Senator McKIERNAN —I give notice that, on the next day of sitting, I shall move:

That the Senate—

(a)   recognises the immeasurable contribution made by electorate staff in the day-to-day running of electorate offices;

(b)   acknowledges the fact that electorate staff frequently become the `surrogate member' when their senator or member is away from the electorate office;

(c)   views, with concern, any proposal to reduce the complement of electorate staff in senators' or members' offices;

(d)   calls on the Government to:

   (i)   continue to provide all senators and members with at least 3 full-time equivalent electorate staff, and

   (ii)   not support any proposition to reduce electorate staff levels; and

(e)   commends electorate staff for their assistance, expertise and loyalty.