Business Statement

Next week in the House priority will be given to the third reading of the Health (National Cervical Screening Programme) Amendment Bill, and further progress on the Civil Aviation Amendment Bill and the Crimes and Misconduct (Overseas Operations) Bill. Further business will depend on what bills are reported back by Monday from the select committees. Wednesday is a members’ day, and it is expected that the Budget Policy Statement debate will be held on this day instead of the general debate. This is a 2-hour debate.

Noting that next week is the last week before Parliament goes into its first adjournment for the year, can Dr Cullen indicate to the House whether we can expect to see the seabed and foreshore legislation tabled in the House during the first week back after the adjournment, or perhaps it would be sometime during that 4-week block.

No, but I would be happy to organise a seminar for the member so he can understand the nature of the policy.

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I would like to seek clarification from the Leader of the House with regard to item No. 24 on the Order Paper—that is, the Conservation (Protection of Trout as a Non-commercial Species) Amendment Bill. I note it was reported back on 22 February 2001—3 years ago. I ask the Leader of the House whether the Government is going to withdraw this bill and do a U-turn on its policy, or will it leave it languishing at the bottom of the Order Paper?

I will not allow that to be answered. This is the time for a business statement. Conventionally, over the last 20 years, a member of the Opposition can ask a question, but to ask about that order of the day would be inviting any member to ask about any order of the day. There is a way to do that, by correspondence.