Mr McMULLAN —My question is to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister, do you recall your statement in this parliament last week that you would support Patricks to the hilt provided they acted within the law? Will you guarantee that no money will be paid to Patricks to bankroll their dismissals should those dismissals be found to be in breach of the legally binding awards and agreements or your Workplace Relations Act?

Mr HOWARD (Prime Minister) —My government will behave within the law, as always, on any matter. Let me say that these events on the waterfront are a defining moment in Australia's industrial relations history. These events on the Australian waterfront will send a very clear message to the people of Australia that, at long last, we have a government that is prepared to stand up for the interests of Australian jobs, prepared to stand up for the interests of Australian exporters, prepared to say to those men and women in business in Australia—

Honourable members interjecting—

Mr SPEAKER —The Prime Minister will resume his seat. The House will resume its silence. I ask members on both sides to stop their persistent interjections, which make it impossible to hear what is going on. The Leader of the Opposition on a point of order.

Mr Beazley —Mr Speaker, a specific question was asked in relation to the government's response to potentially unlawful acts. The Prime Minister answered that in the first two or three seconds and he is now way off the point.

Mr SPEAKER —The Leader of the Opposition will resume his place. The Prime Minister is being entirely relevant in his answer.

Mr HOWARD —There are going to be a lot of home truths on this issue before you have heard the end of it.

Mr Crean —Not from you, you fraud!

Mr SPEAKER —The honourable member for Hotham will withdraw that remark—fraud.

Mr Crean —The fraud is out now, Mr Speaker.

Mr SPEAKER —The honourable member will withdraw that remark.

Mr Crean —I withdraw the remark.

Mrs Crosio —What can we use, humbug or—

Mr SPEAKER —The member for Prospect has already been warned.