Mr BRERETON —My question is directed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs representing the Minister for Trade, and it also concerns the government's WTO policy—the policy enunciated by the trade minister—that child labour exploitation must only be pursued through the ILO. Minister, isn't it a fact that the government has withdrawn from the ILO's governing body and, for good measure, terminated Australia's permanent representation to the organisation? Hasn't the government also withdrawn Australia's funding for ILO programs in Asia, the ASILO programs? Exactly how are you going to pursue the issue of child labour exploitation when the government has effectively destroyed Australia's ILO participation?

Mr DOWNER —The simple fact is that Australia does retain its membership of the International Labour Organisation—even members of the opposition, I think, would be aware of that—and will continue to play an active and constructive role in the International Labour Organisation.

Mr Beazley —When?

Mr DOWNER —The Leader of the Opposition asked when, and I can point out to him that Australia played an active part in the ILO's international labour conference in June of this year.

I can only tell the House that we continue to be a member of the ILO. We participate in the ILO. As was implicit in the question asked by the member for Kingsford-Smith, we naturally enough believe the sorts of issues he raises, such as child labour exploitation, are matters that can be and should be explored through the ILO.