Mr MUTCH —My question is addressed to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Small Business. Can the minister inform the House what response there has been to last night's budget from the small business community?

Mr REITH (Workplace Relations and Small Business) —I thank the member for Cook for his question. I am delighted to say that the small business community is absolutely thrilled with the budget. I can say to the Treasurer, on behalf of the small business community for whom I have responsibility, that the small business community applauds the efforts of the budget that you brought down.

Opposition members interjecting—

Mr SPEAKER —Members of the opposition will remain silent. The Minister for Workplace Relations and Small Business has the call and should be allowed to proceed with his answer.

Mr REITH —From the far-flung parts of Dubbo all the way to Dubai, the small business community is saying, `What a great budget.' They compliment the Treasurer. If you like that, from Oman to Omeo they say, `What a fantastic budget. It is great for small business.' Why are they saying that? Because we dropped the provisional tax uplift factor. That is dollars in the pockets of the small business community.

The avgas decision was a great decision for the small business aviators in Australia. There was money for the business entry point. It is great for small business to start reducing the costs of administration for small business. Making a serious attack on the problems of red tape is good for small business. The very innovative proposals that you have for raising awareness of this millennium bug problem is a good, sensible measure which will be to the benefit of the small business community. This is practical government in the interests of prosperous small business.

Lastly, to mention another one, there was an additional $50 million in funding for tourist promotion. There are literally tens of thousands, if not more, small businesses in the tourism business that will enjoy the benefits of this particular measure of the budget. Whether it is the Australian Food Council, the Australian Business Chamber, the Australian Hotels Association or the Australian Small Business Association Ltd, they are all saying, `Good on you, Treasurer. It is a good budget. It is good for small business and it is good for Australia.'

Mr Howard —Mr Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper .