Mr KELVIN THOMSON —My question is to the Treasurer. Does the government intend to overturn last week's decision of the Australian Competition Tribunal to abolish the newsagents' home delivery monopoly from February 2001?

Mr Ross Cameron —Mr Speaker, I raise a point of order. The question is clearly and unequivocally asking for an announcement of government policy. I do not doubt that the minister is happy to take the question, but it is out of order.

Mr SPEAKER —The member for Parramatta will resume his seat. I consider this matter as being widely canvassed in the press and it is entirely appropriate for the minister to respond. I call the Minister for Financial Services and Regulation.

Mr HOCKEY (Financial Services and Regulation) —There are some misconceptions that need to be clarified in relation to the decision of the Australian Competition Tribunal last week. The first point is that this is essentially an agreement within the private sector. It is an agreement between the publishers and the newsagents. An authorisation has been in place for some years in relation to the distribution of newspapers through newsagents. The first point to note is that there will be no change whatsoever in the distribution of newspapers by newsagents. In fact, the Australian Competition Tribunal upheld the current authorisation in relation to the distribution by home delivery of newspapers in Victoria, New South Wales, the ACT and Queensland. There is no change in relation to the home service delivery in Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.

The second point is that the decisions of the Australian Competition Tribunal in relation to the subagency arrangement and the distribution to look-alikes are under review. We will conduct consultation in the way that the Prime Minister outlined prior to the election. We are committed to a consultation process. I am beginning those consultations later today and I will keep the House informed of progress.