Senator BROWN(11.02 a.m.) —The point that Senator Margetts is making here is that the passage of this legislation, on a schedule set by the government, could potentially lead to a legal challenge which would invalidate the election and cause another one. What she is trying to have you clarify is whether the government that is pushing this schedule is going to pick up the tab if that occurs? Will the minister give an assurance to this committee that, if that did occur, the government will pick up the tab and not take another $4.7 million out of ATSIC's pocket?

Senator Herron —The election itself will not be challenged. There may be individual challenges to results of the election.