Senator FAULKNER (Leader of the Opposition in the Senate)(11.57 a.m.) —In principle this is a very worthy amendment. In practice it is hard for me to make a judgment as to whether Mr Anderson or Senator Hill would be the preferred custodian of the environment.

Senator Hill —Ha, ha!

Senator FAULKNER —Senator Hill laughs. The situation is that we have a bill before us that effectively means that the Minister for Primary Industries and Energy, without an involvement of the Minister for the Environment, can make important decisions in relation to the future of the natural environment in this country. That is of concern to me. I am making the point Senator Hill that I am putting aside the personalities involved. It is possible in the instance we face at the moment that Mr Anderson may have more interest in protecting the environment than you have. You seem to cave in and roll over on every opportunity that comes before you to the interests of Mr Anderson and his colleagues from the National Party.

Regardless of that, regardless of the individuals that currently and temporarily occupy the positions of Minister for Primary Industries and Energy and Minister for the Environment, the principle is that the Minister for the Environment ought to have a clear role in making decisions in relation to these matters. Anything that ensures that the Minister for the Environment exercises his or her responsibilities in relation to this I think is an improvement. I stress that this is supposed to be an environment trust fund and, therefore, I believe it is proper that the environment minister be involved. In the view of the opposition, Senator Lees's amendments improve the drafting of the bill and ensure that both ministers have to enter into an agreement on behalf of the Commonwealth.

I urge Senator Hill to be far more serious about the exercise of his responsibilities in this regard; to take his responsibilities much more seriously than he has. It is disappointing to me that an environment minister could come before the parliament and propose that he not have a role in the administration of the Natural Heritage Trust in this way. That, in itself, says it all.

Even though you do not appear to be willing to protect yourself, Senator Hill, I hope that the Senate will agree to ensure that you have a role. Then the ball will be in your court for you to take up the cudgels on behalf of the protection of the environment in this country, and to exercise some responsibilities in the administration of your portfolio. It is a heavy responsibility that you have and we are all disappointed to see that you have abdicated it to Mr Anderson and the National Party.