Mr HAYES (2:48 PM) —My question is to the Prime Minister, and it refers to a matter before the New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission today about the Tooheys brewery at Lidcombe in New South Wales. Is the Prime Minister aware of comments by Shane Simpson, a driver for Tooheys, who said:

Will the Prime Minister guarantee that the proposed independent contractors legislation protects the goodwill of a small business owner or will this just be another attack on living standards? Is this life under John Howard for truckies at Tooheys?

The SPEAKER —Order! The last part of that question was not necessary.

Mr HOWARD (Prime Minister) —I thank the member for Werriwa for his question. Can I start by saying that the dispute between the truck drivers and Tooheys has absolutely nothing to do with the Work Choices legislation. I want to make that very clear. Can I also make this very clear. It is interesting, even ironic, that the member for Werriwa should be asking this question today, because the coalition party room has had quite an extensive debate on the independent contractors legislation. In fact, great care has been taken in the preparation of that legislation to look after the goodwill of the very people you ask the question on behalf of.