Mr FAHEY (Finance and Administration) (9:47 PM) —I suggest that it might suit the convenience of the Main Committee to consider the items of proposed expenditure in the order and groupings shown in the schedule which has been circulated to honourable members. The consideration of the items in groups of departments has met the convenience of the House and the Main Committee in past years. I also take the opportunity to indicate to the Main Committee that the proposed order for consideration of departments' estimates has been discussed with the opposition and the Independent member and there has been no objection to what is proposed.

The schedule read as follows—

Department of Transport and Regional Services

Attorney-General's Department

Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business

Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts

Department of Industry, Science and Resources

Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet

Department of Family and Community Services

Department of Health and Aged Care

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs

Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —Is it the wish of the Main Committee to consider the items of proposed expenditure in the order suggested by the minister? There being no objection, I will allow that course to be followed.

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Proposed expenditure $394,718,000.

Department of the Environment and Heritage

Proposed expenditure $593,270,000.