Mr HOWARD (Prime Minister) (3:06 PM) —Mr Speaker, I seek the indulgence of the chair to add to an answer.

The SPEAKER —The minister may proceed.

Mr HOWARD —The member for New England asked me a question about the Bruderhof group, and I have received the following additional advice from the minister’s office. Representations on behalf of the Bruderhofs were made last year by the Deputy Prime Minister. Since then, there have been ongoing discussions in relation to both their request for a special visa class for their order and a number of individual applications under various visa categories. These discussions have involved the Bruderhofs, their representatives, the minister’s office and DIMIA.

In recent weeks there have been requests for further meetings. Yesterday, the minister agreed to arrange a meeting next week with the leadership of the Bruderhofs to listen directly to all their concerns—that is, both the request for a special visa class and individual applications. This particular meeting has followed a request from New South Wales senator Senator Marise Payne. I am informed by the office that the member for New England was advised of this meeting last night, and he therefore agreed that a meeting which he had sought between the Bruderhofs and the minister was no longer necessary. It is apparent from that information that the minister is giving serious consideration to the issue. I do not convey any particular prediction thereby about the outcome, but the minister is focusing on it, and I am sure she will do the right thing.