Mr McGAURAN (Minister for Science) (10:07 AM) —I stand in place of the Minister for Ageing, who represents the Minister for Health and Aging in the House of Representatives. He has been called away on urgent ministerial business. Without knowing exactly who they were or the content of their contributions, I wish to thank members for their involvement in this debate. I am sure the contributions varied. I suspect, although I cannot be entirely certain, that the contributions of members on the government side far outweighed the significance, capacity and intellectual rigour of the opposition members' contributions.

I hope that members on the other side addressed the government's budgetary measures in regard to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. I would be disappointed if they did not. I would not be surprised but I would be disappointed if they did not concede that the government's measures were balanced, reasonable and necessary. It has been an issue of much debate in the House of Representatives during question time, so I will not go over old ground. The argument of the government is simply that to make the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme viable and sustainable into the future for the benefit of many Australians, especially those in the low income area, it must be put on a more secure financial footing. The opposition are cowardly. You can call them reckless, negligent, craven or spineless—whatever word you like. Their obstruction is deliberate despite their knowing the integrity and urgency of the government's reforms. It is very disappointing and I think it will come back to haunt the opposition, particularly should they ever, at some time in the future—as far away as it might be imaginable—win government.

The other aspect of the portfolio's business and responsibility is aged care. Here the new minister is taking to the job with great enthusiasm and dedication and already we are seeing a flow of new beds into the aged care sector and new standards of care. Consequently, I believe that even though this is the most pressing financial and social imperative the minister is well on top of his work, as is Senator Kay Patterson. They are two outstanding ministers doing very fine jobs. I will bring my remarks to a close and urge opposition members to come to their senses and support the brave and, above all, enlightened measures of the government.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Hon. I.R. Causley)—The question is that the proposed expenditure for the Department of Health and Ageing be agreed to.

Proposed expenditure agreed to.