Mr BEAZLEY —My question is to the Prime Minister. Is the Prime Minister aware that the Liberal dominated Western Australian parliament passed a unanimous resolution yesterday apologising to the Aboriginal people on behalf of all Australians for the past policies under which Aboriginal children were removed from their families and that the South Australian parliament, similarly dominated, is going to consider a similar motion today? Is he aware that we have been advised that in the other place today there will be an opportunity to consider these matters following a statement by the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs? Will the Prime Minister ensure that the minister's representative in this chamber makes a similar statement here today and that appropriate time be allocated for debate on it forthwith? If not, why not?

Mr HOWARD —I am generally aware of the resolutions that have been carried in the other parliaments. This parliament will be aware of the resolution that was carried yesterday. The parliament will also be aware of the statement that I made to the council for reconciliation on Monday. I can assure the honourable gentleman that my ministers, as always, will make appropriate statements of government policy.