John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I welcome the Minister of State back to the House. He has had a rough couple of days here – we should make him an honorary Senator for the amount of time he has spent in the House. With this motion he is back on home ground, dealing with a most important topic. I welcome the motion and I am glad there is agreement on the amendment. Given the challenge that faces us in reintroducing a degree of normality to the insurance industry, we must show unity in this area.

I am disappointed that there was no mention of the effects of insurance costs on small businesses. It is easy to be dismissive of the reasons behind these costs but we must acknowledge that the changed world market has dictated huge increases.