Mr Murphy asked the Prime Minister, upon notice, on 8 October 2003:

(1)  Is he aware of the remarks of His Honour Justice Michael Kirby who drew attention to his view on the death penalty during his address in Melbourne to mark the Centenary of the High Court of Australia and, in particular, is he aware of Justice Kirby's statement that imposing the death penalty is the ultimate acknowledgment of the failure of civilisation.

(2)  What was his response to the poll conducted in August 2003 in which 56 percent of the respondents replied that they were in favour of the death penalty for those found guilty of committing major acts of terrorism.

(3)  Can he confirm that he is opposed to the death penalty for all crimes and that he will campaign against those who promote the re-introduction of capital punishment.

Mr Howard —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1)  I have seen media reports on Justice Kirby's comments.

(2)  There has been, and will continue to be, a variety of views within the Australian community on the issue of whether the death penalty should be reintroduced.

(3)  I have said publicly that I do not support the death penalty in Australia. I have also said that I will not stand in the way of public debate on the issue.