Joe O'Toole (Independent)

The first item on the Order of Business, the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2004, is to be taken without debate. There was a significant debate on a similar motion in the Lower House yesterday. While the regulations were discussed at committee and I do not object to the motion, an opportunity should be afforded to Members who wish to speak on this and similar motions. If a motion is referred to committee, debated and sent back to the House, that should not mean it does not need to be debated here. Usually, there should not be a debate but one should be considered, where appropriate. I do not have a difficulty with the other motions on the Order of Business.

On the question of the kidnapping of Ms Hassan, much more needs to be considered than the mere points raised by Senator Brian Hayes. As well as airing our views, we, as Members of Parliament, should also make it clear that many of us deplore the occupation of Iraq——