David Norris (Independent)

The Leader gave a degree of explanation on Nos. 1 and 2. However, there should be more explanation, if not further discussion, on this matter. I am worried about taking without discussion in this Parliament an initiative of the Italian Republic involving adopting a Council decision on the organisation of joint flights in the removal of third country nationals illegally present and so forth. I am not in favour of taking without discussion anything that emerges from Mr. Berlusconi's one-stop-shop, particularly with regard to refugees' human rights. A distinguished international figure expressed concern that people may now be returned to Iraq on the basis that authorities are pretending it is now a safe country. I propose an amendment that there should be a short discussion of Nos. 1 and 2 to ensure further explanation. It is not enough for a committee to look over this material.

I congratulate Senator Brian Hayes on his neat footwork in introducing the question of cuts against the disadvantaged and his call for a debate on the issue. This is the substance of the Labour Party's motion for Private Members' business this evening. However, Senator Brian Hayes knows that the Order of Business may be reported, but the media does not pay the slightest attention to anything after 5 o'clock. Fair play to him for grabbing the ball and running with it. That is the kind of politics we all appreciate in this House.

I join those who expressed considerable surprise that the Minister for Defence, Deputy Michael Smith, is still a member of the Cabinet.