Mr McMULLAN (2:39 PM) —My question is to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister, I refer to reports last night that a candidate for the 1996 Lindsay by-election has signed a statutory declaration saying that he had his how-to-vote cards and other leaflets printed by the Minister for Sport and Tourism in return for his preferences. Prime Minister, given that similar allegations have been referred to the Australian Federal Police, will you refer this allegation, and the confession just now by the Minister for Sport and Tourism of false enrolment by a member of her then staff, to the Australian Federal Police and stand down the Minister for Sport and Tourism for the duration of any inquiry?

Mr HOWARD (Prime Minister) —I start by saying that to suggest that the minister had confessed something in her last answer qualifies the interrogator for the `verbaliser of the year' award. The minister has made no confession. Let me bring this little exercise by the Labor Party back into perspective. You have got a situation where the Labor Party are in the political dock in this country because one of their members was sent to jail for criminal fraud. They are in the dock because other operatives of the Australian Labor Party are singing—very musically to the ears of many people—before a Criminal Justice Commission up there in Brisbane. And you are trying to drag the children of ministers into this parliament. That is what you are trying to do.

Opposition members interjecting—

Mr SPEAKER —The member for Lalor, for the third time!

Mr Downer —She shouldn't say that, Mr Speaker.

Mr SPEAKER —The member for Prospect! I was in fact drawing the member for Lalor's attention to the standing orders, and did not hear any other interjection. I am, therefore, unable to take any particular action. I invite members on both sides to exercise a little more restraint.

Mr HOWARD —The minister for sport gave a very comprehensive statement last night in answer to the questions that were asked. I understand that the further allegation has been denied by the minister. In those circumstances, there are no grounds at all to send anything to the Federal Police.

Mr SPEAKER —The Manager of Opposition Business!

Mr SPEAKER —The Manager of Opposition Business, for the second time!