Ms HALL (9:28 PM) —In the few moments remaining in this adjournment debate I would like to congratulate the Hunter Volunteer Centre for the service that they have provided to the Hunter for the last 25 years. This year is their 25th anniversary. They have provided a referral service to volunteer groups throughout the Hunter. They are a group of very dedicated professional volunteers who work very hard to see that our community has the volunteers for the services that government does not pay for.

I think it is important to remember just what a contribution volunteers make to our community. On 1998 figures, volunteers made a contribution of $30 billion to the Australian economy. The government is quite excited about having a $10 billion surplus. But each and every year volunteers contribute $30 billion to our Australian community, our Australian society, and they deserve to be congratulated. I particularly wish to congratulate the volunteers of the Hunter and tell them they have done a great job in the past and I know they will do a great job in the future.

The SPEAKER —Order! It being 9.30 pm, the debate is interrupted.