David Norris (Independent)

I ask the Leader to explain the reason he did not indicate there would be a sos during the debate on the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill. Given that, as with many other Bills taken in the House, the same three or four Senators will be present all day, we are entitled to this little courtesy. I note the Leader is nodding and I assume, therefore, that a sos will be included, for which I thank him.

I support the views expressed by my colleagues, Senators O'Toole and O'Donovan, on rural transport. Restrictions on alcohol have left people frightened to go to pubs at night, which may or may not be a good thing. I heard the woman to whom Senator O'Donovan referred state on radio this morning that she would be unable to attend mass on Saturday evenings in the event that the rural transport scheme is ended. She also said people were lonely and perishing of isolation. Her comment that they may as well kill us all provides a stark warning to those of us in public life.

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on genetically modified organisms and food to ascertain the current position of the Government on the issue, particularly in light of the fact that Tasmania has decided to continue its ban on the release of genetically modified organisms. The relevant Minister, Mr. David Llewellyn, stated that Tasmania's "GMO-free status is a vital factor for our primary producers, helping them realise their full potential in the international and interstate markets." This is precisely the point some of us have been making. Irrespective of the scientific basis for such a ban, politically and economically it is a good thing.

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on human rights in the international perspective. This evening the Ceann Comhairle will receive a delegation from the People's Republic of China for dinner in the House. I hope to be able to attend the event to raise the situation in Tibet where people are still being killed. A mass movement of population to facilitate a hydroelectric project has resulted in six Tibetans being seriously wounded and some of them may have been killed. While I may not get an opportunity to raise the matter directly with the Chinese delegation, I would like an opportunity to discuss these important issues of humanity in the House.