Fiona O'Malley (Progressive Democrats)

I am pleased Peter Sutherland is receiving such attention in the House today. Everyone on both sides of the Houses seems to be referring to him. He is a man of whom we can all be proud. His reputation throughout the world in the area of business is something from which we can all take a sense of pride. However, having listened to the contributions of many Opposition Members, it is disappointing that while they lauded him, they did not listen to his words at all. It is important we continue to express ourselves as a confident nation. Speaker after speaker commenting on the remarks of Mr. Sutherland on the radio this morning did exactly the opposite. For example, Senator Bradford spoke of a total absence of hope. The message from Peter Sutherland this morning was one of hope. I wonder if the speakers really heard his comments. There are many very positive statistics, and as Mr. Sutherland stated, the country is far from a basket case. We must dwell on that, because regardless of the petty politics which is a part of the political game, the real issue is the future of the country. It is only by speaking confidently together on the matter and by expressing confidence in our future that the rest of the world will believe us. If we do not believe in our future, how can we ask the rest of the world, from some of whom we must borrow money, to have confidence in us? If our political leadership, especially in the Opposition, refuses——