withparagraph (a) of this standing order,the Member who has lodged the pe-tition may present it to the House byreading to the House the prayer ofthe petition.

Mr Price to move:That the standing orders be amended by in-serting the following standing order afterstanding order 143:Questions to committee chairs143A Questions may be put to a Member in

his or her capacity as Chair of a com-mittee of the House, or of a joint com-

mittee, in connection with the work orduties of the committee in question.

Mr Price to move:That the standing orders be amended by in-serting the following standing order afterstanding order 145:Questions without notice—Time limits145A During question time:

(a) the asking of each question may notexceed 1 minute and the answeringof each question may not exceed 4minutes;

(b) the asking of each supplementaryquestion may not exceed 1 minuteand the answering of each supple-mentary question may not exceed 1minute; and

(c) the time taken to make and deter-mine points of order is not to be re-garded as part of the time for ques-tions and answers.

Mr Price to move:That the following amendment to the stand-

ing orders be adopted for the remainderof this session:

Questions from citizens148A (a) A Member may give notice of a

question in terms proposed by a personwho lives in the Member’s electoral di-vision.

(b) Notice of a question given under thisstanding order may show the nameof the person who has proposed thequestion.

(c) A Member may not give more than25 notices of questions under thissessional order in a calendar year.

(d) Nothing in this standing order maybe taken to mean that a Membermust give notice of a question pro-posed to the Member by a personwho lives in the Member’s electoraldivision.

Mrs Crosio to present a bill for an act toprovide for the establishment of a scheme toguarantee the payment of wages and otheraccrued liabilities owed to employees in theevent of employer insolvency, and for relatedpurposes.

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