Senator CROWLEY —My question is directed to the Minister representing the Prime Minister. Minister, given that the only adverse publicity generated by President Clinton's visit was the controversy over the invitation list to Mrs Clinton's Opera House reception, will you publish: one, the suggested guest list as prepared by the Office of the Status of Women; two, the guest list as amended by Mrs Howard or her staff; and, three, the final list of attendees?

Senator Vanstone —This will really create jobs.

Senator HILL —Yes, what a big issue. As I have just said, three-quarters of a million Australians are out of work as a result of Labor. Perhaps we are starting to understand why. Instead of coming in here and talking about inflation, interest rates, all those other business incentives, small business, what is happening in the regions, et cetera, all Senator Crowley can concern herself with is the guest list for the reception for Mrs Clinton.

It is a clear reflection of Labor's priorities. It demonstrates again the disarray that Labor is in, as was recorded in the Age. I referred to that article in relation to Senator Carr and his factional brawls. Senator Carr, I do not know whether you have won, but it is good to welcome you back to the Senate.

If you concentrated less on your internal difficulties and a little bit more on the role that you are to play as a major political party in the future, you will start directing yourself to the big issues, Senator Crowley. I regret that you have not done so. But, if you really want a guest list, I will make inquiries and see what can be made available.

Senator CROWLEY —Madam President, I ask a supplementary question. It is interesting how loud you protest, Senator Hill. Why are you so touchy on it? Is it because you have read Alan Ramsay in the Sydney Morning Herald ? You promised to be different and you are worse than before. Minister, do you think it appropriate that the first lady, Mrs Hillary Clinton, was forced to ask her staff to smuggle in through a service corridor those people she wished to meet?

Senator HILL —I notice that there was a judge of the Federal Court, Cathy Branson, on the list. I do not think anyone was smuggled in through the side door, Senator Crowley. I would worry less about that and more about some of the big national issues and then the Labor Party will be taking the first step towards becoming relevant again. Practise being a good opposition, start to develop some alternative policies and then one day in the future, while you may not be forgiven for the debacles of the past, you will at least get another chance. You will not get it when you worry about petty matters, Senator. All I can say is that I am pleased that you were here to debate the appropriation bills on Thursday rather than attending receptions.