Dr Theophanous asked the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, upon notice, on 16 February 1999:

(1) During the program of consultations on the next planning year of the immigration intake, will he give due weight to submissions from groups in the community who favour increasing the immigration intake.

(2) Will he extend the closing date for submissions from organisations wishing to present a detailed case in relation to immigration intake.

Mr Ruddock (Immigration and Multicultural Affairs; Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Reconciliation) —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) During the annual program of consultations, I encounter a wide cross-section of views on the Migration and Humanitarian programs. All of these views will help to shape the 1999-2000 Migration and Humanitarian Programs.

(2) The formulation of the Migration and Humanitarian Programs is linked closely to the Budget process. As the submissions feed into the process of formulating my submission to Cabinet, it is important that the deadlines are met. Where a minor extension of time has been sought, eg for a few days, such requests have been accommodated.