Mr HOWARD (Prime Minister) (2:02 PM) —I inform the House that the Minister for Sport and Tourism will be on leave until 13 March. The Minister for Financial Services and Regulation will act in her absence and answer questions on her behalf. I am also pleased to inform the House that I have appointed Mr Mal Brough, the member for Longman, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business, consequent upon the resignation of the Hon. Kathy Sullivan as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The duties previously undertaken by Mrs Sullivan will be performed by Senator the Hon. Kay Pat

terson. Senator Patterson will continue as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. I expect that Mr Brough will be sworn in as a member of the federal Executive Council tomorrow morning. An updated ministry list reflecting all changes will be tabled at that time. I take the opportunity to record my thanks and that of the government for the work undertaken by the Hon. Kathy Sullivan as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs.