Shane Ross (Independent)

I agree with most of the sentiments expressed by Senator McCarthy and Senator Dooley. The protest was dignified and it was a great credit to the nation that everything passed off without any great difficulty.

Newspapers have reported that the Government expressed regret about a very fine interview given by President Bush to a rather finer questioner, Carole Coleman. I would hate to think that, as has been reported by some newspapers, the Government apologised to President Bush for the attitude taken in the interview. This was a very probing interview but we should not take orders from the Americans on how our interviewers conduct themselves on air. Could the Leader tell us if the Government has expressed regret about this interview? I would prefer to hear that the Government was supportive of our broadcasters on this issue rather than President Bush. We are due a reply on this question because the matter is ambiguous and the freedom of the press is more important than the dictatorship of some President from the United States of America.

Many months ago the House was given a promise that an auctioneering commission would be set up. It has not yet been established. We need an urgent response on this matter before the summer recess. I ask the Leader to comment on it.

I understand there is a question as to whether the State Airports Bill will shortly come before this House or languish in the Lower House until after the summer recess. The House is due a full debate on the Bill and needs to know if it will come before it.