Business Statement

on behalf of the Leader of the House: When the House resumes next week the Government will look to progress the Rugby World Cup 2011 (Empowering) Bill, the Governor-General Bill, and other Treaty settlement legislation.

Regarding the intention of the Government to pursue the Rugby World Cup 2011 (Empowering) Bill, I wonder whether the acting Leader of the House could tell us whether the Government has had a chance to consider the amendments promoted by Mr Mallard to temper some of the sweeping powers available to the Minister for the Rugby World Cup under that legislation, to ensure that the bill can return to being a bipartisan bill, which it has been up until this point. I know that Mr Mallard put those amendments on the Table, and if the Committee stage will take place next week that information would assist the Opposition in its planning as to whether it can cooperate with the Government on that measure.

on behalf of the Leader of the House: I am afraid I do not know the answer to that. However, the Government is taking these matters seriously. I will find out and see whether I can have the member informed about that.