Mr SPEAKER (3:20 PM) —Yesterday, the Manager of Opposition Business asked me about the proceedings in Melbourne on 9 and 10 May 2001 to mark the centenary of the first sittings of the parliament. As members are aware, on 27 February the House agreed to a motion to meet, as will the Senate, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, 9 May 2001 in the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne to mark the centenary of the first meetings of this parliament in 1901. In accordance with that resolution, the business on that day will be:

(a) an introductory address by the President of the Senate;

(b) an address by the Governor-General;

(c) an address by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition; and

(d) the concluding address by me as the Speaker.

The sitting of the House, and the Senate, will then be adjourned. There will then follow a commemorative ceremony being planned and coordinated by Centenary of Federation Victoria. The entire event, including the sittings of the House and the Senate, will be televised live by the ABC from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

On 10 May 2001, also pursuant to the resolution agreed by the House on 27 February 2001, the House will meet at 10 a.m. in the Legislative Assembly chamber, Parliament House, Melbourne. After prayers, the only business of the House will be to consider a motion to be moved by the Prime Minister, seconded by the Leader of the Opposition and supported by the Leader of the National Party. I will make a concluding address as Speaker. The House will then adjourn until 22 May 2001.

There are many other events in Melbourne on either side of the centenary sittings of this parliament. These include Federation football and netball, a Federation parade, an interdenominational service and celebration, and a commemoration of Women Shaping the Nation.

Mr SPEAKER —The member for Denison is warned! There will be a Federation reception to be hosted by the Victorian Premier, political party commemorations and other activities. Invitations to these are being coordinated by the Centenary of Federation Victoria and other appropriate bodies. A colour brochure outlining arrangements for the parliamentary celebrations was sent to all members early in the planning. Several emails notifying members of the program of events for May 2001 and preliminary transport and accommodation plans have been forwarded to members over recent months. Members have indicated a wish for more information about some of the administrative arrangements for the events in Melbourne. As a result, I have asked the Serjeant-at-Arms to send to all members this afternoon a detailed summary of the outline of events for the week in Melbourne and the administrative and procedural aspects for the House on 9 and 10 May 2001. Information on travel and other entitlements will be provided separately by the Special Minister of State.

This will be followed next week by information relating to specific events, to be sent to members where appropriate by Centenary of Federation Victoria on receipt of acceptances. It will include entree cards and administrative information.

Immediately after Easter, a consolidated information package will be sent to all members by the Executive Coordinator, Centenary of Parliament, Mr Bernie Harris. For specific queries related to the House's proceedings on 9 and 10 May, members should contact the Serjeant-at-Arms, and for other Melbourne events queries should be directed to Mr Harris.

The Manager of Opposition Business referred to a role for the House on matters related to the events in Melbourne. In relation to consultation on this matter, I am sure he will be aware that the relevant shadow minister, as well as the Minister for the Arts and the Centenary of Federation, were invited to attend two major briefings in Melbourne with other key stakeholders. The first briefing related to early planning arrangements and was held in February last year. The second was held in Melbourne on Monday 19 March 2001 and included detailed briefings and site inspections. The comprehensive program of events planned for all members is in my hand, and I am happy to table it.