Mr KERR (10:10 AM) —Mr Deputy Speaker, before the member for Curtin leaves I ask your indulgence for a moment to congratulate her on her remarks in relation to the previous legislation. It is the first occasion I have had to follow her in debate. I have known of her reputation. She probably does not need my praise but it is useful, I think, to acknowledge a substantial contribution even on a minor piece of legislation of this nature.

Mr Danby —You are just a sweet talker.

Mr KERR —I am. I am a sweet talker.

Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER —This is very generous but please get back to the legislation.

Mr KERR —I will get back to the legislation, Mr Deputy Speaker. The second piece of legislation we are addressing today—the Customs Tariff Amendment Bill (No. 2) 1999 —is again a matter of agreement between the government and the opposition. It effects a range of amendments, the more significant of which were tabled in the House of Representatives in 1998, in the customs tariff proposals. The schedules make a number of changes, some of almost a trivial nature changing spelling, and others affecting rates of customs duties on particular items. In the discussions between the government and the opposition in relation to these matters there has been, I think, a great deal of goodwill.

In that context, might I say I do not intend to address this legislation at any length but I am aware that there have been representations to me late in the day from a local manufacturer—I think of tape measures—who has claimed that this bill will adversely affect his business. We received these representations well after we gave undertakings to the minister that we would be supporting this legislation. We have no intention of resiling from our undertakings of doing so but, on the face of it, the case put by that local manufacturer certainly merits consideration. I have passed that view on to the minister, through the minister's staff, and I doubt the minister would ignore the claims of that particular manufacturer who, I understand, has made similar representations to the government. I think the matter is under consideration at the moment.

I simply raise this matter in the House and ask that the minister undertakes to examine the matter which I am sure she has notice of—I do not want to raise it by more greater specifics in this debate—give it proper consideration, and come back to the House to make the minor changes which I understand would be required to facilitate addressing that particular manufacturer whose circumstances were not addressed when discussions between the government and opposition took place.

With those remarks, might I say that I am pleased with the way in which the minister's staff and my office have worked through these issues. I think it will certainly make better relations if we are able to address this specific matter but the rest of the proposals are ones which the opposition understands the reasons for and supports the passage of.