Ms HALL —I wish to bring to the attention of the House my concern at this government's refusal to waive Nicaragua's loan repayment to Australia in the wake of Cyclone Mitch. Nicaragua has been devastated by Mitch, and hundreds and thousands of people have died and lost all their property. Many more will suffer from disease and hunger in the coming months. I find it incredible that this mean-spirited government is refusing to write off Nicaragua's measly $5.8 million debt. The cruel irony is that the loan was to purchase sugar cane and wheat harvesters, which, along with the crops that they were purchased to harvest, have most likely been destroyed.

On the one hand, this miserable government is refusing to waive a $5.8 million loan, which would provide lifesaving assistance to Nicaragua, whilst on the other hand it has funded its GST election campaign with public funds to the tune of $17 million. I know there are many members on both sides of this parliament who are embarrassed by the Howard government's lack of compassion. That is why I am circulating a petition to all members of parliament, churches and community groups seeking to have this mean-spirited government waive Nicaragua's $5.8 million loan. (Time expired)