Mr HOWARD (Prime Minister) (2:00 PM) —Mr Speaker, could I seek your indulgence to mention a matter that I know will be of both interest and concern to members?

The SPEAKER —Indulgence is granted.

Mr HOWARD —As many honourable members will know, Ian Henderson, a very well liked and respected member of the gallery—and, from recollection, a former Assistant National Secretary of the Australian Labor Party—was taken very seriously ill on Friday. I wanted to say on behalf of government members—and I know on everybody's behalf—that our thoughts are particularly with his parents and his girlfriend, Fiona Hamilton. He is very ill. We wish him well and hope for a recovery.

The SPEAKER —I presume the Leader of the Opposition would like to respond, and I grant him indulgence to do so.