Mr HOCKEY (9:19 AM) —Mr Speaker, on indulgence, can I take this opportunity to thank the staff of the chamber and also the Comcar drivers and a range of others for being here beyond the scheduled hours of the chamber. I know that parliamentary sittings can be unpredictable in their length from time to time. Parliamentary staff have worked very hard as a result of the opposition’s genuine attempt to work closely with the Leader of the House in trying to get legislation through this House in a timely fashion. I know the Hansard staff have worked very hard, until way past midnight the other night, and the attendants also do a great job. They do a great job all the time.

Mr Ruddock —Well, they are public servants, aren’t they?

The SPEAKER —Order! The member for Berowra will not widen this, please.

Mr HOCKEY —They are great public servants. I also thank the parliamentary broadcasters, who are often forgotten, and security staff, who are also often forgotten, and a range of others. We are very grateful for their contributions. We must also, of course, thank the clerks—we cannot miss the indefatigable clerks—and you too, Mr Speaker.

The SPEAKER —I thank the member for North Sydney. In concurring with the comments made by the member for North Sydney, I would say that the House does appreciate, in a week like this where there have been extended hours, that there has been great cooperation by people who work around this place, and that should be acknowledged. I might take this opportunity to ask members to please be careful with the tapping of microphones. This is a health and safety issue because it does present problems for those who have headphones on in the sound-recording booth. I am indicating this because during the calling of the result of a division I whacked my microphone with a piece of paper, which caused some discomfort, and I acknowledge that.