Mr MARTIN FERGUSON(1.21 p.m.) —I think it is now a question of testing the new powers that will be given to the principal member. Obviously from what I and the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (Mr Ruddock) have said, we expect these powers to be used in exceptional circumstances. I think it is also the view of this House, from what has been said on both sides, that the principal member ought to be cautious—it is a very sensitive issue—and only exercise these powers in extreme circumstances.

There is one issue I want to touch on in conclusion. I suppose it goes to a sense of sincerity. Obviously there are myths which in turn create problems of racial discrimination and vilification. On that note I refer to the unanimous decision of the House of Representatives on 30 October 1996 to adopt a motion moved by the Prime Minister (Mr Howard) and the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Beazley) in regard to a statement on racial tolerance.

From time to time I suggest that you do need to do market research, but perhaps some people are doing too much market research and not leading. A test of sincerity, as I suppose is now promoted and supported by the former Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser, leading business people across a range of industries and the Premier of Victoria, is whether or not all in this House have sufficient commitment to overcoming racial vilification and discrimination in Australia to make a decision that I do not believe ought to be based on market research and polling but, more importantly, based on what is in the best interests of all Australians. It is about time all political parties represented in the Senate and the House of Representatives resolved that we jointly put Hanson last. No polling—it is a question of sincerity; put up or shut up once and for all.